What Is Film Podcasting?
Film podcasting is a contemporary mode of criticism, public scholarship, and storytelling that merges research-based analysis with the immediacy and intimacy of voice. Unlike traditional written criticism, podcasting unfolds through conversation, tone, rhythm, presence, and listening—creating a shared space where ideas move dynamically between hosts, guests, sound, and audience. As one of the fastest-growing mediums in film discourse, podcasting makes cinema accessible while fostering intellectual exchange, debate, and discovery. It invites students to think aloud, to experiment with voice and narrative structure, and to refine the skills of interviewing, framing an argument, and speaking with authority.
Film Podcasting at UMass
Film Studies at UMass Amherst offers students the opportunity to learn podcasting not just as a concept, but as a practice. The cornerstone of this specialization is the award-winning UMassterclass, the official Film Studies podcast—written, produced, and shaped by students. Each episode explores critical topics in film and media through interviews, research-based discussions, and carefully crafted audio storytelling. Interns contribute across all stages of production: researching guests, preparing talking points, scripting and hosting, editing, managing distribution channels, and developing new series ideas.
Students in UMassterclass develop both creative and professional competencies, including: audio storytelling and production, interviewing and research methods, narrative structure and scriptwriting, public-facing communication, collaborative workflow and project management, platform strategy and digital distribution
The podcast operates like a working media studio—fast-paced, creative, and intellectually driven.
Why a Specialization in Film Podcasting?
The Letter of Specialization in Film Podcasting recognizes students who bring scholarship into public conversation. It signifies strength in research, communication, collaboration, and media production—skills increasingly essential across film criticism, journalism, broadcasting, arts institutions, digital content industries, and graduate-level research. Students who complete this track not only understand cinema—they learn to talk about it compellingly. They graduate with a portfolio of published work, professional experience in long-form audio, and the confidence to lead discussions at the intersection of film, media, and public culture.
Requirements
Students earn a Letter of Specialization in Film Podcasting through a combination of coursework and hands-on production experience.
Requirements:
—Film-St 462 Film Podcasting
—Film-St 375 Film Writing and Criticism (JYW course) with a podcast as final project
—6 credits (2 semesters) of internship with UMassterclass, the official Film Studies podcast
—Demonstrated interest in podcasting, audio media, and public film discourse
—Strong research abilities and familiarity with data/digital platforms
—Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience crafting engaging content
—Some experience with film analysis and criticism
For more information please contact Prof. Daniel Pope, at [email protected]