J. H. Chajes

The Projection Booth is a podcast dedicated to critical analysis of films across various genres. Launched in 2010, it has amassed over 500 episodes as of February 2021. The show primarily focuses on discussing a single main film per episode, often supplemented by discussions of related or contrasting movies. A significant component of the podcast involves interviews with guests who bring unique perspectives, including filmmakers, authors, and other podcast hosts. Episode lengths are variable, with some extending up to seven hours. While the podcast covers a broad spectrum of cinema, it has occasionally faced criticism for featuring obscure films that may not be readily available. The show has been recognized by major publications like The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly as a leading film podcast.

Each episode of The Projection Booth centers on a detailed discussion of a single primary film, sometimes complemented by analyses of other movies that offer a parallel or contrasting viewpoint. Guest interviews are a frequent feature, bringing in individuals with specific insights into the films or topics being covered, including filmmakers themselves. The length of episodes can vary considerably, with many falling under an hour but some extending to as long as seven hours. Popular episodes have focused on films such as 'The Magnificent Ambersons' and 'Conan the Barbarian'. Despite its wide-ranging film coverage, the podcast has drawn some criticism for dedicating episodes to less accessible, obscure films that might not be available on DVD.

The podcast originated from a conversation between its initial hosts, Mike White and Justin Bozung, during a road trip to the 2010 B Movie Celebration. They were discussing their preferences and dislikes regarding existing film podcasts. Following Justin Bozung's departure after the "Hickey & Boggs" episode, the show saw a series of temporary co-hosts before Rob St. Mary became a semi-permanent fixture. St. Mary's tenure as a full-time co-host began with the February 29, 2012, episode on "Frankenhooker" and concluded after the November 24, 2015, episode on "Shadow of a Doubt". The podcast has been acknowledged by various media outlets, including The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, as one of the top film podcasts available.

The primary host of The Projection Booth is Mike White, a writer from Detroit, Michigan, who also founded the zine 'Cashiers du Cinemart' in 1994. White is recognized for his work on "Who Do You Think You're Fooling?" and has appeared in documentaries. The show also features a 'Robohost,' a computer program developed by Bell Laboratories that continuously updates with all podcast episodes and related mentions. Since 2014, the podcast has featured a rotating cast of co-hosts, including film critic Maitland McDonagh, David Kittredge, Chris Stachiw, Samm Deighan, Skizz Cyzyk, Chris Cummins, Heather Drain, and Kat Ellinger. Former co-hosts include Rob St. Mary, a writer and producer, and Justin Bozung, also known as "Mondo Justin," creator of the "Mondo Film & Video Guide."