Daily Inspiration: Meet E.B. KOGAN & JESSICA SILVETTI

Today we’d like to introduce you to E.B. KOGAN & JESSICA SILVETTI.

Hi E.B. KOGAN, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
J: If we go to the very beginning, we started as theatre actors who later became filmmakers. Combined, we’ve written, directed and produced for indie film, TV and theatre. Our work spans across ultra indie productions to studio level projects. I have written for television for major streaming platforms and Ethan has worked as an editor for studio films and studio television… But, we’ve also been at the helm of our own production sets with 40 person crews to working on what we’ve coined a “bone crew,” meaning Ethan and I trading off holding the boom, running a camera, and setting practical lights, all while directing… whatever it takes to capture the story. And that’s the thing, at the root of it we’re storytellers and it’s always been about finding the medium for each story to come to life.

E: Fast forward to today, where one of our main focuses is our graphic novel SHOCKHEADED PETER. It started as a script that got some traction in screenplay competitions and then Covid hit and all stood still. Because this story is a world building epic, friends and colleagues suggested making it into a graphic novel. This was a daunting idea, but we began conversations, researched a lot, learned from the community, and dove in. We also had the fortune in finding the super talented Giuseppe Sabé Di Stefano, the artist for Shockheaded Peter. He does pencils, inks, color and lettering. It’s been a super cool experience working with an artist! Coming from film, what Jessica and I often compare this to is as if you’re collaborating with a cinematographer to bring the vision to life. In this case, from the written word to the final images on the page. Giuseppe is a phenomenal artist and the three of us work very well together.

J: A decade ago, we would’ve never imagined stepping into the world of comics and graphic novels, but that’s how this specific project evolved. It’s been a very rewarding journey as creators and writers. Shockheaded Peter is a fantasy horror with a lot of heart and we’re about to launch the third installment of the book. After having two successful campaigns on Kickstarter, part 3 is making its debut on the platform this September 29th.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s a funny road… there is no autopilot allowed! You must focus at all times because this industry has a lot of uncertainties. Although nowadays it feels like there are a lot of uncertainties in almost every industry. Working hard and consistently is a must, whether you’re being hired or you’re creating your own opportunities. It’s like being a musician or an athlete that needs to constantly practice in order to stay on top of their game. At the same time, making time for community and health is the most important thing. The burnout can be very real and honoring the moments you just need to disconnect or reconnect with yourself or whatever it is that brings you joy and grounds you outside of the daily grind is essential. It’s a marathon and one needs a healthy mind and body to keep on going.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We’re filmmakers. Originally from Mexico City, Jessica is a multicultural writer, director and producer who works across different genres and languages. She’s dedicated to crafting character-driven stories that explore identity, resilience, and the complexities of being human.

Ethan is a Los Angeles–born writer, director, editor, and producer whose work moves fluidly between studio television, independent film, and graphic fiction. With over a decade of industry experience, he has built a reputation for bold, genre driven storytelling grounded in emotional depth and cultural resonance.

We still believe storytelling is a craft, even in the face of AI and people’s attention spans getting shorter, we want to continue crafting stories that challenge and evoke strong responses, stories that ignite conversations and entertain.

A lot of people are often surprised, sometimes even shocked, that we work together a lot and are also married. That comes with its benefits and challenges, like anything. The amazing thing is we complement one another well and that’s why it works. When we collaborate, we help push each other’s vision to the next level. At the same time, it’s also nice to get to work on separate projects and still be each other’s biggest supporter and most honest critic. We have a lot of common interests and different ones too, so when we work apart, we can explore those individual interests more in depth and at the same time can count on each other for full transparency and constructive criticism.

We’re most proud of sticking to this profession despite all the ups and downs. It’s an adventure to say the least. Sustaining a life in the creative arts is super rewarding and can also be challenging. Looking at the body of work we’ve created thus far and looking forward to all the other projects we’re developing is exciting. That’s something to celebrate and gives us the energy to keep going.

You have this clear vision in your mind and you run after it. It’s something you can’t help but do. At times you capture it and it takes off and then you just fly.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
E: I love the book The Ugly Swans by the Strugatsky Brothers and the podcast Team Human, and also the graphic novel, The Incal by Alejandro Jodorowsky.

J: I listen to the podcast Smartless, it’s a fun and easy listen. I also read an array of books both in English and Spanish. A good graphic novel is always a great escape, some of my top picks are: My Favorite Thing is Monsters, Helen of Wyndhorn (gorgeous art), and anything Alison Bechdel.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lightandshadow.pictures/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lightandshadowpics
• Other: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ebkogan/shockheaded-peter-1-3-the-complete-graphic-novel

Image Credits
Snobby Robot