MASTERPIECE Studio MASTERPIECE Studio’s 10-Year Anniversary | MASTERPIECE Studio
Jan 6, 2025
Susanne Simpson, executive producer overseeing programming and development at MASTERPIECE, shares stories from the podcast’s origins to its future. She discusses casting and show development, teases 2025 titles like Miss Scarlet and Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, and reflects on reimagining classics and discovering British talent.
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How The Podcast Was Launched
- Jace Lacob recounts being recruited to host the pilot after a mysterious text and recording an Alan Leach Downton interview that launched the show.
- The pilot led to over 20 Downton interviews, then Sherlock's Mark Gatiss as the first official guest, kickstarting the long-running podcast.
Podcast Strategy Tied To Downton's Finale
- Susanne Simpson launched the podcast to reach younger viewers during commutes and to capitalize on Downton Abbey's final season.
- She timed the launch to leverage access to well-known cast and creative teams for compelling interview content.
Host Research Built Guest Rapport
- Susanne recalls recruiting Jace because his deep research made guests feel special and enjoy the interviews.
- She credits that rapport for early success and for interviewees commenting on how much they loved the conversations.