Film Critic Jobs and Education Requirements
Film critics watch movies for a living and make arguments on why a motion picture is good or bad based on their knowledge of film history, theory and technique. Read on to find out more about becoming a film critic, including education options that can provide related training and experience.
What You Need to Know
A film critic is a journalist with knowledge of the film industry. Some film critics have a background in film studies, while others have a degree in communications or journalism; studying both disciplines through major and minor options may give you an advantage. A bachelor's degree can prepare you for employment.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Programs</b></td><td> Film Studies, Communications, Journalism</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Special Topics in Film, Lighting, Film Criticism and Theory</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td> Internships are often helpful</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatAreAFilmCriticSResponsibilities">What Are a Film Critic's Responsibilities?</h3><p>As a film critic, you analyze the technical and aesthetic aspects of movies, as well as their messages. Visual techniques, the storyline and the acting are all features you may consider in your assessments. You must not only understand the fundamentals upon which to evaluate a film, but you also need the communication skills to convey your argument to your audience. You may be employed by print publications, such as newspapers and magazines. Alternatively, you can work for websites and television.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanILearnInAFilmStudiesProgram">What Can I Learn in a Film Studies Program?</h3><p>Although you won't likely find a degree solely in film criticism, coursework in film studies can provide you with the tools you need to analyze cinematic productions. You'll likely be studying the technical aspects of various films. These topics might also be covered:
</p><ul><li>Lighting
</li><li>Sound
</li><li>Cinematography
</li><li>Camera work
</li><li>Editing
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatElseCanILearn">What Else Can I Learn?</h3><p>Studying various genres, such as musicals and horror, can help you understand what to expect for those types of movies. Your coursework and assignments can help cultivate the necessary skills in order to craft meaningful critiques. Specifically, you may be exploring these topics in your courses:
</p><ul><li>Historical movies
</li><li>Cultural movies
</li><li>Political subjects
</li><li>Film analysis
</li><li>Film writing
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowCanIUseADegreeInCommunicationsOrJournalism">How Can I Use a Degree in Communications or Journalism?</h3><p>A degree program in one of these disciplines can teach you the skills you need to communicate effectively. In an undergraduate program in journalism, you typically take courses in writing and reporting, media law and online journalism. Through communications courses, you may explore visual and other nonverbal methods of conveying ideas, and you might even study documentaries or cross-cultural videos, which can supplement your ability to critique films. The curriculum may also include an internship, allowing you to complement your education with real-world experience, writing for a school, local publications or even online productions.</p>