The 50/50 Podcast

We have a new Dude of the Day, and it’s Jacob Staudenmaier! His 50/50 Nominated Film, BOYS, answers the very simple question: What do Boys do tho?...  But when Jacob isn’t calling out the delicate turf war of masculinity, he is a jack-of-all trades filmmaker whose consistent output of professional grade shorts is awe inspiring.  In this episode, we discuss how a viral promposal to Emma Stone unexp...

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Brodsky, accomplished music/pop culture journalist. We spoke for just over an hour about what it's like to chart your own path in media and criticism, and what we in the film industry can learn from the film critic. Rachel shares the early words of encouragement that nudged her toward writing and analyzing pop culture, and how learning to think critically shaped h...

In film, a "calling card" refers to a project, often a short film, designed to showcase a filmmaker's talent, style, and vision to potential collaborators and industry professionals (Wyatt didn't know this so we figured he'd learn it if he read the episode description).  Well, this week, 50/50 Alum Maria Quesada gives us the ultimate download on HER Calling Card, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, which...

This week, we're diving headfirst into the wild world of animation with creators Torey Strahl and Elena Ridker. From knowing when it’s time to stop waiting for permission and start making your own work, to surviving the endless loop that is the Network Pitching Process, Torey and Elena share real talk on balancing creative ambition with commercial realities. We also get into the tricky business of...

This week, we sit down with writer/actor/musician Michael Doshier, who gives us a glimpse into the glamour of his thorough artistic process. We touch on topics such as finding confidence on set, surrounding yourself with collaborators who share passion as a driving force, and how to successfully find your niche in the festival circuit, ending up with a reliable distributor.   We loved having Micha...

All the World’s a Stage on this week’s episode of the 50/50 Podcast. Joaquin Madrid Larranaga not only introduces us to the complex world of finding work in the Theatre, but also (like the true multihyphenate he is) applies his stage managerial knowledge to the world of Film. And there is a LOT to learn. We touch on non traditional paths in the arts, technical skills vs. people skills, and what it...

This week, we share a laugh with stand up comic Johnny Marx. We dive into the science behind crafting jokes, the differences in processing conceptual and personal material, and how Johnny manages to bridge the gap between his own voice and the styles of his comedic heroes. Johnny also stresses the importance of enjoying every stage of the comedic process; from writing to booking to hitting the sta...

This week, we talk with the incredibly grounded and talented Cady Mariano. Cady provides invaluable insight into what it truly takes to stay resilient, hopeful, and energized as an actor in an unpredictable industry. We unpack the power of rehearsals, how actors contribute to a collective creative vision, and the  different directing styles that shape the on-set experience. This conversation is bo...

LIGHTS, CAMERA, TRAILERS. This week, Andrew Gerstenblatt invites us into the captivating world of the movie trailer. Andrew’s passion radiates with depth and nuance as he makes a compelling case for trailers-- not merely as marketing tools, but as a distinct and often underappreciated art form. Andrew guides us through the intricate process of crafting trailers, oftentimes communicating directly w...

This week, we break down the representation space with manager Max Gonzalez. We discuss weathering the trecherous waters of the talent agency; Max stresses the importance of supporting a system while also maintaining a sense of self. We also chat about how to successfully advocate for and communicate with creatives, and attempt to pinpoint where the Film/TV market is at any given point. Max Gonzal...

This week, we dive headfirst into the world of sketch comedy, as Arthur Goldbart helps us find our funny. From casting your friends to shaping your comedic voice, we break down the early building blocks of making people laugh — and why it’s harder (and more rewarding) than it looks. Arthur Goldbart breaks down how the internet has transformed the sketch landscape, making it possible to find your a...

This week, we chat with Danielle Gould — currently working inside the legendary halls of 30 Rock on the 50th season of Saturday Night Live. Danielle takes us behind the scenes of what it's really like leading up to a live show, and shares the journey that got her there. From internships and cold emails to landing a spot in Lorne Michaels’ office while still at NYU, Danielle reflects on the power o...

This week, we chat with Freddy Macdonald (director) about leading with passion, fostering a collaborative on set environment, and nurturing longterm relationships. Freddy's first narrative short, SEW TORN, went from film school application to premiering as a feature at SXSW to rave reviews, leading to its nationwide release. Freddy continues to champion 50/50's mission and is a forever part of our...