Becoming a film critic is more than just a hobby; it’s a legitimate career path that combines passion for cinema with insightful analysis. Film critics play an important role in shaping public opinion, guiding audiences to the best films, and offering unique perspectives on various aspects of filmmaking.
While many view it as a side pursuit, film criticism can be a full-time profession that brings in steady income for those who build their expertise and establish a following. Whether through traditional publications, online platforms, or personal blogs, film critics have multiple avenues to turn their passion into profit.
Here’s a closer look at how film critics earn money, what it takes to become one, and why it’s possible to make a career out of sharing your love for movies.
Film Critics Earn Money!
It’s entirely possible to earn money with film criticism — ask film critics! Even though many believe it’s simply a hobby. While this assumption may be partially correct, as most critics start from a place of personal interest, it is indeed possible to turn this hobby into a paying career.
Being a film critic involves an immense amount of knowledge and media consumption, often stemming from a genuine love for cinema. Critics usually begin by consuming vast amounts of film, motivated by their passion. However, with the right approach, this hobby can evolve into a sustainable profession—many individuals make a living by critiquing films.
What are their sources of income?
Income sources vary. Consider Roger Ebert, arguably the most prominent film critic of all time and the first that comes to mind in the world of film criticism. Long before Internet 4.0 and the rise of monetization across multiple channels, Ebert had a website that was one of the most-visited in the industry. He regularly updated it with his respected reviews and opinions, earning income through advertising. Additionally, Ebert authored multiple bestsellers—essentially collections of his freely available reviews.
Looking at more recent critics, many have found ways to monetize their craft by building platforms around it. The Nostalgia Critic, for example, is a film reviewer with a comedic twist who created a website where he hosts not only his own content but also that of other video reviewers and various media materials.
In the end, it all comes down to focusing on your unique perspective and craft. Write quality, valuable, and original reviews. With consistency, you can build an audience, and once you have a following, various monetization opportunities can arise.
For instance, if your film reviews start gaining traction, you could explore partnerships with theater ticket sellers or other related businesses. Opportunities like these can help you monetize your growing influence.
Finding a niche
It might be difficult to cover all aspects of cinema on your own, and finding an audience interested in every type of film may be challenging. That’s why selecting a niche could be beneficial.
Ask yourself: Do you enjoy every genre? Are you deeply interested in every facet of cinema, from behind-the-scenes materials to box office stats to final cuts? Likely, the answer isn’t yes to every single one aspect, which is why it’s better to focus on one specific area.
Consider specializing in reviewing horror movies, romantic comedies, or another genre you are passionate about. Choose something you can cover thoroughly and with quality, rather than spreading yourself too thin.
Remember, to gain credibility and success as a critic, you need to deliver quality criticism.
Is it possible to do it ethically?
In recent years, critics have faced scrutiny due to scandals involving paid reviews. While this issue has affected video game criticism more significantly, it has also impacted film criticism, creating a sense of skepticism around the field.
It’s essential to know that you don’t have to resort to unethical practices to succeed. While some critics may have ‘sold’ their opinions, tarnishing their careers in the process, you always have the choice to uphold integrity in your work.
How to start as a film critic? How do film critics start?
Becoming a film critic isn’t a straightforward path for those motivated solely by profit. While there’s nothing wrong with aiming to make money, succeeding as a critic requires genuine enthusiasm for films, reading, and writing. If financial gain is your only motivator, there are many other career paths with a more predictable financial return.
As basic as it sounds, a good film critic watches a lot of films. But it’s not just about watching—it’s about analyzing, understanding, and identifying details in cinematography, acting, and editing that define a film’s quality. To build a solid foundation as a critic, you need extensive references, which come from consuming a diverse range of media. This enables you to craft well-supported arguments and insightful critiques.
Many people mistakenly believe that simply enjoying movies qualifies them to review films. However, enriching your cultural perspective will allow you to provide more substantial commentary that resonates with readers.
Getting your platform running
If you’re just starting, you need a platform to share your reviews. This choice largely depends on the format of your content—if you plan to produce video reviews, YouTube is the primary platform to grow an audience on the largest video-sharing site globally.
For text-based reviewers, consider creating a blog using WordPress. This way, you’ll have a personalized space where you can grow your audience and even monetize your site over time. You might also begin by sharing your content on platforms like Medium or Letterboxd, where film critics often connect with a niche audience. These platforms can help you gain followers who may later transition to your own website or YouTube channel.
So, what are you waiting for? If you think you’re ready to start sharing your thoughts with the world, start producing your reviews. With dedication, you could eventually turn your passion into a profitable venture!