On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team delves into the future of horror films, from YouTubers to the rising talents from the UK and Ireland.  

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Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s reviews editor Nikki Baughan to discuss what the success of YouTuber horror films Backrooms and Obsession this summer says about the future of the genre.

“I don’t think they’re the saviours of horror,” Baughan says of the directors, Curry Barker and Kane Parsons. “I think they’re two fantastically talented individuals, but there are many of them out there. It’s about using YouTube and other platforms, other areas, to find these voices and nurture them and help them build careers.”

Baughan also explained why there is a lack of female filmmakers coming up through the social platform. “Of the 50 most subscribed-to YouTube channels, seven are women and four of those women are girls,” Baughan explained. “That’s where the algorithms are skewing. You’ve got unconscious bias coming into this from the users of YouTube.”

The duo then discussed what has otherwise been a disappointing summer for horror releases and why upcoming festivals including Toronto and Venice might offer some hope. They also debate who the new horror talents are in the UK and Irish film industry.  

“I know funders do speak about wanting to fund genre, but what I hear is that that’s not translating,” Baughan said. “Funders are looking for ‘elevated horror’, but no one quite really knows what that means.”

The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.

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