HOW TO: Turn Life Lows into Creative Highs (w/ Mahalia Latortue-Pridgett)

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]

HOW TO: Create Timeless Movies and Timeless Friendships (w/ Andrew Gerstenblatt & Arthur Goldbart)

Andrew Gerstenblatt and Arthur Goldbart of Silver & Gold Pictures are back on the Pod! The longtime roommates and creative collaborators join us to discuss their latest short film, The Extraordinaries, which recently screened at 50/50 Comedy AND won the Audience Award at NFFTY.  We dive into the making of the short, from crafting its timeless aesthetic to maximizing the possibilities of a single-location shoot inside a treasure-filled antique store. Andrew and Arthur share how extensive preparation creates room for spontaneity on set, and why they're passionate about bringing back the kind of theatrical studio comedies that audiences can't stop quoting. Plus, we talk about what's next for the duo as they gear up to make the leap to their debut feature. SILVER & GOLD PICTURES [https://www.instagram.com/silverandgoldpictures/] ANDREW INSTA [https://www.instagram.com/agerstenblatt/] ARTHUR INSTA [https://www.instagram.com/arthur.goldbart/] SUBMIT YOUR SHORT TO 50/50 HORROR [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]

HOW TO: Turn Life Lows into Creative Highs (w/ Mahalia Latortue-Pridgett)

This week, we speak with Mahalia Latortue-Pridgett, director's assistant on ABBOTT ELEMENTARY. She breaks down her journey from interning at Viola Davis’s production company in its early days to now carving out her own path as a writer in television. She talks about starting her career in Atlanta, realizing she needed to make the leap to Los Angeles, and balancing a day job at a management company while quietly dedicating an hour every day to writing. Using the relationships and industry knowledge she gained in talent representation, Mahalia eventually signed a shopping agreement and sold her script — all before many people around her even knew what she was building. We also get into the realities of surviving the entertainment industry, and how hardship and rejection can ultimately sharpen your voice as a writer. Mahalia opens up about working with Randall Einhorn on Abbott Elementary, the value of mentorship, and why strong characters and clear comedic engines are the foundation of great TV writing. Plus, we discuss representation, collaboration, and what it looks like to build a creative partnership with a manager who truly understands your voice. MAHALIA INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/mahaliapridgett/]  SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR! [https://filmfreeway.com/5050horror]