Happy Thursday, Dear Listener!

Carolina here, and I’m buzzing with excitement because we just dropped a fantastic new episode with none other than Sev Ohanian, the producing powerhouse behind Fruitvale Station, Searching, and the $250M box-office beast, Sinners.

An Armenian-American screenwriter and producer, he is also the co-founder of Proximity Media alongside Ryan and Zinzi Coogler.

Most importantly, Sev is homie and we go way back to our baby producer days, so it was really special for me to reconnect with him after so many years. Our meet cute story is also epic and I may have inspired a big shift in his career?! His words, not mine… 🫢 

By the way, Sinners is being re-relased TODAY on IMAX 70mm. I saw it at the Vista here in LA and highly recommend this cinematic experience.

Guys. Sev’s story is hella inspiring.

Picture this: an Armenian immigrant kid in LA, making a feature film for $800 with his dad’s camcorder, dodging cop cars at 3 a.m., and somehow turning that hustle into a career producing with Ryan Coogler and running Proximity Media.

In our chat, Sev spills the tea on everything—how he went from indie chaos to pulling off Sinners’ jaw-dropping jukebox scene, why original stories are worth fighting for, and how he juggles being a dad, husband, and producing partner with his wife, Natalie Qasabian.

Sev co-wrote and produced SEARCHING with Natalie. Released by Sony Screen Gems in 2018, the film grossed $75 million worldwide and sparked the sequel, MISSING.

Sev also co-wrote and produced RUN for Lionsgate, which became Hulu’s most-watched film upon its premiere.

Fun fact: Natalie was on the show dropping gems back in 2019. Tune in!

During our time together, we talked about his first foray into filmmaking - an $800 micro-budget film shot on his dad’s home video camera, how his working relationship with Coogler came to be, and the trials and tribulations of shooting on location in the swamps of Louisiana.

Sev’s episode is a masterclass in grit, creativity, and heart. It’s a reminder that no dream is too big, even when the odds (or alligators) are stacked against you.

So, grab your coffee, pop in those earbuds, and let’s get inspired together. What’s a producing hurdle you’re facing? Reply and let me know!

Keep creating, keep hustling. And as always, thanks for doing this life thing with me!

CANNES BOUND

I’m packing my bags and jetting off to the Cannes Film Festival for the first time! I’m pumped to soak in the films, eat croissants, connect with creators, and bring back some juicy insights for you.

Got any Cannes tips or must-see films? Hit reply and let me know!

UTA PANEL TONIGHT

Before I frolic over to the French Riviera, I’ll be at UTA tonight moderating a panel with Greenslate. If you’re in LA and want to swing by, lmk!—it’s gonna be a sexy convo on the importance of payroll and accounting! Intimidated by tax credits? Look no further. 

Follow me on Instagram for live updates and behind-the-scenes goodies.

PRODUCED BY VISIONARIES

Produced by Visionaries' Emerging Producer Award: While the nominations deadline closed yesterday, we are still accepting late nominations until end of day today.

CLICK TO NOMINATE

The exclusive cocktail and conversation will be co-hosted by Forbes France, Wscripted, and Callo, and moderated by me!

This award will be unveiled during the event in Cannes by Eva Longoria AND will come with a grant from a top Hollywood non-profit whose members will be in attendance of the event.

The 2025 edition focuses on Creative Disruptors, featuring panelists shaping the future of storytelling, brand collaboration, and culture—to be revealed in exclusive guest invitations.