The 50/50 Podcast

HOW TO: Find Your Creative Family (w/ Nathan Xia)

This week, we're joined by filmmaker, actor, and singer/songwriter Nathan Xia, who we got to know through his short FLAVOR OF THE MONTH, which was an Official Selection of our 50/50 Comedy Fest in May. Nathan kicks things off with a heartfelt, original song dedicated to the roommates he's spent years living with—a fitting tribute as the six friends, who first met at LMU, begin going their separate ways. Nathan reflects on how building a creative home with like-minded collaborators shaped his filmmaking, from discovering shared tastes and ambitions to finding a collaborative rhythm that has lasted well beyond college. He also dives into CHASING SUNDANCE, the feature he made alongside Jacob Staudenmaier amongst other longtime collaborators, sharing how a road trip, mutual trust, and a safe creative environment helped the team find their flow while making their first feature together. CHASING SUNDANCE - Indie Film made w/ Jacob Staudenmaier [https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/chasing-sundance/umc.cmc.5hlmrxwe2cl56mdhp0qilwhs6] Nathan's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nathanxia/?hl=en] Nathan's Short on 50/50 IG [https://www.instagram.com/p/DYxwSKOBiyY/?hl=en] Nathan's Website [https://www.nathanxia.com/?utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnjkaVW7IdOMmWeDiMUeYf5zriOqeAwT0Yn6AB_7762sronl13IivjAgdQmJE_aem_JbrLgAqBLvjGj28lq841Wg] Nathan's Music [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7KLa90HDC6CAhrqzI45uLQ?si=721espSsRM-tr4F2H1IeVg] Submit Your Horror Short!  [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]

(RE-RELEASE) HOW TO: Find Your Center Between Competing Passions (w/ Alaman Diadhiou)

This week, it's a 50/50 re-release! We harken back to Episode 18 of the pod, where we welcomed our bud Alaman Diadhiou (actor/singer/dancer) on the pod. Just a couple days ago, Alaman wrapped a successful run of La Cage aux Folles at the NY City Center, where he starred opposite Wayne Brady and Billy Porter in the highly regarded musical.  ANNE ON MY ARM (w/ Alaman, Wayne Brady, Rachel Webb) [https://youtu.be/MUmvL0yaOqI?si=MktnR98Ij4uYro6t] PLAYBILL REVIEW [https://playbill.com/article/billy-porter-is-back-from-the-dead-and-more-fabulous-than-ever] ALAMAN INSTA [https://www.instagram.com/alamanxx/?hl=en] SUBMIT YOUR HORROR SHORT! [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]

HOW TO: Score Film with Humanity and Imperfection (w/ Nicolas Snyder)

This week, we're joined by composer Nicolas Snyder, whose work can be heard in acclaimed animated series like SCAVENGERS REIGN and COMMON SIDE EFFECTS, both on HBO Max. Nicolas reflects on his path to composing—from playing in bands and studying narrative writing to discovering that his meticulous, trained approach to crafting sentences was secretly training him to become a songwriter. We also discuss his long-running creative partnership with creator/showrunner Joe Bennett, how their collaboration evolved organically over time, and why Nicolas rejects the idea of being a musical genius. Instead, he embraces imperfection as a creative strength, arguing that uniqueness and humanity matter far more than technical perfection. Plus, we dive into his composing process, from working with samples and juggling multiple projects to learning the art of delegation. Lastly, he shares valuable advice for filmmakers on how to communicate more effectively with composers. Common Side Effects (HBO) [https://play.hbomax.com/show/eaa21376-a54d-4245-95d6-a86dce6313c8] Common Side Effects INTRO [https://www.instagram.com/p/DISxLOcu_Xv/?hl=en] SCAVENGERS REIGN (HBO) [https://play.hbomax.com/show/50c8ce6d-088c-42d9-9147-d1b19b1289d4]https://www.instagram.com/p/DISxLOcu_Xv/?hl=en NICOLAS INSTA [https://www.instagram.com/nicolas__snyder/?hl=en] New Show - DEALIES [https://www.instagram.com/p/DZIYkmxFF3k/] Submit Your Horror Short! [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]

HOW TO: Build Momentum as a Filmmaker (w/ Kate Saltel)

This week, we're joined by writer/director, and 50/50 selectee Kate Saltel. From the formative experience of screening a student film at the Austin Film Festival while growing up in Texas to secretly creating a viral YouTube alter ego that forever changed her relationship with social media, Kate reflects on the unconventional path that's shaped her voice and her approach to connecting directly with audiences. She also explains why she's intentionally remained an assistant at a management company, and how working on the corporate side of the industry has been instrumental in her growth as a filmmaker. We also dive into Kate's strategy of writing shorts specifically for her favorite up-and-coming comedians and how that philosophy has helped her build lasting creative relationships. Finally, she breaks down the rollout for her 50/50-selected short HEADSHOT, revealing how an ambitious satirical marketing campaign has transformed the film into a genuine event, earning hundreds of thousands of views and demonstrating how filmmakers can create momentum around their work long after production wraps. HEADSHOT (Instagram) [https://www.instagram.com/katesaltel/] HEADSHOT (Youtube) [https://youtu.be/TQ3KlgWF8hQ?si=ON6vDSu3gWA2BJBi] THE LAST CHAPEL (Kate Saltel / Cam Gavinski short film) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e5VMCXSV3I] GREEN @ Elysian Vault (Monthly Show) [https://www.elysiantheater.com/shows/green0724] SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR! [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]

HOW TO: Interview High-Profile Talent (w/ Ethan Shanfeld)

This week, we're joined by Variety TV reporter Ethan Shanfeld. From his early days studying journalism at Northwestern and freelancing for outlets like Nylon and Pitchfork to landing major cover stories at his current employer, Variety, Ethan breaks down what makes a great pitch email, how he prepares for interviews without over-preparing, and why every celebrity requires a completely different approach. We dive deep into his unforgettable SEVERANCE cover story, including the surreal experience of interviewing Ben Stiller and Adam Scott over a 4pm dinner at an Italian restaurant on Manhattan's West Side Highway—without quite knowing what he was walking into. Along the way, we discuss building trust with interview subjects, broaching the tough questions, and navigating the ever-present publicists in the room. Plus: stories from interviewing a silver-handed Benny Safdie, an incredibly candid Miley Cyrus, and the unique challenge of sitting down with Nintendo's notoriously guarded president through a translator.  Welcome to the 50/50 fam, Ethan! Ethan Shanfeld - Variety Page [https://variety.com/author/ethan-shanfeld/] Ethan Shanfeld - Twitter [https://x.com/ethanshanfeld?lang=en] Subit your Horror Short! [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]