Jessica Hundley

The Projection Booth is a podcast dedicated to in-depth discussions and critical analysis of films across various genres. Launched in 2010, the show has amassed over 500 episodes by February 2021. Each episode typically focuses on a single main film, sometimes branching out to related or contrasting movies, and frequently includes interviews with guests who bring unique perspectives or direct involvement with the films discussed. Episode lengths are highly variable, ranging from under an hour to as long as seven hours. The podcast has been recognized by major publications like The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly as a top film podcast.

While not exclusively focused on horror, The Projection Booth has received multiple nominations for the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards. The show was co-founded by Mike White and Justin Bozung. Over the years, various individuals have served as co-hosts, including Rob St. Mary and a rotating group of critics and authors. Mike White, the primary host, is also known for his work on the zine Cashiers du Cinemart and other related podcasts. A unique feature of the show is its "Robohost," a computer program that continuously updates with all podcast episodes and related media mentions.

Each installment of The Projection Booth centers on a detailed examination of one primary film. The discussion may expand to include other cinematic works that either complement or contrast with the main feature. Interviews with guests are a common element, featuring individuals such as other podcast hosts, authors, or filmmakers who possess specialized knowledge or direct experience related to the film or topic at hand. Episode durations are flexible, with many falling under an hour, while some extend significantly, reaching up to seven hours in length. Notable episodes have covered films like "The Magnificent Ambersons" and "Conan the Barbarian." Despite covering a broad spectrum of cinema, the podcast has faced criticism for occasionally featuring obscure films that are not readily available on DVD.

The podcast originated in 2010 when initial hosts Mike White and Justin Bozung were traveling and discussing their preferences in film podcasts. Bozung departed the show after a specific episode, leading to a period with guest co-hosts before Rob St. Mary became a semi-permanent co-host. St. Mary transitioned to a full-time co-hosting role, with his tenure marked by specific episodes before his eventual departure from that position. The show has since featured a rotating cast of co-hosts since 2014, including film critics and authors.

The Projection Booth has garnered significant attention and praise, being highlighted by publications such as The Washington Post, The A.V. Club, IndieWire, Entertainment Weekly, Filmmaker, and Mental Floss as one of the premier film podcasts. Although not strictly a horror-focused program, it has earned multiple nominations for the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards, indicating a strong connection to that genre's appreciation. Beyond The Projection Booth, host Mike White is involved in several other podcasting projects, including those dedicated to "Kolchak: The Night Stalker," "The Twilight Zone," "Barney Miller," and "Columbo."