How To Become A Film Critic

Film criticism is a lively subject of debate all by itself, and if you want to know how to become a film critic, you can join that debate. Criticism, like any kind of analysis, is subjective and therefore open to judgment. To make the best judgments about film, you can follow a specific process in becoming a film critic.

1. Self-Analysis. A crucial step in becoming a film critic is to do some self-analysis to discover why you want the position. What in your background gives you a special edge to become a good critic? Do you have filmmakers in your family or some special inside knowledge of filmmaking? Perhaps you are simply good at analysis, at taking apart a product, looking objectively at those parts, and explaining how they are put together? Do you see film criticism as a hobby or a career? How much work are you willing to put into becoming a film critic? 
2. Study. While a school might not offer a course of study or degree in film criticism, you can certainly take filmmaking and film analysis classes that will give you an understanding of filmmaking’s history, techniques, genres, and critical theories. Even a practical class like acting or set-making will advance your knowledge of what goes into making a film. You don’t have to live in Hollywood to find filmmakers who will allow you to follow them around while they shoot a film. It may be a local documentary-maker, but any first-hand knowledge of filmmaking will add to your awareness of film techniques and help you learn how to become a film critic. Books, websites, and DVDs are available that will also give you plenty of guidance in areas you should become familiar with: film criticism itself, along with film techniques, directing, acting, and editing.
3. Write. Armed with your knowledge of filmmaking from self-analysis and study, you are ready for the next step in becoming a film critic by doing some actual writing. To find an audience for this writing, you can set up a website or blog to post your critiques. Also, contact a local newspaper, especially free dailies or weeklies, and ask to submit your critiques to them. When you don’t have your name established, you should ask to do this free of charge to get some publishing credits. After you are a known writer, you obviously should begin charging for your services, but the pool of potential film critics will be large, so don’t expect to make money right away.
4. Network. After you have written some pieces, expand your knowledge and contacts in order to find new venues for your writing. Attend film festivals and workshops to meet people associated with the industry and network with them. Interview actors and directors and write articles about them, which is a good way to get a foot in to the film-writing world, since most people enjoy being interviewed. Also, a local paper is more likely to accept an interview than a film critique from an unknown writer. You can intersperse your film critiques with articles based on interviews to add variety to your writing and increase your potential to get recognized and published.