Happy Friday, Dear Listener!

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve popped into your inbox. Since then, Sundance announced it’s move to Boulder, Colorado starting in 2027, Jennifer Salke has stepped down as the Head of Amazon MGM Studios, and I’ve announced the cannot miss event of the year, a short film budgeting workshop geared towards creatives.

Been a doozy!

I am once again coming to you from Texas, where I just touched down to spend quality time with my best friend who moved to Houston last July. We actually met the summer before high school at a theater camp, as one does. You know those rare individuals that have know you since before you knew yourself? That’s her.

Being around her reminds me of the importance of grounding, resting, and that the world does not revolve around entertainment.

It’s nice.

Taking an energetic break from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood is necessary. I may not be great at stillness, but I’ll take any opportunity to attempt to slow my roll. Perhaps you can relate?

BREAK BENEFITS

#1. Our brains benefit from focus and “unfocus”

Too much focus drains our energy and when we have low energy, we’re more likely to make mistakes, behave more recklessly, and interact negatively with other people. Research suggests your brain is healthiest when it’s allowed to switch between states of focus and “unfocus.”

#2. Taking breaks helps with decision-making

When we’re in a state of “unfocus,” a brain circuit called the “default mode network” is engaged. In this state, the brain goes through memories, switching between the past, present, and future. This blending of memories leads to new connections and ideas, leading to better decisions.

#3. Taking breaks helps with learning

Scientists know that memories are consolidated during sleep, but resting while awake could accomplish something similar. In a study from the National Institutes of Health, researchers mapped out brain activity in healthy volunteers. They found that when the volunteers rested after practicing a code, their brains quickly replayed faster versions of the code. This suggests both practice and rest are important when learning a skill.

#4. Taking breaks can boost creativity

Most of us know the feeling of focusing too long. We feel zapped of creativity. Research supports the importance of breaks and regaining creative thinking. In a study on how breaks affected individual brainstorming, researchers found that participants who took breaks came up with more ideas in the final part of the brainstorming session than those who didn’t take a break.

#5. Taking breaks reduces stress

Persistent stress can lead to burnout, which is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. People don’t experience burnout after one long workday, but if every workday is stressful, burnout is often around the corner. Building breaks into your day is essential to long-term health, especially if you have a high-stress life. The American Psychology Association supports this, recommending that workers take their vacation days, establish work-life boundaries, and “switch off” from work.

#6. Taking breaks is good for your vision

According to the American Optometric Association, the average American worker spends seven hours a day on the computer. Even if your job doesn’t require much screen use, we use computers and phones for social media, movies, and more. This can cause “computer vision syndrome” or “digital eye strain.” Symptoms include headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. Taking a break to stretch and rest your eyes helps. The AOA recommends resting your eyes for at least 15 minutes for every two hours of screen use.

#7. Taking a break gives you time to eat

The hustle-and-grind mentality encourages many people to ignore their hunger cues. Rather than take a break, many people keep working and trying to focus. When you don’t eat, however, it’s much harder to be productive.

#8. Taking a break keeps you safe

Fatigue is one of the top causes of on-the-job accidents. According to OSHA, accident and injury rates are 30% higher during night shifts. Working 12 hours a day is linked to a 37% increased risk of injury. Breaks are essential to keeping workers safe, so organizations must allow rest times and prioritize worker safety.

#9. Longer breaks are good for your heart

While not everyone can take big vacations every year, longer breaks away from work or school can protect your heart health. A nine-year study from the State University of New York at Oswego studied middle-aged men at high risk for coronary heart disease. They found the frequency of yearly vacations was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and mortality due to heart disease. There are other factors, of course, but considering that cardiovascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of death, it’s good news that taking a long break to relax could reduce your risk.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHT

AI has come a long way since we first saw Will Smith eating that bowl of spaghetti, even making it to this year’s Oscars ceremony.

Films like EMILIA PEREZ and THE BRUTALIST came under fire for their use of AI to amplify the vocal performances of their actors, raising questions about transparency and ethical practices.

It piqued my curiosity and so I invited Alex Serdiuk, the CEO of the Ukrainian company Respeecher on the show. This is the AI technology used to enhance Adrien Brody’s Hungarian dialogue and synthesize a young Luke Skywalker’s voice in THE MANDALORIAN.

Unlike other AI companies, however, Respeecher prides itself on adhering to a strict code of ethics that includes transparency, actor consent, and union consultation.

One of the most interesting parts of our convo was around it’s ability to shape history. A fascinating but terrifying example is this speech Richard Nixon would have delivered had the 1969 moon landing gone differently.

I felt compelled to poke the hornet's nest and dive into scary subjects, such as:

• How are actors protected?

• How is data transparency given?

• What is the company environmental impact?

Watch / Listen

As always, thanks for doing this life thing with me!

WORKSHOP: BUDGETING FOR CREATIVES

Final week to sign up for the virtual short film budgeting workshop I’m teaching! Over the course of two separate sessions, you’ll learn:

• How to read a script like a line producer

• The process of doing a script breakdown

• How to accurately assess budgetary needs without sacrificing creativity

Click Here to Secure Your Spot!

Regular pricing: $100 + additional $25 fee if submitting a script for consideration

In partnership with Saturation and Wscripted.

PRODUCER’S CORNER

• READ | ReFrame Stamped 2024 Report - Films With Gender-Balanced Hiring Outgrossed Those Without Link

• LEARN | Producers Are Misunderstood - We just wanna make movies. Link

• GROW | 9 Ways to Read People - Lessons from an FBI Agent Link

• WATCH | The Studio - Dubbed one of the best new comedies of 2025. I’m living for this show!  Link