This week, we sit down with Tessa Germaine (21 Laps) to trace her path through the beginning steps of Hollywood — from an early break as a coordinator on The Real Housewives of Orange County to navigating survival jobs, agency life, and the winding road toward producing. Ever wonder how working at Trader Joes can actually HELP you get a job in the biz? Well, you're in the right place. We talk about the power of setting small, incremental goals, embracing fresh starts, asking questions, and learning to walk into new environments without fear.

Tessa reflects on her formative years at CAA, unpacking the stark contrast between year one and year two, and why working in the book department clarified her path toward producing. The conversation widens into the world of literary IP and its role in her current work at Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps, before coming full circle with the phenomenon of Stranger Things — from OG Tessa guarding the Duffer Brothers at Chapman University to now working at the company behind the global hit. 

Tessa attended October's horror fest and we look forward to seeing her again at our comedy fest in May! Welcome to the 50/50 Fam, Tessa! 

This week, we’re joined by the 2025 50/50 Horror Festival WINNER, Nishanth Ramasubramanian! Nishanth breaks down how to balance ambitious visuals with economic constraints, how to achieve real catharsis within a short film, and what it’s like co-writing deeply personal material while navigating collaboration. We also dive into the nuances of showing your work to family members (his sister’s husband said WHAT?!) and how feedback can land very differently when it’s close to home.

The conversation expands into the evolving landscape of the industry — from the rise of vertical content and why directors should embrace it as a way to get reps (and leave the ego behind), to the importance of not being too precious about your work. Nishanth also shares thoughts on bridging the gap between Indian and U.S. filmmakers, and how to approach marketing your films without getting completely burnt out. 

NISHANTH'S LINKTREE

INDIAN IN A BOX TEASER/TRAILER

This week, UK-based Senior Creative Director Luke Keeling makes the ad world POP right before our eyes, as he breaks down what it really means to solve business problems through creativity.

Luke notes how top agencies chase the narrative of a brand, sustain creativity at scale, and structure teams internally to build long-term, meaningful partnerships with clients. We explore why the strongest brands commit to agencies for the long haul, often seeing a single campaign evolve over five years or more, and how authenticity drives every decision at Uncommon Studio (where Luke works) — to the point where they only take on work they truly believe in.

We also unpack Luke’s recent campaign work for Instagram/Meta, examining how advertising can double as a genuine conversation around mentorship rather than just a sales pitch. Along the way, Luke shares insights on building fame as a studio, creating cultural notoriety beyond the advertising world, and why recognizability is key to longevity as a production studio. We close the interview with some of Luke's most powerful takeaways from collaborating with some of the best high-level talent in the world.  

TYLER THE CREATOR: ASK IT ANYWAY

LUKE'S WEBSITE

This week, we hit the ground running with documentarian/filmmaker Jacob Hurwitz-Goodman. Jacob gives us an exclusive look into his current documentary project, rooted in his deep-dive research on the “Rationalists”—a community of thinkers who live at the intersection of tech and philosophy, and seem to both dread tech/AI's inevitable takeover and welcome it with open arms. Jacob walks us through what it’s been like to study them from the inside, and why their contradictions make them such compelling documentary subjects.

From there, we get into why casting is one of the most underrated components of nonfiction storytelling, and how contradictory personalities and sudden left turns make documentaries so exciting to be a part of. Jacob speaks with real passion about documentary filmmaking as a poetic and ambiguous artform. In contrast, we also discuss how some worthwhile documentaries are often overshadowed by the oversaturated, formula-driven true-crime landscape. Jacob's mission: to approach the form with more curiosity, artistry, and humanity.

We also unpack his lifelong love for music, how he weaves it into the DNA of his films, and how his eclectic sensibility has shaped his path into commercial work. Jacob shares how he uses the skills, instincts, and aesthetics he’s honed as an artist to stand out—and stay grounded—in a commercial industry that can easily dilute a filmmaker’s voice. 

SQUAREPUSHER - DETROIT PEOPLE MOVER

FAR OFF SOUNDS

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's a 50/50 BONUS EPISODE! This episode features this week's guest on the pod, Karen Zipor, along with 50/50 Co-Host Wyatt Sarkisian, in conversation with comedian Johnny Marx. For more information on the WORM x FILM BROS Screening, see below: 

WORM X FILM BROS LINK

JOHNNY MARX (Q&A HOST)

This week, we chat with perhaps the truest definition of a multi-hyphenate, Karen Zipor. We begin by unpacking the uniquely ego-free culture of animation and why its constant collaboration has shaped her entire filmmaking approach. Karen breaks down the big differences between animation and live action — from timing and cost to workflow — and shares the animation-born skills she now leans on while producing and directing live action. 

Through Karen's calling-card animated short THE WORM'S EYE VIEW OF THE BIRD, she invited a huge number of collaborators into her vision and found strength in trusting specialists who even exceeded her abilities in specific parts of the animation process. Karen talks about meeting high-level animators, why rising in animation can feel slow (hint: projects take forever), and what being a “real” producer means — from juggling multiple roles on set to navigating relationships with creative leads.

Finally, Karen shares how her producorial role on Brittany Broski’s Royal Court has evolved as the show’s rapid success reshaped the scale of production and her responsibilities along with it.

ZIPPED UP FILMS (KAREN'S PROD CO)

FILM BROS OF GREENWICH VILLAGE (WYATT'S WEB SERIES SHE PRODUCED!)

This week, writer/director (and 50/50 Fest alum!) Eli Staub joins us to break down the instincts, influences, and intensely personal experiences behind his award-winning short, MODERATOR. We dig into how the movie’s horror grows out of the reality it portrays—and why telling this particular story became an essential part of Eli’s own process of unpacking trauma.

We then explore with Eli his equal love for horror and comedy—two genres that seem opposite but are secretly siblings. We talk about how both allow you to tackle dark themes through subversion, surprise, and the classic setup/punchline rhythm… whether the punchline is a laugh or a jump scare. Plus: why WEAPONS is somehow one of the funniest and scariest movies of the year, our favorite comedy-turned-horror directors, and some practical “cheat codes” for writing comedy, including laugh meters and pairing characters with clashing worldviews.

Lastly, Eli walks us through some big recent milestones: what it was really like getting his first manager, and the spur-of-the-moment international trip that took him (and his film) all the way to Egypt.

ELI'S WEBSITE

ELI'S INSTAGRAM

'MODERATOR' TRAILER

This episode is sponsored by EVIDENCE CAMERAS, official sponsor of the 50/50 Horror Festival! 

This week, we sit down with actor/ singer Lesley Chiang for a fascinating conversation that begins in the heart of the Hong Kong entertainment scene. Lesley breaks down the unique structure of the industry she grew up in—where performers are contracted to a single production company or channel, unlike the freelance, network-hopping model in the U.S. As a third-generation entertainer, she reflects on how deeply acting runs in her blood, and the profound influence of her father, a Hong Kong acting legend whose passion for the craft continues to shape her. Lesley also revisits her public debut as one half of the brother-sister duo Benji & Lesley, unpacking the pressure that came with the public’s awareness of their family legacy, and how transitioning into indie music ultimately gave her the freedom to steer her own creative ship.

Furthermore, Lesley speaks candidly about mental health and how going public with her depression reframed her relationship to artistry and vulnerability. She then takes us inside her new life in Los Angeles—why she made the move, the challenges of essentially starting from scratch, and even the questionable acting classes she found herself in along the way (are they stealing her money? We don't know!)...

Through it all, Lesley shares the lessons that taught her she could never be just an actor or just a singer, but a true multi-hyphenate. Having Lesley on the podcast was quite the honor, and we're thrilled to have her in the 50/50 Fam. 

LESLEY'S INSTA 

LESLEY'S YOUTUBE

LESLEY'S IMDB

This week, we sit down with editor and creator Jack Lawrence Mayer to talk about the delicate art of receiving notes and navigating conversations with producers and executives. From knowing which feedback sharpens your vision to recognizing when to hold your ground, Jack breaks down how to approach general meetings with confidence, intention, and creative clarity.

We also dive into his journey as the editor of TRICKS CAN GO WRONG—and the origin story of how he connected with the film’s singular writer–director, Luke Matthews. Jack reflects on what it means to make and experience art in the age of at-home content: how to cut through to audiences, create a moment around your work, and what it really means to watch something alone. Plus, he shares his experience creating one of HBO’s first digital series, SINGLE LONG, right on the cusp of the streaming boom—and closes the episode with a special treat: a real pitch he recently took around town.

JACK'S WEBSITE

TRICKS CAN GO WRONG

SINGLE LONG (HBO SERIES)

This week on 50/50, we’re joined by producer Josh Folan, whose sharp wit and knack for organization and budgeting have made him a sought-after producer in the indie film world. Josh breaks down his purposeful approach to filmmaking — blending passion with pragmatism — and uses his feature ASK FOR JANE as a case study in how to shepherd an indie project from script to screen. 

Josh goes on to share why he believes in "closing your laptop" and speaking from the heart during pitches, how to back nearly any script into any budget, and why collaborating with emerging filmmakers often proves more rewarding than working with seasoned filmmakers. For aspiring producers looking to follow in his footsteps, Josh offers candid advice on staying open-minded, resourceful, and driven by purpose.

TRICKS CAN GO WRONG (Luke Matthews' Film that Josh produced!)

ASK FOR JANE (as mentioned in the episode!)

Josh's IMDB