education requirements to be a film critic

How to Become a Movie Critic and Get Paid (In 2024)

If you’re the kind who revels in the magic of cinema, examining every frame, every performance, and scribbling down thoughts after each screening, you’re already on the critic’s path. Ever thought of channeling that passion into a career? Dive into this guide, where I’ll shed light on becoming a paid movie critic. Let the reel begin!

Who is a Movie Critic?

Anyone who watches and does an analysis of various film elements is a movie critic. However, not everyone gets paid for doing it – only those who do it professionally or have monetized their opinions through their blogs. A movie review is a great way to help viewers gauge and appreciate movies and how they were made. The various aspects of filmmaking such as cinematography, scriptwriting , actors’ performance, directing, and screenplay, among others, are scrutinized and rated by film critics so that the audience will have a clearer picture of what to expect before watching in cinemas or streaming films in their electronic devices. As a movie critic, you could persuade the audience to either watch a movie or discourage them from viewing one. So much power your writing would have!

What are the Types of Movie Critics?

As seen in online and print media, there are three broad types of movie criticism or review:

Journalistic:

6 tips on how to become a movie critic and get paid.

To set you up for a flourishing career in movie criticism, there are a few things that you could do, as shown in the list below:

1. Get a Relevant Degree

2. learn about the ins and outs of the film industry.

Whether you finished your coursework or earned a degree, or not, it is crucial to continue studying the art and science of filmmaking as it is ever developing. For a starter, you need to understand every element of filmmaking. This includes plots, art direction, directorial styles, acting techniques, musical scoring , cinematography, special effects, and many others. Learning to gauge these will help you objectively compare several movies. If you do not understand the film industry and how it works, how will you influence an audience to watch a movie with half-baked writing, right? The entire process of how a movie is made can be mind-boggling. What we see on the screen is just the tip of the iceberg of everything that transpired during the production. You must view different movie genres and should not limit yourself to watching only commercially successful films. Watch lesser-known films too, even those produced outside of Hollywood, so you can have a better understanding of every movie type.

3. Sharpen Your Writing Skills

Don’t expect every random movie fan reading criticisms would understand jargon or technical terms. It is important to write in a manner that each reader can connect with you and understand your viewpoint. Professional film critics have to express ideas clearly and write in an engaging yet informative way. This keeps the readers hooked. If you are an amateur, emulate the work of professional movie critics. Apart from that, your grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary should be top-notch . Take advantage of available literary devices, apps, and plugins to develop your writing style and implement good writing techniques. You could also attend online courses or offline workshops to hone your writing skills.

4. Create an Impressive Portfolio

5. obtain real-life experience, 6. build your network and reputation.

Like any other creative field, your work as a movie critic will speak on your behalf. As you publish more quality movie critiques, you become more recognized in the business. This will open more doors of opportunities for you. Your goal may be to work for a prestigious media outlet. However, you should always find time to publish your independent movie reviews. Remember, most movie fans rely on blogs and online media for reviews. Not only because it’s free, but it is also easier to access as compared with print mediums like magazines and newspapers. Join online groups, forums, and communities. You can also attend workshops with fellow movie critics. Having a strong network helps keep the work flowing in. It could also help you overcome writer’s block from time to time. Attending workshops and seminars in your chosen field will not only broaden your horizons but also help connect you with other professionals in your industry.

Bottom Line

Rafal reyzer.

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

How To Become A Movie Critic? Everything You Need To Know

Becoming a movie critic is a journey through the heart of the entertainment industry, a path that invites you to dissect, analyze, and celebrate the cinematic wonders that shape our culture. The audience wanting to watch a movie relies on the advice of their friends and other mediums when selecting one. But has anyone ever wondered why people recommend movies, though, and on what basis? The difference between simply enjoying a movie, watching it intently, and recommending it to someone else is not just not a thing but requires attention and passion together. If you enjoy writing, speaking, and watching movies and have strong analytical abilities, a job as a movie critic might be the ideal fit. However, before considering whether or not being a movie critic is the perfect profession for you, you need to consider what it entails to do that job. Let us unlock the path to becoming a movie critic.

What is Movie Criticism?

Analyzing and evaluating are all about movie criticism and critics. Movie criticism can be divided into two categories.

• Journalistic criticism includes newspapers, magazines, and other mass media; academic criticism includes theories published in academic journals.
• Amateur movie criticism is a hobby where film enthusiasts analyze and review movies, expressing their opinions and insights, often without formal training or professional affiliation. 
• Academic film criticism is not reviewing but analyzing the movie and where it stands among its genre in the movie industry’s history.

What Do Movie Critics Do?

A movie critic sees new movies and then carefully analyzes each one’s many elements, including acting, pacing, narrative, and character chemistry. He/she must create a well-written, candid review that will be published in one or more newspapers after interpreting the movie. While some critics exclusively write for one particular magazine or newspaper, others do it for multiple publications. A critic may also discuss films on a website, television show, or professional journal. A movie critic needs to have the ability to write. The reviewer may frequently have to watch numerous films in a single day while collecting notes and producing an accurate assessment of particular movie parts. It can be mentally taxing for critics to meet the rigorous deadlines they frequently have to meet for multiple publications. The interesting part is that it can occasionally be very challenging or impossible to remain objective while seeing a movie, especially when the film critic must write a review of a film with a writer, director , or actor they don’t particularly like.

How to Become a Movie Critic?

Movie critics research films, offer insightful criticism, and tell us whether a film is a hit or a dud. You must first have a passion for movies to be a professional or hobbyist film critic. The two things that can help you develop as a film critic are watching as many movies as possible and reading other critics’ writing. Always remember that practice is the key. Keep Writing a lot and possibly movie reviews as frequently as you can.

Cultivate a passion for film criticism

To become a movie critic requires a passion for both writing and movies. Most critics started writing as a hobby and eventually created a career. 

Watch a variety of quality films

Watch movies of all genres and all varieties. Never choose a movie to choose. Trying movies from other cultures and languages can help develop insightful knowledge. Includes all types, such as classic films, indie films, foreign films, short films, animated films, comedies, and dramas.

Read the work of other film critics

Reading is another key to becoming an expert. Just like writing, reading also requires practice. Read the work of other critics and learn their style. It helps a critic to develop a style of their own.

Make some films of your own

Making a film with a smartphone is no big deal today. You can also try to make a short movie with the available gadgets. This helps to learn the nuances of filmmaking.

Study journalism

Although there is no degree, certification, or degree for becoming a movie critic, enrolling in a course in journalism will benefit one to get groomed as a movie critic.

Take some movie classes

Along with having a degree in journalism, taking a course in filmmaking or acting will help to have technical knowledge of movies.

Start a movie blog

Another great way is to start a blog and write about the movies you watch. A blog is also a good way to practice writing and create a network on social media.

Apply for jobs as a film critic

Once you have your samples ready, start applying for jobs as a movie critic. 

Analyze the film

A movie critic should be able to examine these components and explain the story, scenes, music, and aesthetic of the movie they are reviewing. To examine a movie, you should know about the different elements involved in a movie.

Steps to Become a Professional Movie Critic

To become a professional movie critic, one has to be able to think like a critic, and it requires a few steps to be followed. Let us have a look:

• Learn the different forms of criticism and write accordingly. Learn the differences between reviews, academic articles, and critical essays.
• Analyze the movie in every aspect and angle, and don’t merely describe the plot, scenes, and music.
• Know how to interpret the movie and understand what the director is trying to convey through the story.
• Evaluating a movie, whether good or bad, is an important step toward becoming a movie critic.
• Be aware of the difference between your personal choices and judgments. Never write a review based on what you like or don’t like.
• Have a strong understanding of writing skills such as grammar and style. Keep practicing how to write like a pro. Also, read the works of other writers and movie critics to know their style and vocabulary.
• Use simple, readable language while writing about a movie. 
• Ensure to be honest about the movie, whether it be a positive review or negative. 

How to Become a Movie Critic With No Experience?

To be a full-time movie critic required a definite set of skills and responsibilities. Working on oneself and practicing gets you to be a fine movie critic:

• Watch movies in all genres, frequently multiple times.
• Take notes on the dialogue, music, plot, and influences.
• Examine the technical aspects, such as the lighting , editing , and camera angles .
• The reviews must be submitted by deadlines.
• Establish connections with producers, agents, and distributors of movies.
• Watch movies and go to press conferences, previews, and film festivals.
• Investigate archive materials regarding movies and filmmakers and interview actors, production workers, and filmmakers.
• Update your knowledge of critical theories.

Where Do Movie Critics Work?

There are numerous jobs available for film critics. They frequently work for periodicals, radio stations, or television stations. Also, they can write for their publication, a blog, an online magazine, and more. Movie critics may occasionally hold positions in more than one of these areas.

Do Movie Critics Need a Degree?

There are no set degrees for movie critics; anyone with writing, analytical skills, and a critical eye can become a movie critic. A bachelor’s degree in screenwriting or film may help to be a movie reviewer. Some critics could come from a journalism or creative writing background. But to ace the race, they all require a fundamental knowledge of writing or reporting for the film. To learn more about the business, a movie critic must research and evaluate the work of directors throughout cinematic history, as well as watch several Hollywood blockbusters and other movies of all languages and genres.

Skills Required to Become a Film Critic

Being a movie critic includes discussing a movie’s flaws or what viewers appreciate or dislike about it. You must adequately comprehend both the film’s positive and negative elements. A film critic’s duties include analyzing the movie for the audience and contrasting its plot and story with those of similar movies. You must have good oral and written communication ability for this. The various components and filmmaking techniques must also be familiar. You should be able to examine all film aspects, such as acting, direction, cinematography, screenplay , script , etc., and have a general awareness of the film industry.

Career Path for Film Critics

It is ideal that you finish your studies in the Arts and Literature stream and put more of an emphasis on the language if you want to work as a film critic. You can become a film critic by developing your writing and public speaking skills. Any other stream is also an option. Your chances of finding work in this area should improve if you have a bachelor’s degree in cinematography, film studies , journalism, communications, or a similar discipline.

Is Film Critic a Good Career?

You must love movies to be a film critic. More importantly, you should be eager to express your views on movies to the audience. Many individuals base their decision to see a movie on reviews. If you are open and honest about the positives and negatives of the film, the audience will enjoy it. You have several options in the entertainment sector to get started and develop a lucrative career as a film reviewer. Working for someone and gaining expertise in writing or recording reviews will be beneficial. Most movie critics have a YouTube channel where they publish videos discussing their thoughts on various movies. It is one good platform to pursue a career.

What Are the Industries that Hire a Film Critic?

To begin your career as a film critic, you can work at the following places.

• Publishing houses 
• Media houses
• Print media (Newspapers, Magazines)
• Broadcast media (Television, Radio)

What Are the Job Roles that Will Help as a Film Critic?

Becoming a successful film critic requires a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of cinema. While there is no one-size-fits-all path, there are several job roles and experiences that can greatly benefit aspiring film critics:

Film Journalism

Working as a film journalist for newspapers, magazines, websites, or blogs can provide invaluable experience. This role involves writing articles, interviews, and movie reviews, honing your writing skills, and establishing your presence in the film industry.

Editorial Positions

Editorial roles within journalism can teach you about the intricacies of publishing, content curation, and editing. These skills are crucial for crafting well-structured and polished film reviews.

Film Studies

Pursuing a degree in film studies or a related field can deepen your understanding of film history, theory, and analysis. It equips you with the academic knowledge to assess and appreciate films critically.

Scriptwriting and Filmmaking

Learning about the filmmaking process, including screenwriting and directing, can provide unique insights into the creative decisions behind a movie. This knowledge can enhance your ability to critique films from a filmmaker’s perspective.

Film Production

Working on film sets or in production roles can give you firsthand experience of the filmmaking process. Understanding the technical aspects of filmmaking, such as cinematography and editing, can enrich your critiques.

Acting and Theater

Training in acting or theater can sharpen your ability to analyze performances in films, which is a crucial aspect of film criticism. Understanding the craft of acting can make your reviews more insightful.

Film Festivals

Volunteering or working at film festivals can expose you to many films and filmmakers. It’s an opportunity to network, gain access to exclusive screenings, and build your credibility as a film critic.

Online Presence

Building an online presence through social media, a blog, or a YouTube channel dedicated to film reviews can aid you in reaching a wider audience and showcase your writing or presentation skills.

Building relationships with filmmakers, actors, and fellow critics can open doors to exclusive screenings, interviews, and collaborations. Networking is crucial in the film industry.

Public Speaking

Developing strong public speaking and presentation skills will enable you to articulate your thoughts and opinions confidently, whether it’s during interviews, panel discussions, or public speaking engagements.

Cultural Studies

A background in cultural studies can help you analyze films in a broader societal context, examining their impact on culture, politics, and society.

Continual Watching and Analysis

Watching films regularly across genres and eras is critical to preparing for a film critic career. Practice analyzing and critiquing them, developing your unique voice and perspective. 

How Much Does a Movie Critic Get Paid?

In the US, the typical movie critic makes $42,876 annually. Movie critics typically receive a bonus of $916 per year or 2% of their pay, and 100% of those surveyed said they do. In San Francisco , movie critics’ average total remuneration of $64,158 is 50% higher than the US average.

How do you become a movie critic paid?

So You Wanna Be A Critic? How To Write A Film Review

How to Become a Movie Critic

How to Be a “GOOD” Movie Critic! | An Introduction to Film Criticism

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What Does a Movie Critic Do — And How to Become One

• Cinematography Terms
• Screenwriting Terms

C hances are, if you’ve shelled out money to go to the movies in the last year, you’ve done so because of a positive word-of-mouth for the movie you’re about to see, or that it’s simply deemed “critically acclaimed”. Movie critics are that “critic” that often shapes the public discourse, sometimes propelling a relatively unknown indie into a buzzworthy future Oscar winner. But what does a movie critic in this modern era actually do ? In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at these professional film reviewer’s day-to-day.

INSIDE THE MOVIE CRITIC JOB

First, let’s define movie critic.

A film critic’s job isn’t just to watch non-stop movies. Movie reviewers must approach each review from an objective, journalistic standpoint that isn’t shaped by bias. Here's a quick definition of the job.

Movie Critic DEFINITION

What is a movie critic.

A movie critic  is a writer who publishes their opinions on newly released movies (and occasionally, due to the new streaming model) straight-to-streaming films and special event programming. It’s important to note that many movie critics also review TV shows and other media. Movie critics typically review new releases with the angle of whether or not the film is worthy to see based on the genre, story, directing, acting, and more.  

Movie critic jobs in the modern age:

• Writing for a print or online publication
• Hosting or writing a movie-themed podcast
• Self-publishing reviews to a blog or personal website

THE SPECIFICS OF A MOVIE REVIEWER JOB

Film reviewing vs. film criticism.

You may be interested in becoming a movie critic and eyeing a “Film Studies” program at a local university. Though many professionals come from these programs, it’s important to note the style of writing required for a film critic job hinges on the review . 

A guide to a film critic job

A movie reviewer’s job is to deem whether or not the film is entertaining enough to be seen by a widespread audience, not whether or not the film itself was “artful.” 

Film analysis is different than what’s typically required of movie critic jobs

The day-to-day of a movie critic job, what’s a typical day for a movie critic.

Similar to many other writing-centric jobs, no two days often look the same. Movie critics are often invited to “Sneak Preview Screenings” where they’re able to watch a movie well before it premieres, or are sent an online link to stream the movie at home. 

Sometimes, they attend film festivals like Sundance and Cannes, where they’re able to review both future blockbusters and independent films. Sometimes, they can be called on as a go-to film critic “guest” on popular radio stations like NPR and KCRW.

In the modern tech age, a lot of movie critics supplement their work for major publishers with their own personal movie-centric podcasts or blogs. Amy Nicholson is a full-time critic but she also co-hosts a movie podcast with comedian Paul Scheer called Unspooled where they reexamine older films.

Paul Scheer and Amy Nicholson co-host a film-themed podcast called “Unspooled”

Movie critic salary, how do movie critics get paid.

Figuring out the typical income of a professional movie critic is reliant on a number of factors: level of experience, the publication that they work for, and their geographical location. 

For example, a movie critic living in New York City or Los Angeles where attending press events in person may be pertinent to their job success may net a higher income than a movie critic living in Columbus, OH.

HOW TO BECOME A MOVIE CRITIC

So how much do movie critics make.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate for a movie critic is $26/hour, with the lowest being $7.93/hour and the highest being $47.60. 

Top earners might expect $75,000/year while the average is around $53,000/year.

HOW TO GET STARTED

How to become a movie critic.

Becoming a movie critic does not focus on one specific path. As mentioned earlier, some movie critics start their career path by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.

Regardless of where you start, learning about the history of cinema and studying the nuances between film reviewing and film analysis will strengthen your chances of being successful.

What does a movie critic do and how do they write a review?

Often, recruiters for this type of job consider an applicant’s portfolio of previously written work. Gain experience and establish your voice as a movie critic by writing film reviews for publications such as school newspapers, personal blogs, or recording your own podcast. 

If eligible, seek out internships at places like media outlets or film festivals to not only get a sense of the next wave of filmmaking, but to sharpen your skills in how you discuss these works.

The History of Film, Explained

From photographic techniques to the Pre-Code era to Film Noir. What does a movie critic do? Become an encyclopedia for film history, styles, and more. Brush up on our comprehensive history of film eras below.

Up Next: Film History 101 →

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How To Become A Movie Critic In 6 Simple Steps [In 2024]

Learn how to become a movie critic with the right skills and three different paths to your career goal, from freelancing to a full-time job.

Key Takeaways

• Movie critics analyze and review films, sharing insights without revealing spoilers.
• Strong writing skills and film industry knowledge are crucial for quality critiques.
• Career options: traditional job, freelancing, or starting your own review blog.
• Earnings range from $5 per review to $213,000 annually, depending on experience.

For film aficionados, it's easy to get invested in a movie, no matter the genre.

You love the genius of unexpected plot twists and celebrate the classics that inspired the films we see today.

Perhaps you even love bad movies, if only because it excites you to figure out where the story line really went wrong.

When you know how to become a movie critic, the hours you spend watching and analyzing movies can completely pay off.

Much like music albums, Broadway shows, and restaurants, movies are constantly being reviewed by critics all around the world.

Professional film reviews are in demand among thousands of consumers who want to know whether a movie is worth their time before they purchase a ticket for a two-hour experience.

As a result, you have the opportunity to turn your everyday film criticism into extra cash — or even a full-time work-from-home job .

This article will guide you through what it really takes to become a movie critic and show you three routes you can take to reach your goal.

Movie Critic Job Description

The role of a professional film critic is to give their audience an overview of a movie and its quality — always without any spoilers.

Film critiques traditionally take the form of a written article, though it's become increasingly common for movie reviews to be presented in videos and even podcasts in our multimedia-driven world.

No matter what type of content you're creating, you should expect to go beyond your personal opinion to create the most high-quality criticism possible.

Most professional movie critics keep their reviews consistent by creating a set ratings system that considers factors like cinematography, screenwriting, acting, and more.

A movie critic's day-to-day may involve more than watching and reviewing movies.

In most cases, you'll find yourself working with editors or clients to select movies that are relevant for your print or online publication's audience.

As your reviews gain traction, you may start working with publicists to gain access to press previews, so your audience can learn more about a movie before or immediately upon its release.

Movie Critic Job Requirements

Before you become a movie critic, you'll need to be fairly knowledgeable about the film industry and the filmmaking process.

This will help you identify the different elements of a film — from plot development to art direction — and be as objective as possible when determining their strengths.

For many movie reviewers, watching plenty of films with close attention to detail, especially the award-winners and industry-changers, is enough to get familiar with the makings of a good or bad movie.

However, some may choose to get a formal degree in film studies, though this is rarely required.

On the technical side, it's an absolute must to have great writing skills.

Even reviewers who mainly work with audio or video recording equipment and editing software will need to be good writers to put together scripts for their content.

Because of this, many film critic job listings require four-year journalism or English degrees — though there are ways to become a movie critic without college.

How Much Do Film Critics Make?

The average salary of a movie critic is over $42,000 per year . The full range of average earnings varies from over $10,000 to over $213,000 per year.

However, because of the many routes that you can take as a film critic — from being a part-time reviewer with a TV segment to a full-time writer with a dedicated column — this salary can fluctuate a lot.

For a more exact look at how much you can expect to make, you can look at the average income for the specific type of movie critic you want to be.

On-screen critics tend to earn the most while writers for print publications often make under $30,000 per year .

There's still a lot of fluctuation when it comes to the earnings of freelance writers , who can make anywhere between $5 and $200 per review.

Ultimately, your salary depends on the type of reviews you create, how much time you expect to spend in your movie criticism gig, and how much experience you have.

How to Become a Movie Critic: 3 Options

As you now know, there are many ways to review films nowadays with many forms of media readily available to consumers.

Similarly, the path to becoming a movie critic is never set in stone.

No matter your background, there's a good chance you can earn extra money by reviewing movies.

1. Apply for a Job

The most traditional route that professional movie critics take is applying for a part-time or full-time job, whether it's a writing job or an opportunity to be a live personality for a TV or radio station.

This route comes with the biggest barriers to entry, typically having set experience or education requirements.

If you want to gain a traditional entry-level job, there's a good chance you will need a four-year degree or, at the very least, some internship or related work experience.

More often than not, your employer will ask for samples of your work, professional references, or a portfolio so they can best assess your aptitude for the job.

Applying for a movie critic job is a great path to take if you want to quickly gain a large following, as the media outlet you work for will already have subscribers or a dedicated audience.

However, you may not have as much flexibility with your schedule, ratings system, or your writing style.

You can find both in-person and remote movie critic jobs on sites like Indeed and LinkedIn.

2. Become a Freelancer

Because many local and online media outlets don't need full-time movie reviewers at hand, freelancers are quite common in this field.

While you don't need any prior education to become a freelance movie critic, you will likely be required to have a strong portfolio of your work.

To get your work published, you can start small by submitting your film reviews to local publications or smaller companies that accept movie reviews.

As you begin to grow your portfolio and your credibility, you can start pitching to larger media outlets that can pay more for your work or apply to ongoing freelance gigs that you may find on standard job listing sites.

When you're a freelancer, developing a relationship with editors and publicists is key to finding ongoing work.

You'll also find it helpful to build your personal brand and online following, as having a large audience reading, listening to, or watching your reviews can make your work even more desirable to potential publishers.

3. Start Your Own Blog

If you want to be your own boss and set your own deadlines, you can consider creating your own film review blog to get complete control over your work.

This will allow you to decide what movies you want to watch and review.

Plus, you’ll earn 100% of any money you make from ads or sponsorship.

However, this is the most difficult route to take if you want to make money online fast.

You'll have to learn how to start a website, create your social media channels, and market yourself to build your following.

For aspiring multimedia movie critics, you'll also have to create a YouTube channel or profile on your desired platform.

Once you get to the point where your blog is monetized, it will likely still take a while before you can turn your movie critiques into a full-time job, if that's your goal.

As long as you're willing to put in the effort, starting your own blog has virtually no job requirements, lowering the barrier to entry, and provides an enormous amount of flexibility.

It's an excellent way to make extra cash while fulfilling your passions — writing reviews the way you want to instead of following someone else’s rules.

Turn Your Passion into a Career

Being a movie buff can absolutely become a great side hustle or a full-time career as long as you refine your writing skills and film expertise.

Whether your goal is to have a stable job, land flexible freelance gigs, or monetize a blog that's completely your style, your path can lead you to the point where you’ll finally be making money by watching films.

If you're a sharp writer interested in all things pop culture, you don't necessarily need to limit yourself to movies.

There's no one way to learn how to become a movie critic, so this is a great opportunity for a little creativity in your career journey.

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How to Become a Movie Critic

Have an educated opinion about movies. .

I don't know about you, but I spent the majority of my youth watching Siskel and Ebert, Leonard Maltin, and scanning IMDb to see what movies I should watch over the weekend. I would scan the Arts & Entertainment section of the Philadelphia Inquirer to see who got four stars and beg my parents to take me if what I wanted to see got a good write-up.

Thanks to all that reading and watching, I learned a lot.

Film criticism is not just fun to read, but it's an amazing skill to have, especially if you want to work in Hollywood. It can teach you how to speak about the things you like in films. You can learn lessons about what you would want to add to your films, and just have a conversation with people.

We've covered some film theory on this site before, but today I want to focus on criticism.

But how do you become a film critic? And how do you learn how to talk about films in an educated way when making an argument on whether or not it's good?

Let's talk about it.

Want to Learn How to Become a Movie Critic?

Are you the person your friends go to before Rotten Tomatoes? Maybe a career in film criticism is right for your future.

As we mentioned before, it’s not about “good” and “bad” but having a breadth of knowledge that allows you to compare a movie/TV show to the pantheon of entertainment that came before it. You have to analyze character and plot development, performance, cinematography, directing, editing, and writing.

You can comment on how the lighting changes the tone. Or how the director’s control of the edit makes the movie too long, too short, or just right. Or you could even make a YouTube channel where you blow all that up and focus on nitpicks.

Film criticism is really about trying to figure out if the film accomplishes what it set out to do.

So where do you learn movie critic skills?

You can develop them in college by taking courses on analysis in film and literature. You can even get a degree in journalism. If you don't want to make this your concentration in school, you can spend some time reading as many different critics as you can. No matter what, you need to learn to be a good communicator and have a natural curiosity about the world and work.

Then, no matter if you got to school or not, you have to sit down and actually write some reviews. Take notes as you watch the films and really dig into the symbolism, meaning, and themes. Write an opening that draws them in and come to a conclusion that's fair and balanced.

You should write lots of reviews, and if you are serious about becoming a critic, maybe start your own website or try to submit to magazines or newspapers that take them. Make sure you read the briefs from these sites so you know you're writing in the style accepted by them.

As you get published or self-publish, you'll begin to get a portfolio that you can use to get other work.

The Three Kinds of Movie Critics

An amateur critic self-publishes their work and usually makes no money from them. Sometimes they make their own YouTube channels where they dissect and pick apart cinema and all the little details.

They do it for the love of movies, but if they begin to hone and market their skills to make money, they can quickly move into the next section of criticism.

2. Journalistic

I qualify all paid critics or people who make money from their criticism as journalistic critics. These are the critics whose opinions we pay to hear. They're Roger Ebert, Amy Nicholson, and Justin Chang. They're people hired by magazines, TV channels, and websites to watch movies, interview actors, go to festivals, and bring us a lot of information about films and filmmaking.

3. Academic

Think about the film professors you had in college or graduate school. They write books, get published in journals, and typically do deeper analyses of movies, not just whether or not they are good. Academic criticism focuses on the film’s importance, how it reflects on real-life events, and its place within film history within its respective genre.

People can work in all three of these sections or multiple at once. A journalist could write an academic deep-dive book, or an academic could run a movie review website. But these are just the categories I see.

If you want to join the ranks, listen to this advice from Siskel and Ebert.

Summing Up How to Be a Movie Critic

Hopefully, all this information helps you set off on your course toward film criticism. If nothing else, it gives you something to debate at parties and something to talk about with your friends.

Who are some of your favorite film critics right now? Who are some of the people you most respect?

I'd love to hear about them in the comments.

• 'Blind Film Critic' Tommy Edison Talks About Colors & Dreams ›
• What Was Going to be The Plot of Tarantino's 'The Movie Critic'? ›
• Do Film Critics Need Filmmaking Experience? John Cleese Thinks So... ›

Public Domain Stories and Movie Ideas

It's time to get free ideas for your screenplays..

If you’re like me, you’ve heard the words “It’s in the public domain,” and wondered...but what is the public domain? What qualifies as being a public domain idea?

With Hollywood so dependent on I.P., or intellectual property, the public domain has never been more important to your screenplay than it is right now. Public domain stories can give you a leg up on the competition. It gives executives something to hang on to and lets them see a way to market your movie.

That’s why in today’s post, I’m going to take you through the public domain definition, public domain books, public domain poetry, and how you can use the public domain to brainstorm your next screenplay for film or television.

Let’s get started because who doesn't love free stuff!?

First Off, What Is the Public Domain?

The definition of public domain is a little hard to suss out. Basically, we define public domain as materials that are not protected by intellectual property laws. This would include copyright, trademark, or patent laws.

What the public domain meaning states is that these un-copywritten things belong to the public.

According to Stanford , There are four common ways that works arrive in the public domain:

• the copyright has expired
• the copyright owner failed to follow copyright renewal rules
• the copyright owner deliberately places it in the public domain, known as “dedication,” or
• copyright law does not protect this type of work.

Anyone is allowed to use public domain works in any way they see fit.

Today we’re going to focus on public domain books, public domain poetry, and other public domain stories that might help inspire your next movie or TV show.

Public Domain Books

Perhaps you’re a fan of movies like Aladdin , or Alice In Wonderland , or even Frankenweenie ! While these are all original riffs, they’re still based on classic novels and legends in the public domain.

What makes these ideas marketable in Hollywood is that they are based on topics everyone understands. Ever wonder why we get so many Robin Hood and King Arthur movies?

It’s easy to make a trailer for a film where everyone is familiar with the characters. Even if you have a riff on it, it still is easy to recognize when it comes time to buy tickets.

To understand which books are fair game, first, you have to understand some public domain laws. Public domain books include any work published in the United States before 1923 or works published before 1964 for which copyrights were not renewed.

Every year that goes by, we gain another public domain year. So when we hit 2019. We’ll have everything from 1924.

If you’ve got a favorite book that’s approaching the end of its copyright, make sure to put it on your calendar so you don’t miss it!

But what about the copyright laws in 1964? How do they affect public domain books?

Many public domain books had their copyrights expire before 1964, because the authors or publishers did not renew the works. The owners of these books had to file a renewal with the Copyright Office during the 28th year post-publication.

If they didn’t do that, we got a public domain book.

If you’re looking for a public domain book published after 1977, there’s a simple rule. The copyright will not expire until 70 years after the author’s death. If a book had multiple authors, we have to wait until the longest living author dies for the 70-year countdown to begin.

Now that you know all the rules, let’s examine some public domain books that have turned into successful film and television.

Public Domain Book Examples

As I mentioned earlier, it’s impossible to talk about public domain books without mentioning King Arthur and Robin Hood movies we get every year.

I still think the Disney Robin Hood is the best one. Those foxes were cool.

But we get lots of public domain books that turn into movies every year. And lots of them are from the same public domain book... The Bible .

The bible is responsible for movies like Noah , Exodus , The Prince of Egypt , The Passion , T he Nativity Story , and even John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar .

And there are thousands of other untapped stories inside.

The Bible is a great public domain book because the stories are not only part of the cultural lexicon, but faith-based movies make a ton of cash right now .

And the Bible is a veritable public domain database.

Don’t forget the Quran, Torah, and the Bhagavad Gita! I bet you didn't know The Legend of Bagger Vance was based on the Bhagavad Gita. Go impress your friends!

If you’re not interested in what religious books have to offer (commercially or spiritually), the complete works of Shakespeare are up for grabs. And you don’t even have to take his dialogue.

Movies like O, 10 Things I Hate About You , and Throne of Blood all use Shakespeare as an inspiration and create original stories out of his structure.

And it’s not just movies - some public domain books, like Grimm’s fairy tales, have gone on to be incorporated by popular shows like ABC’s Grimm .

Fairy tales are always extremely popular. Be it Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, and legends like Werewolves, Frankenstein, and also all rife with possibilities.

So how can you decide what public domain book to pick?

Take a page from the most successful movie studio of all time, Disney .

Disney lives on public domain books.

Forbes included this list of the FIFTY top grossing Disney movies based off public domain books. 1. Adventures of Huck Finn (1993) based on Mark Twain's book (1885) Revenue = $24.1 million (revenue figures listed where available - based on wikipedia data). 2. Tom and Huck (1995) based on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (1876) 3. Aladdin (1992) from a folk tale in One Thousand and One Nights (1706) Revenue = $504 million 4. Alice in Wonderland (1951) based on Lewis Carroll's book (1865) 5. Alice in Wonderland (2010) based on Lewis Carroll's book (1865) Revenue = $1.02 billion 6. Around the World in 80 Days (2004) based on Jules Verne's book (1873) Revenue = $72.2 million 7. Atlantis (2001) from the Legend of Atlantis (Socratic Dialogues “Timaeus” & “Critias” by Plato ~360 BC.) 8. Beauty and the Beast (1991) by G-S Barbot de Villeneuve's book (1775) Revenue = $425 million 9. Bug’s Life (1998) from Aesop’s Fables Revenue = $363.4 million 10. Cinderella (1950) from Charles Perrault's folk tale (Grimm’s Fairy Tails) (1697) Revenue = $85 million 11. Chicken Little (2005) from the folk tale Revenue = $314.4 million 12. Christmas Carol (2009) from Charles Dickens (1843) Revenue = $325.3 million 13. Fantasia (1940) scored and based on Bach, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven & other classical compositions (however, “ The Rite Of Spring” was licensed) Revenue = $83.3 million (22nd highest-grossing film of all time as adjusted for inflation) 14. Fantasia 2000 (1999) Revenue = $90.9 million 15. Frozen (2013) from Hans Christian Anderson’s Ice Queen (1845) Revenue = $810.3 million 16. Hercules (1997) from the Greek myth Revenue = $252.7 million 17. In Search of the Castaways (1962) based on Jules Verne novel (1868) Revenue = $21.7 million 18. John Carter (2012) based on A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs (1917) Revenue = $284 million 19. Kidnapped (1960) by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886) 20. Little Mermaid (1989) by Hans Christian Anderson (1837) Revenue = $211.3 million 21. Lt. Robin Crusoe U.S.N. (1966) based on Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (1719) Revenue = $22.5 million 22. Mulan (1998) from the Chinese Legend of Hua Mulan Revenue = $304.3 million 23. Oliver & Company (1988) based on Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens (1839) Revenue = $74 million 24. Return to Neverland (2002) based on Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (1904) Revenue = $109.9 million 25. Pinocchio (1940) by Carlo Collodi (1883) Revenue = $84.3 million (39th highest grossing box office gross as adjusted for inflation) 26. Pocahontas (1995) from the life and legend of Pocahontas Revenue = $346 million 27. Princess and the Frog (2009) from the Brothers Grimm folk tale The Frog Prince Revenue = $267 million 28. Return to Oz (1985) from L. Frank Baum’s books (When original Oz film was made it was under copyright. Disney purchased rights to all the books. But when Return to Oz was made it had entered the public domain.) 29. Rob Roy the Highland Rogue (1953) based on the Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott (1817) 30. Robin Hood (1973) from the English folk tales Revenue = $87 million 31. Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010) from the poem by Johann Goethe (1797) Revenue = $236.9 million 32. Snow White (1937) from the Brothers Grimm folk tale (1857) Revenue = $416 million (10th highest grossing film as adjusted for inflation) 33. Sleeping Beauty (1959) from the Charles Perrault folk tale (1697) (also with music/characters from Tchaikovsky’s 1890 ballet) Revenue = $51.6 million) (31st highest grossing film as adjusted for inflation) 34. Swiss Family Robinson (1960) by Johann David Wyss (1812) Revenue = $40 million (83d highest grossing film as adjusted) 35. Tangled (2010) from the Brothers’ Grimm fairy tale Rapunzel (1812) Revenue = $591.8 million 36. Tarzan (1999) from Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs (1914) Revenue = $448.2 million 37. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) based on the Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving (1820) and Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (1908) 38. The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) from Victor Hugo’s Book (1831) Revenue = $325.4 million 39. The Lion King (1994) from Hamlet (1603) and inspired from a 1960s Japanese animated series called Kimba the White Lion Revenue = $987.5 million 40. The Jungle Book (1967) by Rudyard Kipling (1894 copyright, movie released just one year after copyright expired) Revenue = $205.8 million (30th highest grossing film with inflation) 41. The Jungle Book (1994 live action version) by Rudyard Kipling (1894) Revenue = $43 million 42. Three Musketeers (1993) by Alexandre Dumas (1844) Revenue = $53.9 million 43. The Reluctant Dragon (1941) based on the story by Kenneth Grahame (1898). 44. The Sword in the Stone (1963) from the Arthurian Legends Revenue = $22.2 million 45. Treasure Planet (20002) based on Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (1883) Revenue = $109.6 million 46. Muppet Treasure Island (1996) based on Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (1883) Revenue = $34.4 million 47. Treasure Island (1950) based on Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (1883) 48. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) by Jules Verne (1870) Revenue = $28.2 million 49. White Fang (1991) by Jack London (1906) Revenue = $34.8 million 50. White Fang 2: Myth of the White Wolf (1994) based on book by Jack London (1906) Revenue = $8.8 million

That's a LOT of cash coming in from the public domain!

As you can see, public domain books and legends are incredibly fruitful for your brainstorming. But what if you want to get a little artsy?

How about checking out some public domain poetry?

Public Domain Poetry Examples

Poetry takes all shapes and forms. Public domain poetry lives by the same rules as public domain books, so if you’re looking for a great archive, check out this one with over 9000 public domain poems , from Poets.Org.

It’s easy to forget that epic poems like the Iliad and Odyssey were the most famous stories for the majority of human history.

They also turned into films like Troy and O’ Brother Where Art Thou ?

Mulan is based on a Chinese poem. Robert Zemeckis’ Beowulf is based off the epic of the same name.

Even the movie Braveheart is based on an epic Scottish poem.

While it’s a little harder to place public domain poetry examples in TV shows and movies, you can gain inspiration anywhere.

Public Domain Resources

The public domain is a vast resource, and it can be hard to page through all the many items available to inspire you.

One of my favorite sources to find out about works in the public domain is Project Gutenberg . They’re an incredible company on a mission to make all sorts of projects available to the average citizen once the copyright is free and clear.

Their site hosts 46,000 e-books, a treasure chest of free material that waits to be adapted.

Their catalogue might inspire your next brilliant screenplay.

Think about titles like Tom Sawyer, Moby Dick, Jane Eyre , and every fairy tale and legend.

Another excellent source is the Digital Public Library of America . The library catalog covers 1.6 million items and is easily searchable for keywords and phrases. So if you’re looking for something specific, it’s much easier to find public domain ideas.

So let’s recap everything we’ve learned about the public domain.

Summing Up The Public Domain

The public domain definition covers all works where copyright has expired. It’s a great way to get intellectual property to make your screenplay or teleplay more attractive to buyers.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t pursue original ideas, but it should inspire you to see how you can riff on what’s come before you to help make your story pop, and help it sell. Everyone loves an original idea, but sometimes you need a little fuel to go along with the spark.

I’m excited to see what you find in the millions of articles, books, myths, and even songs in the public domain.

Put your public domain search to the test!

I’m excited to see where it can take you.

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What Education Do You Need to Be a Film Critic?

Various college studies can help boost your career as a film critic, but there are no exact standards required for the job. Film critics write reviews for online publications, websites, newspapers and magazines. Good speaking skills along with writing talent add to your credentials if you want to review film for television, radio or online video. IndieWire stressed the importance of writing original film critiques that reflect your unique voice and perspective.

Hone Your Skills

No matter what your educational background, you can try your hand at film criticism if you have a love of movies. It's possible to find instant success as a movie critic through your own website or posting reviews on various online outlets that have large readerships. The internet provides growing venues for movie criticism with new movie sites being established all the time.

If you enjoy reviewing movies, you can test your film critic skills online and take advice or even criticism from the feedback. However, taking courses that involve writing and reporting will polish your skills.

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Job description of a music critic, singing career facts, what are the advantages & disadvantages of becoming a movie director, how to become a research analyst for books and movies, what major do i need to study to be a cartoonist, take film critic courses.

Courses in journalism, English, communication or broadcasting play a crucial role in becoming a film critic. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in these areas gives you an advantage when seeking future employment with online or print publications and radio or television stations. Because film criticism does not have standard educational requirements, your experience plays a vital role in learning about how to review film.

Get a head start by participating with school publications and media at your college. You could look for positions as a writer, editor or film critic to get valuable feedback. This could lead to an internship with local newspapers or radio and television stations.

Major in Film Studies

Many schools, such as Boston College offer film critic courses and majors, which include film criticism, to help you become active in the media and visual communication industry. Studies explore the influence and history of films. Courses encourage students to widen their understanding of the arts through art history, theater and communications. Landing a film critic internship can be an invaluable experience.

Film subjects may include the classical period, filmmaking, art and digital technology, screenwriting, and film criticism and theory. Learning about film provides you with a better understanding of the art when reviewing films. A bachelor's degree in film studies might appeal to journalism or broadcasting employers, who value your knowledge of film for reviews.

Obtain On-the-Job Training

You might have to start with an entry-level position for a newspaper, radio or television station or online publication after graduating from college, but this is also part of your education. Many critics began as reporters, feature writers or even weather announcers.

You have to get your foot in the door some way and gradually convince editors or managers that you have the background to handle film reviews. You may not start out as a film critic, but your background in your chosen courses and experience writing reviews on your own strengthen your chances to enter the journalism or broadcasting industry and review movies.

Movie Critic Salary

Entry-level film critic jobs do not pay particularly well. According to Salary.com, freelance movie critic jobs often pay less than ​$1​ per word. Some aspiring film critics earn a modest living writing blogs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lumps film critics with writers and authors who make a median annual salary of ​$63,200​ per year, as of May 2019. The top 10 perecent earn upwards of ​$122,450​, but the bottom 10 percent earn no more than ​$33,660​.

• Boston College: Major in Film Studies
• Salary.com: Drream Job: Movie Critic
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Writers and Authors
• IndieWire: Six Ways to Launch a Career as a Film Critic

Becoming a Film Critic: Expert Tips for Success

• Published: July 11, 2023
• By: Yellowbrick

Film criticism is a field that has been around for as long as movies have been made. Film critics are responsible for providing insightful and compelling reviews of movies that help audiences decide whether or not to watch a particular film. If you’re someone who loves movies and has a passion for writing, then becoming a film critic might be the perfect career for you.

In this article, we’ll discuss what it takes to become a film critic, the skills you need to develop, and some tips for success in the field.

What is a Film Critic?

A film critic is a journalist who writes reviews of movies for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. Film critics are responsible for analyzing and evaluating movies, and then sharing their opinions with the public. They often attend movie screenings and film festivals to get a first-hand look at the latest movies.

Film critics have a significant impact on the movie industry. A positive review from a reputable critic can help boost a movie’s box office sales, while a negative review can hurt a movie’s chances of success.

Skills Required to Become a Film Critic

To become a successful film critic, you need to have a passion for movies and a love of writing. You should be able to analyze and evaluate movies critically and objectively. You should also be able to communicate your opinions in a clear and compelling way.

Other key skills required to become a film critic include:

• Knowledge of film history and theory: To be a successful film critic, you need to have a deep understanding of film history and theory. This includes knowledge of different genres, directors, and film movements.
• Attention to detail: Film critics need to pay close attention to the details of a movie, including the acting, cinematography, script, and editing.
• Strong writing skills: Film critics need to be able to write clearly and concisely, with a strong command of language and grammar.
• Time management skills: Film critics often have tight deadlines, so it’s important to be able to manage your time effectively.

Tips for Becoming a Successful Film Critic

If you’re interested in becoming a film critic, here are some tips to help you get started:

• Watch a lot of movies: To become a film critic, you need to watch a lot of movies. This means watching movies from different genres, time periods, and countries.
• Read film criticism: Reading film criticism from established critics can help you develop your own critical voice and perspective.
• Write regularly: To become a successful film critic, you need to write regularly. Start a blog or contribute to a student newspaper to gain experience and build your portfolio.
• Attend film festivals: Attending film festivals can help you stay up-to-date on the latest movies and network with other film critics and industry professionals.
• Build your online presence: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is important for any aspiring film critic. Build a website or social media profile to showcase your work and connect with others in the industry.

Key Takeaways

Becoming a film critic requires a passion for movies and a love of writing. To be successful in the field, you need to have a deep understanding of film history and theory, strong attention to detail, excellent writing skills, and good time management skills.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in film criticism, consider taking the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the film and TV industry, including film history, theory, and criticism. It’s a great way to gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful film critic.

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How to Build a Career as a Film Critic

 Are you passionate about film and want to turn your passion into a career? Being a film critic is one of the most sought-after jobs in the entertainment industry. It requires you to have an understanding of the art form and its history, as well as an ability to write engagingly and critically about it. But how do you get started?

Here’s a guide on how to build a career as a film critic. 

If you’re looking to gain more experience, make sure you don’t miss our funding contests! Learn more about winning up to $10,000 for your film project, here .

Tip 1: Write Your Own Reviews 

One of the best ways to break into film criticism is by writing reviews yourself. Start by writing reviews for films that are available for streaming or rent, then post them on social media or submit them to local publications. The more reviews you write, the more practice you will get in crafting your critiques with clarity and precision. Not only that, but you may even gain some recognition from friends and family who read your work!  

But wait.. how do you write your own reviews?

Writing film reviews for a blog can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just a casual movie-goer, sharing your thoughts and opinions on the latest releases can be a great way to connect with like-minded people and express your creativity. Here are some tips on how to write a great film review for your blog:

Start with a brief summary:

Begin your review with a short summary of the film. This should include the title, director, main cast, and a brief overview of the plot. This will give your readers an idea of what the film is about and help them understand your review in context.

Share your opinion:

After you’ve given a brief summary, it’s time to share your opinion. Be honest and clear about what you liked and didn’t like about the film. Avoid giving away any major spoilers, but be specific about what worked and what didn’t. Make sure to support your opinions with specific examples from the film.

Consider the technical aspects:

As you’re reviewing the film, don’t forget to consider the technical aspects. This includes things like the cinematography, sound design, and editing. If you have knowledge or interest in these areas, be sure to include your thoughts on how they contributed to the film.

Connect with your readers:

Your readers are looking for more than just a dry summary of a movie. They want to know how the film affected you personally, and how it might affect them. Try to connect with your readers by sharing your own experiences and emotions, and by providing insights that will help them understand the film better.

Conclude with a recommendation:

Finally, wrap up your review with a clear recommendation. Should your readers see this film or skip it? Make sure to explain your reasoning and be honest about your overall impression of the movie.

Writing a film review can be a fun and rewarding experience, and by following these tips, you can create a review that is both informative and engaging for your readers. Remember to be honest, specific, and connect with your audience, and you’ll be sure to create a successful film review for your blog.

Tip 2: Stay Up To Date on Movies

It’s important for any aspiring film critic to stay up-to-date with current releases, both at the box office and in the independent circuit. This means watching movies regularly, researching what others are saying about them, and being aware of upcoming movies that may be worth reviewing. You can also take advantage of free screenings or discounted tickets at cinemas so that you can watch as many new releases as possible without breaking the bank. 

Tip 3: Get Professional Experience 

Having professional experience is essential if you want to become a successful film critic. Reach out to publications or websites looking for freelance writers who specialize in movie criticism—this could be anything from reviewing mainstream blockbusters to writing think pieces about obscure indie films. You can also get involved with film festivals as a judge or volunteer; this will give you valuable exposure within the industry and allow you access to exclusive content like filmmaker Q&As or screening panels that other critics wouldn’t be able to attend otherwise.  

But if you’re starting out, how do you find the time to build your experience? How can you afford to shoot your own films? Well, that’s where we can help! Don’t miss your chance to enter our filmmaking competition – all it takes is one sentence describing your documentary or narrative short! With up to $10,000 available for winners, this is definitely worth your time! 

Conclusion:

Building a career as a film critic requires dedication and hard work—but if done right, it can be incredibly rewarding. Writing your own reviews helps hone your craft while staying up-to-date on current releases keeps you informed on what’s happening in the world of cinema today. Finally, gaining professional experience through freelance gigs gives you valuable connections within the industry that can help launch your career as a successful critic even further – enter our filmmaking competition now for your chance at up $10K towards making your own cinematic masterpiece! All it takes is one sentence describing your documentary or narrative short! Enter now!

Jett Hayes is a digital marketing strategist. He specializes in growth marketing, advertising campaigns, and digital optimization. If you're looking to grow your business online, check out his website: Jett-Hayes.com

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How to become a film critic (or not)

It’s the 30th comment in a “ he said, she said ” post about the ridiculous Armond White v. J. Hoberman “kerfuffle” (that seems to be the most popular term for describing it) — a beautiful defense of film criticism itself by the estimable F.X. Feeney :

The whole scrimmage that’s been set up between internet critics and print critics operates on a false premise — the idea that somebody is actually going to win this contest. Speaking as one who has, at best, eked a marginal living in the racket since 1980 (I have no 401K to defend against the likes of Harry Knowles, and never have) I would like to point out that James Agee sets the standard NOT because he wrote “for print,” but because he WROTE, period. Film Criticism at its best is nothing more or less than the practice of literature. A humble corner of literature, to be sure — but talent, depth of comprehension and communication are the arbiters of what’s good and true. They always were, always will be. The topic is fleeting, and today’s insight wraps tomorrow’s fish, but the abiding joy comes of saying what you’ve experienced so truthfully and so well that strangers get your meaning whether they agree or not.

We’re in a transitional period, right now. The internet gives us the freedom to write at length, if we need to, and gives our readers the freedom to be merciless and click away if we grow fuzzy, dry or tedious. Good! That it no longer provides even a marginal living may prove a test of true love, and artistry — we can only hope.

This is something we’ve been talking about on this blog since it started in 2005, but more eloquently expressed than usual. And as David Bordwell writes (in response to this ) at his blog, film criticism is always dying, never quite dead.

But, David says, criticism takes many forms (reviewing being only the most familiar). What matters is not so much taste, or passion, or even writing style — but an ability to combine information and ideas:

A critic of lasting value offers a vision of cinema, of the arts more generally, of society or politics or something beyond the individual movie. For Sarris, the key idea was directorial authorship. For Parker Tyler, it was the idea that popular culture spasmodically threw up surrealistic material. For Farber it was the prospect that the studio system nurtured films, or moments, that hinted at speed, harshness, and darkness. Sontag clung to hope that cinema could carry on the program of post-World-War-II modernism. For Ebert, it’s centrally the belief that cinema can yield humane wisdom that forms a guide for living. Beyond our shores there were Arnheim, Bazin, Eisenstein (yes, he wrote film criticism), the Cahiers and Positif crews, and many more. Their powerful and provocative ideas yielded new ways to think about any movie. Last year I moderated an Ebertfest panel consisting of a dozen or so critics. A student from the audience said he wanted to be a critic too. Instead of advising him to get into a more financially rewarding form of endeavor, like selling consumer electronics off the back of a truck, the panelists encouraged him. This form of altruism, in which you help people to become your competitor, is alarmingly common in the arts. A moderator doesn’t get to talk much, so I couldn’t respond. What I wanted to say was: Forget about becoming a film critic. Become an intellectual, a person to whom ideas matter. Read in history, science, politics, and the arts generally. Develop your own ideas, and see what sparks they strike in relation to films.

When I started writing about movies, it was because I loved to write and I loved movies. It sure as hell wasn’t because I thought it was a career path. I expected to be a writer of some kind — definitely for newspapers and magazines, and in other literary and dramatic forms, as well. But I didn’t set out to be a “film critic,” I became one by watching a lot of movies, studying them, and writing about them. Meanwhile, I also studied literature, philosophy, drama, linguistics, journalism, psychology, botany, sociology, history, biology…

For the first seven years of doing it (in alternative weeklies, monthlies and on radio), if I got paid at all it was $10-$20 per review or article. I bring this up only to emphasize what both the writers above are saying: The ideas have to come first, then the writing. Anything after that is gravy. In the past, the biggest problem was how get your stuff to an outlet where it could be published. Now you can publish yourself worldwide on the Internet, and the remaining problems are still the same as they’ve always been: How to get readers to notice it, and how to make money doing it.

While movies have always been a popular form of entertainment, film criticism has always addressed only a tiny fraction of that audience — people who want to read about or think about or discuss movies with someone other than their immediate family and friends. That hasn’t changed.

(tip: Keith Phipps )

Jim Emerson

Jim Emerson is the founding editor of RogerEbert.com and has written lots of things in lots of places over lots of years. Mostly involving movies.

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How to Become a Film Critic: Career Path & Responsibilities

• Posted on April 1, 2023
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When people think of careers in the film industry, their minds go to acting, directing, producing, theatre management, and other renowned jobs. However, there is more in the industry that people are not talking about. For instance, film critique is an outstanding, creative, and lucrative career. It is worth noting that film critic jobs have been popular since the early 1900s when they first surfaced and have continued growing. 

Film critics are essential to the film industry and movie lovers. They help actors, movie producers, and other industry stakeholders understand people’s impressions of the movie. Furthermore, film critics help movie lovers analyze a movie and give them more profound insight into it. Also, they help people know which films to watch, why to watch them, what to expect, and which movies not to see. 

Of course, they are not allowed to give spoilers and do not use their opinion to shape watchers’ feelings about a particular movie. However, a good movie critic can help people know if a movie is worth their time and other resources. 

The importance of film critics to the film world has made the profession a worthy topic of discussion. Hence, we have collaborated with experts from job aggregator Jooble to discuss how to become a film critic and their responsibilities. 

How to Become a Film Critic: Step-by-Step Guide

The journey to being a film critic is defined. You do not need to attend university to get a degree in film-making or criticism. However, a university degree is usually required. Also, you need some experience and skills to get the reputation you need to become a renowned critic in the film industry. 

Getting the necessary education is the first step toward becoming an accepted film critic. Although it is not obligatory to have a degree, it is essential to have one. You can use your degree in any field to transition to film criticism. However, you should take some humanities and literature courses to acquire more knowledge. 

It is best to start building your experience right from the moment you decide to pursue a career in the profession. Watch movies, and read critiques from expert critics. Also, you can freelance as a writer or work in a related field to get the necessary knowledge. 

There are some skills required in movie criticism. They include research skills, analytical skills, writing skills, communication skills, etc. It is important to hone and develop these skills before starting work. 

After completing some projects, it is time to start building your portfolio. Collect samples of the freelance jobs and jobs you did during your internship, and put them on a blog. You can also use your social media platform as your portfolio.  

Now that you have started as a movie critic, forge on and keep growing. Keep networking within society and make your presence known. With time, you can explore other fields in the industry, such as acting, writing, producers, and directors. There is no time to stop growing in the film industry.

What Are the Duties of a Film Critic?

Many people think the duties of a film critic are to see a movie once and give their opinion on it. However, film critique goes beyond that. You have to put in a lot of hard work before starting the critique journey. 

Below are some of the duties of a film critic: 

Watching Films of All Genres

Do you like watching movies? If yes, great! You have the first thing it takes to be a great movie critic. However, if you are the type that selects the kinds of movies to watch, it can be a problem for your film critique career. One of the significant duties of a movie critic is to watch different genres of movies. Also, watching movies more than once is necessary to pick essential parts from them and understand them thoroughly. 

Taking Notes of Important Details about a Movie

Film critics do not just watch movies─ they note vital things about the movie. That is to help them remember when they want to make a comprehensive note later. Although you may enjoy watching the film so much that you forget to jot it down, it is essential to intentionally decide to note important things about the movie in review. After all, there is a limit to what the brain can take. 

Taking Note of Technical Details

Not only are you tasked with noting details about the film’s plot, but you also need to note the technical part. Is the resolution good enough? How about the lighting? Is the editing work well-done? You also need to take note of the audio, shots, color, and camera angles to ensure that they are appropriate for the film type. 

Reviewing and Analyzing Movies

Now that you have watched and noted significant details of the movie, it is time to review it. You can now leverage the background knowledge gained from research and education. You can also consider the trends in the movie industry, the reaction of people to the latest movies, and ideas that are coming out every day. 

Attending Film Events

Another duty of a film critic is merging with the film industry. Attending film events is a significant way to meet and mingle with people in the sector. For instance, you are bound to meet many actresses, producers, and other stakeholders at a movie festival. Also, attending smaller events like movie launches, premieres, etc., makes it easy to network with moviemakers. 

Interviewing Film-making Cast and Crew

There is always an author’s perspective in every literary work. Many people may not detect this perspective until the author reveals it. Therefore, it is always important to hear from the authors of a literary work. In this case, you need to interview the writers of a film to get their perspectives. You can ask the director to know why they tilted the movie in the direction it was produced. Also, hearing from the actors and other crew members will help you learn their views and why they interpreted their roles in the movie the way they did. 

Film critique has grown in leaps and bounds since the days of Frank E. Wood, the first acknowledged film critic. However, due to technological advancement, the profession is growing exponentially. The demand for professional film critics is increasing, and you can explore it to make some dough.

Jooble — is a global product-based IT company which operates in 69 countries. Company’s product is a job search website with more than 90M monthly users.

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What is a film critic and how to become one

A film critic is a professional who watches and evaluates films, offering their perspective to the public. They attend press screenings of new releases and write reviews, often with a unique and engaging voice. Film critics may also conduct interviews with cast and crew members, as well as cover other aspects of the film industry such as celebrity news and Hollywood events. Some film critics may also review other forms of media, such as video games, music, and books. They may contribute to newspapers, magazines, or online publications, and may even appear on radio or television programs. In addition to writing reviews, film critics may also analyze the cultural impact and artistic merit of films.

How long does it takes to become a film critic?

It typically takes 4-6 years to become a film critic:

• Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as film studies, journalism, or communications.
• Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience in reviewing films, developing a critical voice, and building a portfolio of work.

Avg. Salary $80,326

Avg. Salary $59,228

Growth Rate -10 %

Growth Rate 0.3 %

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.29 %

Asian 9.53 %

Black or African American 6.24 %

Hispanic or Latino 12.28 %

Unknown 4.35 %

White 67.30 %

female 18.77 %

male 81.23 %

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00 %

Asian 7.00 %

Black or African American 14.00 %

Hispanic or Latino 19.00 %

White 57.00 %

female 47.00 %

male 53.00 %

Stress level is high

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life balance is very poor

Film Critic career paths

Film critics can explore various career paths. Many become writers or editors, while others move into production roles as producers. Some may also transition into managing or directing roles in editorial or media relations.

Key steps to become a film critic

Explore film critic education requirements, most common film critic degrees.

Bachelor's

Master's

Start to develop specific film critic skills

A film critic needs to be able to review and critique new releases, conduct interviews with the cast and crew, and generate online traffic using social media. They must also be able to write concise and engaging reviews, often within tight deadlines, and contribute to editorial meetings. They may also participate in radio shows, cover local news and events, and write feature stories and essays.

Complete relevant film critic training and internships

Research film critic duties and responsibilities.

Film critics attend press screenings and review new releases. They also conduct interviews with the casts and crews of major motion pictures, and contribute analyses of films and their cultural impact. They often utilize social media to generate online traffic for their content, and may also contribute to weekly columns, feature stories, and literary journals.

• Report to managing editor as member of editorial staff, contribute to newspaper editorials.

Prepare your film critic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your film critic resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a film critic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Film Critic Resume templates

Apply for film critic jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a film critic job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Film Critic Job

Are you a Film Critic?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average film critic salary

The average Film Critic salary in the United States is $80,326 per year or $39 per hour. Film critic salaries range between $47,000 and $137,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

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Film critic reviews.

Voicing my honest opinions and actually being listened too

When other people dont take this job seriously

Updated June 25, 2024

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The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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How To Become A Film Critic: An Interview With Rob Ager

Rob Ager: As a child I was introduced to a lot of quality films by my father. I was six years old when VHS players had not long come on the market and we were one of the first families in our neighborhood to get one, but VHS owners were limited to just recording things off the TV, commercials and all, for playback. Video stores came along later. The idea of studying a film before that would have been extremely limited because people relied on broadcasts to watch things, not that I was into film analysis that early, but in the following years VHS allowed me to re-watch movies and TV shows and become familiar with subtleties other than mere plot points. My father also allowed me to watch a lot of very adult themed movies from an early age. I was seven when we rented our first two video cassettes Alien and The Shining . Sure I was dreadfully underage, but my father would always watch these movies with me and offer explanations for what would otherwise be beyond my comprehension. It was very educational.

I became interested in short story writing by the time I was about 10 years old, though the inspiration came from movies rather than books. At that age I didn’t even know what a screenplay was, but was always writing from a cinematic position. At around age 13 I saw a documentary on The Making of Aliens. This was the first time I’d ever really paid any attention to what a film director does and it sparked my interest in wanting to be a director, but not being from a privileged background (in fact being caught up in a very down-trodden part of Liverpool with very high unemployment, crime levels, and terribly run state schools) going to university was out of the question.

After leaving high school I struggled for a few years and had to sort of re-educate myself and re-invent my life from scratch. From there I got a job making graphics for video games then moved into the field of social care.

Although film making had never taken off for me as an aspiration, technology suddenly opened the door in the form of digital video and PC video editing software. I was in my late twenties at the time. By then my experience in social care related lines of work, and all the hundreds of psychology books I’d read during that time, had given me enough confidence and organizational skills to get the ball rolling. So I made a few short films (TV episode length shorts rather than 5 minuters) before encountering the creativity-suppressing, politically motivated brick wall that is British film funding. From there I veered into making film analysis videos and articles, which wasn’t so much a conscious choice, but rather a happy accident. In the process of studying the works of my favorite directors I’d noticed a few things that I’d never heard talked about and which I felt ought to be common knowledge.

NYFA: You were one of the first internet-based movie critics and also helped pioneer the video movie critique. When did you first start publishing your own reviews and how has the online critical landscape evolved since you began?

RA: It was around early 2007 that I posted my first couple of film analysis videos—they were about A Clockwork Orange and The Shining . For reasons that baffled me at the time, both of those videos received mainstream coverage, though very negatively, in Wired magazine. The Wired writer considered my first two videos somewhat harmful or dangerous and put himself forward to defend the public against being misinformed by my work. I followed up with videos on Alien , 2 001: A Space Odyssey , Cape Fear , Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, and Scorsese’s remake of Cape Fear , but Wired didn’t bother trying to attack my work again. Meanwhile YouTube subscribers were signing up by the thousand and the videos were generating a ton of online discussion and debate. It was very clear, even after the first two videos, that I’d tapped into something that was controversial and for which there was a largely uncatered audience. A couple of years in my work started getting a lot of positive media coverage, especially when the documentary Room 237 came out, even though I didn’t take part in that film.

As for the evolvement of other online film critics using the video narration format, it seems that a few different niches have been identified and tapped into. Plenty of people do straight reviews of new movies in the traditional sense and reach a lot of people, but the content is little different to what’s already present in reviews found in newspapers and magazines. Red Letter Media put a lot of effort into their stuff and have reached a larger audience than I have, but it often involves attacking bad films rather than praising good ones so doesn’t overlap much with my work. RLM’s sense of humor is very important to their fan base, but my audience seem to be more interested in a sober, almost academic, approach—which is great, but sometimes frustrating because offline I have a bizarre sense of humor too, which I inevitably suppress in my videos (actually I’ve taken to encoding subtle jokes in my videos as a compromise).

There are also a handful of video-based film critics who keep their identities anonymous and some of them reach a lot of people, but I find the anonymity is often understandable because of the poor quality of the critiques, inefficient editing, perceptual bias, and tendency toward over-emotive statements. So far I’ve encountered little from other online critics that I’d consider to be “competition,” so to speak.

NYFA: You spent over fifteen years in social work. How did that experience color the theories and over-arching philosophy you apply when analyzing films and filmmakers?

RA: During those years I met and worked with schizophrenics, the homeless, pedophiles, poverty-hardened teenagers, abused children, ex-cons and so on—thousands of people. Rather than just observing, my job usually involved dealing with these people’s behavior and belief systems—sometimes in violently threatening situations and very often involving lies, manipulation, and pathological denial. You have to keep track of a lot of information in those situations—familiarizing yourself with people’s subconscious habits and environmental triggers, which lends itself quite well to studying human behavior as represented in movies. So a lot of subjects that I talk about in film analysis are things I’ve experienced or observed many times in the real world.

NYFA: What is the guiding theory behind your film criticism? (For example, do you believe that a director, like Stanley Kubrick, is completely intentional in how they compose a scene and thus every element can be analyzed for symbolic value?)

RA: My guiding theory is to gather information first and then form an opinion based on the patterns that emerge from that information. That may seem obvious, but the world is full of people, even in academia, who do it the other way around. Some film makers put incredible depth in their work, but most don’t. Stanley was one of a rare breed in terms of his range of themes and attention to detail. His films are like huge detailed canvases, while a lot of other films are like tiny framed, botched imitations of things already painted better by previous artists. That’s not to say absolutely everything is intentional in a Kubrick film. Even the great master painters made mistakes, but in the same way that every square centimeter on a canvas painting can contain significant detail, there isn’t a single element of the film making process in which metaphors cannot be included. Everything is open to scrutiny.

NYFA: You often focus on what others would consider to be the minutiae of a film to reveal a greater truth. What is it about this method that you believe helps you uncover a greater truth? How do you feel this method fits into the tradition of film criticism?

RA: I don’t think it fits much into the tradition of film criticism because I don’t see a lot of method there. A lot of film reviews and critique are just hasty opinions formed from instinct without any effort in information gathering or even basic note taking during the course of watching a movie. That works well for telling readers whether they might commercially enjoy a particular movie, but it doesn’t work for getting beyond obvious plot lines in any way that is convincing or informative. Basically the issue boils down to the literal verbal (explanatory dialogue, which carries most plot points in movies) versus verbal innuendo (dialogue with hidden or double meaning) and non-verbal communication (visuals and non-dialogue sound). It’s very well known, even to the general public, that most human communication is non-verbal. So naturally, that’s the case in movies as well, even those that have straight, one dimensional narratives. My job as “film analyst” is to put words to those facets of communication that are normally missed or only experienced subconsciously by the audience and often even by the film makers themselves.

NYFA: You also work as an independent filmmaker, having completed a trio of short films and the recent horror feature Turn in Your Grave . How does the film making pursuit differ from the role of the film critic? How does your experience as a film critic inform your decisions as a filmmaker?

RA: Mostly I’d say my experience as a film maker informs my film analysis / critique, rather than the other way around, though in the course of writing film analysis I have learned a few tricks from Lynch, Kubrick, Hitchcock, and other greats which then affected me on set. As a film maker you sort of have to be a critic anyway, attempting to anticipate how your creative decisions will affect the feelings and opinions of the audience. At the same time you have to sometimes go ahead and do something that you know the audience will initially dislike in order to get certain points across or to challenge them in some way. I went all out when shooting Turn In Your Grave to create a film that would challenge the viewer’s assumptions about movies on many levels and which would demand the viewer play detective. As a result I find people have strong reactions to the film ranging from fascination to unease and frustration. Even if it’s the only feature I ever make, I’m happy with it because I can honestly say it’s original and represents a personal vision on film. But making a feature film is expensive and extremely time consuming—at least a hundred times more so than making a film analysis video. So, unless the British film industry is radically altered to facilitate creativity and filmmakers with a personal vision, I’ll be continuing mostly with film analysis as a cheaper, but still wide-reaching alternative…unless I end up leaving the country.

NYFA: What led you to work within a genre like Horror that tends to have a pretty established structure in terms of how a story unfolds? Did you see working in such a codified genre as somehow liberating or were you trying to find a certain freedom within the structures?

RA: A lot of my film analysis videos are about horror films, which can be misleading. Horror isn’t necessarily my film viewing preference, partially because it’s so rarely well done, but it is a genre which, along with sci-fi and fantasy, provides a means through which deeper aspects of the human psyche can emerge and be collectively experienced consciously. Narratives that are bound by the perceived rules of everyday reality can be quite restricting in that the film makers spend an inordinate amount of time trying to create something that is “realistic” rather than interesting and stimulating. Turn In Your Grave isn’t actually a horror film, although it does intentionally wear that mask. It’s more like a potent bad dream in which subconscious thoughts surface and play on you for days after you’ve woken up.

NYFA: When it comes to directing your own films, what role do you see the director playing? As someone who often conducts a symbolic reading of film, do you find working within a genre as a means to exert complete symbolic control over the elements in your films?

RA: The director role varies. It can mean window dressing something in which all the true creativity derives from the script and most of the aesthetics are decided by technicians. Or at the other end if the director has been involved in the script writing and personally gets involved in guiding the technical tasks of all the crew members and the editing process then he becomes the creative driver. I’ve only directed using the latter approach.

As for genres, all of my films have been mixed pieces, as in they initially appear to be of a certain genre, but subtly morph into another genre or two. I have watched some films that attempt to abandon all genre conventions and simply hit the audience with something outside of their normal experience. David Lynch’s more bizarre films Eraserhead and Inland Empire do this, but they’re also, for many viewers, his least accessible films. Many people simply switch off those two films mid-way through because they can’t relate to them, but with Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet Lynch took the wiser step of giving the audience an initial genre narrative that they could relate to. He then, through the course of those films, eased the audience gradually into unfamiliar realms, primarily involving dream logic. That approach works in most forms of communication. A shrink is able to get more far reaching results by stepping into the world of the patient first, occupying that world with the individual for a while (provided it isn’t too physically dangerous), and then gradually introducing perceptual elements that lead the patient to a more pleasant, truthful, and resourceful place. Good movies do that too.

NYFA: What would you say has been the secret ingredient in gaining a wide audience for your film criticism videos?

RA: Communicating from a truthful place, especially in areas where it’s unfashionable to do so. In a world that is drowning in lies and denial, truth is a powerful and underestimated commodity (in many ways much more powerful even than money).

NYFA: Do you have any parting words of advice for aspiring film critics looking to make a name for themselves online? Any essential writers or critics that you feel every aspiring critic should be familiar with?

RA: Yes, spend some time soaking up the articles and videos at my website www.collativelearning.com (biased recommendation of course). There’s only one other independent online film analyst / critic I recommend at the moment and that’s Darren Foley (known on YouTube as foleyd87 ). I’ve actually only seen a few of his videos, but they were enough to earn my recommendation.

Advice for aspiring film critics…

1) Keep your language simple and to the point. A great many film critics try to pepper their articles with unnecessary pseudo-intellectual jargon or trendy buzz words, catch phrases, and verbal clichés. If you want to write poetry then write poetry, not film critiques.

2) Be your own harshest critic. After writing or editing something, look for ways to tear it apart conceptually before finalizing and publishing it. If you don’t find the flaws in your arguments, your audience will certainly do it for you.

3) Your real life experiences are as important as your love of films. Get some good, character building life experiences under your belt. Only then will you have something truly personal to say about other people’s movies or to express in movies you write or direct.

4) Work hard!!! Creating a thorough film analysis video or article requires a lot of advance information gathering about your chosen film topic, a strong knowledge of video editing, a lot of writing practice, and a lot of time. Most people, including myself, don’t have a lot of free time so if you’re really serious about it then you’ll have to make some sacrifices in other areas like getting drunk less often with your friends, playing less computer games, or watching less sports.

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• Home: Explore careers

Film critic

Alternative titles for this job include film reviewer, movie critic, film writer.

Film critics analyse films and produce reviews and articles for newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, social media channels and websites.

Average salary (a year)

Typical hours (a week).

Variable variable

You could work

freelance / self-employed flexibly

How to become

How to become film critic.

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• short training courses

You can do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• film studies
• creative writing
• film and television

Courses like these will help you to develop the analysis and writing skills you'll need as a film critic.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you'll need for this job. Relevant courses include:

• A level Film Studies
• Level 3 Diploma in Journalism

You'll need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role by starting with a higher apprenticeship like a junior journalist or a senior journalist, before specialising in film reviewing and criticism.

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering

Competition for jobs is strong, and you'll need to show you've got writing experience. You'll find it useful to keep examples of your published work in a portfolio.

To develop your experience and reputation you can:

• write for student and local newspapers
• create your own blog and build an online presence on social media
• submit articles to online film review channels and websites
• post video reviews online and produce podcasts

Other Routes

You may be able to do short courses, which could help you to develop your critical writing skills, as well as expand your knowledge of film and different genres.

Short courses are offered by some colleges, adult education centres, university film departments. and film organisations online. Courses include:

• film criticism
• history of cinema
• journalism skills
• cinema from other countries

It’s important to develop your own critical writing style and build up a good reputation to establish yourself as a film critic.

Career tips

You’re likely to be self-employed or work freelance as a film critic, especially when starting out, and be paid per review. Some critics write about other media, for example TV, plays and books, to supplement their income.

Further information

You can find out more about creative industry careers from Discover Creative Careers and ScreenSkills .

You can find more general information about working and training in journalism from the National Union of Journalists and National Council for the Training of Journalists .

What it takes

Skills and knowledge.

You'll need:

• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent written communication skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

What you'll do, day-to-day tasks.

In this role you could:

• watch films of all genres, often several times
• make notes about scripts, music, storylines and influences
• look at technical details like camera angles, lighting and editing
• submit reviews by strict deadlines
• build up contacts with film-makers, agents and distributors
• attend film festivals, talks, previews and press conferences
• interview film-makers, actors and production staff
• research archival information about films and film-makers
• keep up to date with critical theories

Working environment

You could work at events, at a venue, from home or in an office.

Career path and progression

As an established film critic, you could combine your job with writing books on film, editing, or teaching criticism on film courses. You could also work in film archives.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships in england, sports journalism apprenticeship (simon greenberg scholarship).

• Wage: £25,000 a year Annually
• Location: London

Courses In England

Film studies.

• Provider: SAMUEL WHITBREAD ACADEMY
• Start date: 04 September 2025
• Location: Clifton
• Provider: SACRED HEART CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
• Start date: 01 September 2025
• Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

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