We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Use your love of film and critical ability to review films
- Develop your own critical writing style with experience
- You could combine this work with writing books, editing, or teaching
As a film critic, you'll be likely to work freelance or be self-employed (especially when starting out) and you'll use excellent critical ability to produce film reviews.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Watching films of all genres, often several times
- Making notes about scripts, music, storylines and influences
- Looking at technical details like camera angles, lighting and editing
- Submitting reviews by strict deadlines
- Building up contacts with film-makers, agents and distributors
- Attending film festivals, talks, previews and press conferences
- Interviewing film-makers, actors and production staff
- Researching archival information about films and film-makers
- Keeping up to date with critical theories
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work at events, at a venue, from home, or in an office.
You'll need
To be a film critic, you'll need knowledge of English language, the ability to critically analyse information, knowledge of media production and communication, thoroughness and attention to detail, the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ambition and a desire to succeed.
You can do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate qualification in film studies, journalism, English, creative writing, or film and television. Courses like these will help you develop the analytical and writing skills needed to be a film critic.
You could also do a college course to teach you some of the relevant skills you'll need for this role, such as A level Film Studies, or a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Journalism.
You can even work towards this role by starting with an advanced apprenticeship as a junior journalist before specialising in film reviewing and criticism.
This is a highly competitive role, so you'll need to prove you have writing experience through a portfolio. To develop this experience, you can write for student or 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.
Alternatively, you may be able to do short courses to help develop critical writing skills and 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. These courses include film criticism, history of cinema, creative writing, journalism skills, and cinema from other countries.
CAREER PROSPECTS
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 on film archives.