Exploring the Journey of Helen Sun & Laura Malatos

Helen Sun & Laura MalatosPhoto byYves Rispe

In Hollywood, where new voices constantly emerge, few manage to carve out a niche as distinct as Helen Sun and Laura Malatos. This creative duo, hailing from Seattle and Moscow, is reshaping dark comedy with their signature blend of humor and morbid curiosity. Their paths first crossed at USC, where Helen was on the music industry track and Laura was immersed in film production. From the moment they met, their creative chemistry was undeniable, leading to a collaboration that feels both inevitable and inspired.

At USC, their partnership naturally began with music videos—a perfect intersection of Helen’s live music and marketing background and Laura’s narrative filmmaking expertise. But it wasn’t long before their shared passion for quirky characters and darkly humorous stories pushed them toward broader horizons. Their complementary skills and aligned sensibilities laid the groundwork for something truly unique.

That something was Closing Costs, a project born out of their collective obsession with real estate shows like Selling Sunset and the endless Zillow scrolling that defined much of the COVID-19 lockdown. But this isn’t just another real estate drama—Closing Costs twists the genre into a darkly comedic tale of murder and moral ambiguity. Laura’s fascination with the real estate world, fueled by her father’s career as an agent, provided the perfect backdrop for a series that’s as complex as it is entertaining.

Closing Costs didn’t just catch the eye of viewers; it captured the attention of the industry’s gatekeepers. The series racked up accolades from the Black List Episodic Lab, the Women in Film Fellowship, and the Oscar-qualifying Austin Film Festival. These recognitions weren’t just feathers in their cap—they were career-altering milestones. “The Black List Lab completely changed how our peers and mentors perceived us,” Helen reflects. “It led directly to our first writing job at a time when opportunities were few and far between.”

But beyond the professional doors these accolades opened, they also brought Helen and Laura into a creative community that’s been instrumental in their growth. “The support we’ve found among our peers has been invaluable,” Laura notes. “Rising alongside talented creatives, sharing milestones, and exchanging advice has been a huge part of our journey.”

What makes Closing Costs stand out in a crowded field is its fearless approach to genre. “We’re drawn to shows like Wednesday and Good Omens that defy traditional TV norms,” Helen explains. “With Closing Costs, we wanted to take a familiar detective story and infuse it with our brand of darkness, humor, and absurdity.” This bold approach caught the attention of industry heavyweight Connor Pritchard, co-creator of Workaholics. His involvement as an executive producer on their next project is a testament to the duo’s ability to push boundaries while maintaining broad appeal.

Another pivotal moment in their rise was being featured in Deadline, one of Hollywood’s most influential publications. The exposure was transformative, elevating their visibility and opening new avenues they had only dreamed of. “It’s incredible how much being in Deadline changed our career trajectory,” Laura says. “Suddenly, we had access to people and opportunities that were completely out of reach before.”

Helen Sun and Laura Malatos are just getting started, and their rise in the world of dark comedy shows no signs of slowing down. With the success of Closing Costs propelling them forward and the support of industry heavyweights behind them, they're set to redefine the genre in unexpected ways. Whatever comes next, one thing is certain: it will be anything but ordinary.