How to Become a Film Critic

Film critics work for the print media and in broadcasting, and typically hold a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field. You'll need to have substantial prior experience before a large paper or TV station will consider hiring you as a film critic.

Things You'll Need

• College degree
• Writing experience
• Internships

Instructions

1. Enroll in a college or university that has a well-known school of journalism or broadcasting, depending on your desired career. Peruse Petersons.com and the Princeton Review College Search Web site (review.com) for further information.

2. Set up informational interviews with possible future employers. Find out what their minimum qualifications are for film critics.

3. Gain experience by writing reviews of plays, concerts and other college productions for your college newspaper or radio station. You'll gain needed experience and polish your skills at the same time.

4. Take elective courses about the entertainment industry. You'll need to have some knowledge about its history to write effective reviews.

5. Become familiar with all the arts. Smaller publications or stations might require you to write reviews on all forms of entertainment before you can specialize in just one.

6. Obtain an internship with a local paper or station during your college years. It can lead to an entry-level position upon graduation, even if it doesn't initially involve writing reviews.

7. Consider working as a freelance critic for small publications to gain experience for your résumé.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain that your writing skills are excellent and that you can write objectively. Take extra writing classes or workshops if necessary.

• Keep in mind that the Siskels and Eberts of the world are few. Make yourself more marketable by getting experience writing in a number of nonentertainment areas.