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 Writing About Film: An Overview of the Market

Introduction

When it comes to writing for the film industry, there are dozens of ways to
approach the field. The first type of film writing most people think of is screenwriting,
and this can certainly be an exciting prospect. The average salary of screenwriters is
usually higher than that of other types of writers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, screenwriters earned a mean wage of $106,160 in 2013, compared to more
general writers who earned $69,250 on average. However, this pay can hugely differ
depending on the type of screenplay and how many you submit.

Learningpath.org cited the Writers Guild of America as noting that stories for
30-minute television programs earn around $8,000; stories and scripts together earn
around $24,000; non-original screenplays earn between $56,000 and $104,000; and
finally, original screenplays for theatrical films could earn anywhere from $64,000
$120,000. So, although the high end of a screenwriting salary is decent, it takes a
constant stream of high-quality screenplays mostly for films that will be released
theatrically. In reality, breaking into and finding success in screenwriting can be
exceptionally difficult.

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 Luckily, writing for film expands way beyond writing the films themselves.
Writers can write about what happens in a specific film, how the film is made, their
opinion of the film, how the film affects society, and more. They can also take a broader
approach and write about trends in filmmaking or events in the film industry. From
reviews and summaries to essays and articles, there is much to be said about the world
of film.

With that in mind, there are many avenues today for publishing. Newspapers,
magazines, and journals are three places where film content is primarily published. The
type of content that is published depends on the nature of the publication. Some of these
are mainstream, where anyone interested in entertainment and media can find value.
Some are trade publications, primarily for film enthusiasts. Others are professional,
where the work is written for film scholars and academics.

In my report, I will discuss the three areas of the market mentioned above:
mainstream, trade, and professional. I will more closely examine the nature of these
areas, and the types of publications with which these areas commonly correspond.
Within each section, I will also talk about the main genres of film writing that are
published in those places. Finally, I will discuss tips and strategies for breaking to the
film journalism market. People who write about the film industry have several
occupational titles such as film journalist, film critic, film reporter, etc. While these
occupations are all slightly different, their definitions are not crucial to my report, so I
will be using the term film journalism to refer to the general group of people who write
about the film industry.

For those interested in pursuing a career in film journalism, it is important to

have knowledge about the market at hand. If writers are educated about the different
genres in film publishing, they can decide which ones they would like to write. From
there, with their knowledge about the market and which types of publications that
associate with which area, those writers can determine which avenues are best to follow
and hopefully be more confident to pursue a career in writing for the film world.

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 Part One: Market Research

Area One: Mainstream Market

What is it?

The word mainstream is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as the ideas,

attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; the dominant trend
in opinion, fashion, or the arts. If one were to apply this to publications, then they
would be those that discuss conventional topics and trends in a more general fashion.

According to Weber State University, there are certain criteria that can help
distinguish between different levels of the market. Rather than a publication specific to
film, a film journalist working for a mainstream publication would find herself
publishing for the general public, a wider audience mostly of nonprofessionals. The
purpose of the publication would be to promote, entertain and generally inform the
audience about film, television, celebrities, and other aspects of the entertainment
industry.

Genres

In mainstream publishing, some common genres are movie reviews, profiles and
interviews, film news, and film summaries. There may news about the film industry,
celebrity coverage and general interest articles. This list is not exclusive, and some
topics could easily be combined. The content published in mainstream media is not
typically as intellectual or complex as that in other market areas, and the jargon is suited
for a more general audience. Again, the work is read more for entertainment than
scholastic value.

Publication Types

Mainstream film writing is most commonly found in newspapers or magazines.

Local papers, national, and everything in between will publish content about film. Local
newspapers may disclose what films are being played at the local film, as well as

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freelance movie reviews and summaries. National newspapers might discuss box office
information, such as how much money film makes in their opening weekend.
Mainstream magazines may provide more in-depth information about particular films,
including interviews with directors and actors who are involved in them. They can be
printed on glossy paper, with glossy color photos, and have eye-catching covers. Their
articles are usually written by freelance writers and journalists, and sometimes
credentials are not even provided.

Publications to Know

Cineaste Magazine Entertainment Weekly Variety Magazine

Area Two: Trade Market

What is it?

Unlike in mainstream media, trade publications are designed and geared for a
specific industry. These are also called niche publications. There are trade publications
about film, and even the different aspects of film, such as screenwriting, directing,
cinematography, etc. Film journalists who write for trade publications often write for
film enthusiasts, or even people who work in the industry, according to Weber State
University. The audience may also contain those who are looking for employment. The
purpose of the publication is to provide news and updates on the industry, keep
professionals informed on events, and contribute more practical knowledge than what
you would find in a mainstream publication.

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 Genres

As the subject matter becomes narrower in a publication, the genres of film

writing become more specific. In trade publications, one might find film criticism, script
analysis, and reviews of film-related books. According to an online resource from the
Hunter College Writing Center, as part of the City University of New York (CUNY),
writers could analyze film history, film composition, or genre composition.

With film history, they could discuss how the film is a reflection of historical
events, or perhaps how they influence historical events. With film composition, writers
analyze the formal structure and composition of a film, such as camera techniques and
shot sequences, and convey how those parts contribute to the film as a whole and
communicate its story or theme. With genre composition, writers classify films based on
particular genre conventions with similar characters, narrative structures, and themes,
and categorize them as musicals, science fiction, film noir, etc. Writers focus on
particular elements of the film that are common to a specific genre, and discuss how
they are used in the film to communicate that genre.

Publication Types

Trade publications will most commonly be presented as magazines, both online

and in print. These are often printed on glossy paper, and they may include color
pictures. The content is usually written by specialists or experts in the film industry, or
at least those with experience. Unlike with mainstream publications, the author
credentials are mostly provided with the information.

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 Publications to Know

American Cinematographer Boxoffice Magazine Film Comment

Area Three: Professional Market

What is it?

Of the three market areas, professional publications are the most specialized.
Weber State University states that their content is published for researchers, experts,
professionals, and scholars. Professional film publications are written by film scholars,
educators, and otherwise academics. The purpose of these publications is to explore
existing film theory, present ideas, add to research, and guide future research. Even
more than trade publications, the jargon is technical and specialized for those in the
field.

Genres

The main genre found in professional publications is film theory. At its writing
center, CUNY examines the different aspects of this. It includes ideology, which
examines the ideas behind the film and its message; national cinema, which analyzes the
film's identity and reflection of its country of origin; and auteur theory, which explores
how films can be characterized and recognized by their directors. Writers also
contribute research, discussion, and extensive references.

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 Publication Types

Professional publications are mainly scholarly or academic journals. According to

CUNY, they usually include graphics such as graphs, charts and tables. They are printed
on plain paper, with plain covers, and they may contain some color, primarily on the
cover. With the content, credentials are always extensively provided.

Publications to Know

Film Quarterly Cinema Journal Framework

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 Part Two: Breaking into the Market

-Interview with film critic Thelma Adams by Susan Kouguell on NewEnglandFilm.com-

Susan Kouguell: How did you break into writing film reviews?
Thelma Adams: I wrote film reviews for the Daily Bruin at UC Berkeley as an
undergraduate. I wrote a review for the school paper on Remember My Name, directed by
Alan Rudolph, when I was getting an MBA, and people said I was good. It wasnt until I was
working in arts administration and film reviews were not reflecting the womens world that I
started, at my husbands suggestion, writing for the local Chelsea (New York City) newspaper
and other small local papers. There was no money in it, the editor told me. I paid for the
films myself. It was so hard to get on the critics list. I wrote reviews after work, and kept
writing. Sometimes the checks from those newspapers would bounce. I went to Columbia to
get my MFA, and I already read the New York Post and I got frustrated with what I was
reading and I would send my quips to all these places. I kept knocking on doors. The Village
Voice, New York Times, Daily News, and finally the New York Post opened the door slightly
and I put my foot in it and I wouldnt let go.

I learned the secret of being a movie critic: everyone has opinions about movies, and
a lot of people could write one or two movie reviews but few could write more than that
weekly. I found that I had a voice, and a consistent point of view.

Do You Need a Film Degree?

According to Work.Chron.com, a website by Demand Media, there is no exact

degree or standards required for the job. However, coursework in English, journalism,
broadcasting or communication can be very significant. It can provide an edge for
employment over those who dont have that schooling. Still, experience is one of the
most crucial aspects. You can get this experience through your school by participating in
school publications, where you can get feedback for your work. From there, it could
possibly lead to an internship.

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 After School, Where Should You Start?

Since the three areas of the market can be thought of as levels, it is best to start
with level one. This would be mainstream publications, such as magazines and small,
local newspapers. The simplest genre to start out with is a movie review. Paul
Armentauno of Writing-World.com has some helpful ideas to consider. First, think
local. While you may not begin writing for a scholarly film journal, there is plenty of
opportunity for local newspapers and magazines. Many local newspapers depend on
freelance writers, often amateurs. You can write movie reviews for whats playing in
your area. The work will pay little, if anything, but it will give you experience and build
up your portfolio and credibility. Another helpful option to consider is becoming a
freelance film journalist.

Freelance Writing

According to Work.Chron.com, a site by Demand Media, freelance writers

develop original stories and articles for books and other print publications, movie and
TV productions, and websites. They can work from the security of an office, the
comforts of home, or anywhere, really. The website cites the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
saying that in 2010, around 68 percent of writers in the U.S. were freelance writers.

Freelance work is on the rise today, according to a contributor on

WriterAccess.com who wrote an article discussing freelance writing trends in 2014.
Within the next six years, she wrote, The Intuit 2020 Report predicts that 40 percent
of the entire labor force in the United States will be comprised of freelance workers.
Further, 40 percent of all freelancers are in the writing field as writers, editors, or
copywriters. This 40 percent includes film journalists, especially those who are
beginners.

The Demand Media website stated that in 2011, freelance writers on average
earned around $97,300 per year, or $46.78 an hour. It also referenced the 2011 Writers
Market which discussed some rates that freelance writers received when pursuing
individual projects. A column in a consumer publication (such as a mainstream film
magazine) made $75 to $2,500 per column, with an average earning of $898.

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 Advice for Breaking into the Market

Criticwire is an online magazine for film critics. Last year, it gave a survey asking
for critics to give advice for those who want to become film critics. Here were some
responses:

Learn to write. Movie geeks are a dime a dozen. Interesting writers are not.

- Scott Weinberg, Twitch / Movies.com

Dont fall into the trap. See movies in cinemas whenever you can.

- Anne-Katrin Titze, Eye for Film

Read. Read the great critics. Read fiction. Read non-fiction. Whatever you read,
it will improve your style, knowledge base, and genre vocabulary. A great writer
reads great writers.

- Brian Tallerico, HolleywoodChicago.com

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 Basically, it seems that some of the best things you can do are to read a lot, write
a lot, and watch a lot of movies. You also need to be passionate about what you do,
because the work will be hard. If you persevere though, it will be well worth it in the end.

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 Bibliography

Armentano, Paul. Lights, Camera, Action! How to Get Paid to Write about Motion

Pictures. Writing World. 2004. Web. 20 Jan. 2015.

Becoming a Screenwriter: Job Description and Salary Information. Learning Path.

N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2015.

Hunter College Reading and Writing Center. Writing Across the Curriculum:

Writing about Film. New York City: The City University of New York, n.d. PDF.

I., Jenna. Freelance Writing Trends in 2014: Looking to the Future. Writer Access.

N.p., 11 Jan. 2014. Web. 8 Feb. 2015.

Kouguell, Susuan. A Five Star Interview with Film Critic Thelma Adams. New

England Film. N.p., 28 Jan. 2013. Web. 8 Feb. 2015.

Locson, Aurelio. The Average Pay Rates for Freelance Writing. Work. Demand Media,

n.d. Web. 8 Feb 2015.

Mainstream. Oxford Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Feb 2015.

Screenwriter: Responsibilities, Outlook and Requirements. Education Portal. N.P.,

n.d. Web. 8 Feb. 2015.

Shaw, Jerry. What Education Do You Need to Be a Film Critic? Work. Demand Media,

n.d. Web. 8 Feb 2015.

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Singer, Matt. The Criticwire Survey: Advice for Aspiring Critics. Criticwire. Indiewire,

24 June 2013. Web. 8 Feb. 2015.

Stewart Library. Scholarly vs. Popular vs. Trade Publications. Ogden: Weber State

University, n.d. PDF.

Why Commissioning Editors Choose Freelancers. DWPub Newsroom. N.p: n.p, n.d.

pag. Web.

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