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