Episode

HOW TO: Ideate as a Writer/Director Duo (w/ Aimee Hoffman & Elinor Howells)

Podcast
The 50/50 Podcast
Published
Feb 3, 2026
Duration seconds
3766
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not_requested
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https://the-5050-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-to-ideate-as-a-writerdirector-duo-w-aimee-hoffman-elinor-howells
Audio
https://episodes.castos.com/67e9c4924ee350-83326482/2346850/c1e-vqnz2s5j0kxtw3wkzg-jpqxpo70a0kz-ig9xee.mp3
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Markdown
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Summary

This week, we sit down with 50/50 writer-director duo Aimee Hoffman and Elinor Howells about building a creative partnership that’s as honest as it is motivating. From their first days meeting at AFI to developing a shorthand that allows them to pitch wild swings and terrible ideas without judgment, they break down how trust — and taste — sharpen each other’s work. We talk about walking into every room with reps, producers, and execs armed with ideas, not just ambition, and why they’re unapologetic about aiming big: studio movies, spectacle, scale. They share the origin and on-set evolution of their acclaimed short DADDA (50/50 Horror Official Selection), including how Elinor’s presence as a writer during production fundamentally shaped the film in real time. Plus, they dive into their upcoming Florida-set feature, and why physically traveling, researching, and living inside a world is essential to writing something that feels active and alive. DADDA TRAILER Elinor's Website Aimee's Website Comedy Fest Submissions