To be fair, the title is referring
to how quickly I went from not really pursuing writing reviews for
film, to being a critic for a popular review outlet. In a way I have
been working towards it for years by being a writer and filmmaker,
but at the same time it feels like it just happened in a flash.
All it took was reading a post on
Twitter from OCmoviereviews.com saying they are looking for writers. A sent an email with samples of my work and a brief pitch for why I
would be a good addition to their team. Within two days I was
writing for them and feel happy to share great movies that may be
overlooked. That was my way in, that was my reason for wanting to do
this. If you want to do it for the glory or the perks, that will
most likely not be a good experience. If your heart is not in it,
the work will suffer. So that is the first tip:
- Figure out why you should be writing reviews.
Another good example would be
saying, I am a filmmaker and I would like to bring that perspective
into my analysis. That was something I said in my email, that is a
unique perspective, it is something of value that you have to offer. I wrote and directed a suspense movie called Cam-Girl which is
available on Amazon DVD and multiple VOD platforms. Yes, part of my
incentive for writing reviews is to get more exposure for Cam-Girl by
making that part of my bio. Also, do not get me wrong, the perks of
getting a press badge for a film festival or seeing movies in advance
for free is great, it just should not be the primary thing that motivates you. The
other thing I had going for me was I have been blogging for around
three years.
- Have strong samples of your writing.
These should be movie reviews, not
short stories or poems. They need to know you can do the job and
writing reviews is a different kind of discipline. I had some movie
reviews I wrote for this blog, most of the posts I make here are helpful (at least
I hope) guides for writers and indie filmmakers. Of course, I only
sent the link to the review posts and the link to a review show I
made with my friend and Editor Curtis Norton on YouTube. It has good production value for
being a YouTube review show. It is called VS, you can watch it here:
My purpose for writing these blog
posts was also to spread word about our movie, because these days
filmmakers need to create a steady stream of engaging content that
subtlety promotes the thing you are trying to sell. In other words,
you are giving valuable information or entertainment for free, in
exchange for the hope people respond to your ask, whatever that may
be. The point is, when opportunity knocks, you need to already be
prepared to answer the call. I never intended these blog posts to be
writing samples, but I am sure glad I had them.
- Define your voice as a critic.
As soon as you can, land on a
writing style for your reviews. The same can be said for any writing
type. Review writing can take many forms, it can be straight forward and
analytical or it can be causal, like having a conversation with the
reader. You could add details about your film going experience or
tell how some of these movies relate to you on a personal level. Whatever style you end up, it should be something you embrace, it
should feel like it chose you.
The voice is what makes the
writing fun, it is your signature. In my case I write reviews with an organized structure, yet it is also free-form, like a
conversation but also give my thoughts on it as a filmmaker. I never
give entirely negative reviews, because every finished movie is a
victory, a major accomplishment. Also, I am well aware that cinema,
as with any art form is open to interpretation. You may find aspects
of a movie to be a fault, while your reader will see it as a strength.
- Learn the rules of the format.
Once I knew I had the gig, I asked my contact at the company what length the reviews were expected to be, how often a new review should be written and what their editing process is like. These things are all very important and can vary from one media outlet to another. For example, will they want you to list the other movies the actors you mention are associated with or will they fill that in? Those other titles are important because they are extra search tags that can bring more traffic to the web site. Also, they might want to pick what other movies are mentioned so they can link to other reviews found on their site. Will they want you to send photos that would go well with the review? Should you have an author bio at the end?
- Share, enjoy, rinse and repeat.
Celebrate the movies you are proud
writing about, share those reviews on your social media and with
people you meet in the real world. It feels good don’t it? Well
you earned it. Remember reaching the end of any review is an open
invitation to discover a new movie and write another. My reviews on OCmoviereviews.com can be read here. Thanks for reading, I hope this encourages you to write, watch a movie or even share a story with a friend.
Curt Wiser is an author and filmmaker, he Wrote and Directed the suspense movie Cam-Girl.
