You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes Josh Ruben #3
Oct 1, 2025
In this conversation, Josh Ruben, a comedian and filmmaker known for his works like Werewolves Within, dives into his journey as a director. He shares hilarious impressions and insights on managing actors while balancing humor and authority on set. Josh discusses the unique challenges of directing horror films and the psychological impacts of spooky imagery. They explore his new project, Hard Eyes, blending rom-com and slasher genres, and the importance of trusted collaborators in the filmmaking process. Lively anecdotes about psychics add a personal touch to their banter.
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Episode notes
Improv Banter Sets The Tone
- The episode opens with playful impressions and banter between Pete Holmes and Josh Ruben, showcasing their improvisational chemistry.
- Josh riffs on voices and characters, immediately setting a loose, comedic tone for the conversation.
Meeting An Idol That Said 'Well Done'
- Josh describes meeting his idol Philip Seymour Hoffman and being pulled away before he could perform the impression he practiced.
- Hoffman simply reached out, shook his hand and said, "Well done," which Josh found both surreal and affirming.
Diffuse Actor Resistance With Humor
- When actors resist blocking, disarm them with humor and make the set safe for experimentation.
- Use light clowning or a small joke to diffuse tension and get actors back into the scene.
