Evolution of Horror: Podcasting Masterclass
Earlier tonight, I had the pleasure of participating in the Evolution of Horror: Podcasting Masterclass. An online seminar conducted via Zoom. For those who are not familiar with the Evolution of Horror, it is a podcast written and hosted by Mike Muncer along with regular guests. It explores horror cinema in depth, considering the technical, thematic and sociological elements of the genre. Launched in 2017 this independent production has gone from strength to strength, with Mike now producing content for Paramount + and Studio Canal. The masterclass was designed to provide podcasters both old and new with some practical advice and answer some commonly asked questions. Being a fan of Evolution of Horror as well as a former podcaster, I signed up and enjoyed a most informative and enjoyable 90 minute seminar.
The Zoom based masterclass was quite an intimate setting. Having all the participants on screen created a very personal atmosphere. Mike is a very confident public speaker who excels at informal but informative discussions. As you’d expect with a masterclass, Mike went through his planning and recording process. How he scripted introductions and wrote shownotes, selected guests according to expertise and the mechanics of recording the show. He also discussed the software and hardware used as well as hosting. There was a particular focus upon finding the right dynamic, tone and niche for your podcast. Mike produced some rather amusing videos about the “do’s and don’ts” of recording a conversation to highlight how you must back up your references, not talk over each other and never assume that listeners have seen the same films that you have.
The masterclass ended with a Q&A which featured a broad range of enquiries from participants. This was in many ways just as informative as the first part of the seminar. It was interesting to see people from existing podcasts still seeking out advice from their peers as well as those who were new to content creation of this kind. I found this to be especially beneficial because I have recently reflected upon the several hundred podcasts that myself and co-host Brian produced between 2010 and 2022. I have wondered whether we made any obvious mistakes in our production or with our approach to making a podcast. Mike seems to have done much that is comparable to what we did, although far more successfully. I certainly feel, on the strength of this masterclass, that I could return to podcasting and produce a new show of an acceptable standard.
Like blogging, podcasting started off as an accessible means of communicating that everyone could participate in. The barriers to entry, both technical and financial, have always been pretty low. Sadly, fan driven podcasting seems to have been overshadowed by a tsunami of corporate content. Some of it is good but not all of it is. Podcasts made by production companies have advertising budgets and hence find it easier to establish themselves. However, the Evolution of Horror has managed to find its audience and gain critical acclaim the old fashioned way. Through word of mouth, building a community and by being very good. If Mike does another masterclass I would certainly recommend it to anyone who produces a podcast or is thinking of doing so. You’ll get honest answers, practical advice and a lot of genuine encouragement. Rare commodities these days.
