Now Presenting: On Your Screen

A New Vertical of The Video Essay Podcast

If there’s one thing I like the most about The Video Essay Podcast, it’s that most of the conversations follow a similar format. If there’s one thing I like the least about The Video Essay Podcast, it’s that most of the conversations follow a similar format.

The strength of the format is that it allows for one to more easily compare and contrast the work of different video essayists, and we get to hear their recommendations and the ways in which they are thinking about the work of others. But, I have at times found the form to be limiting, especially when I see a work or works that do not quite fit the scope of the podcast.

So, without further ado, I am pleased to share the first episode of On Your Screen, a new show dedicated to short conversations about, well, things you can watch on your screen! What does that mean? I’m not sure. But I’m excited to find out!

If I had to answer, I would say this show will feature previews to festivals and other screenings around the internet, conversations about individual screen works, and other aspects of digital culture. While most of the conversations will be at least partially related to videographic criticism, I don’t want to limit myself. If you can watch it on your laptop, I want to talk about it. Maybe once we’re on the other side of this pandemic I’ll include some in-person film festival coverage, but in the meantime, let’s stick to the web.

My first guest is Michael Temple, the director of the Essay Film Festival and the Birkbeck Institute for the Moving Image, who joins the show to discuss the 2021 Essay Film Festival. The festival will run online from 25 March to 3 April. Learn more about the festival here and listen to the episode below, or here.

Also, please let me know what you think of this endeavor and send me recommendations for future episodes. Thanks!