How to get into film journalism?

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Jeannie
Posts: 23
Joined: 18 Jan 2006 13:45
Location: Sydenham, London

How to get into film journalism?

Post by Jeannie »

Hello!

Hope you can be of help to me! My boyfriend and I moved to London recently as I have just found my first music job at Naxos, the classical music record label. My boyfriend works casually at the BBC and there are often periods where he is off work for long periods of time. He wants to be a film director and has a degree to this effect but he is new to London, and doesn't know many people.

My question is, does anyone know of any people or routes to get into film journalism? He writes lots of reviews on films all the time, but does not know any of the local papers who he can work as a freelancer for. He doesn't necessarily want paying, he just needs the experience so he can build up a portfolio. Does anyone know of any newspapers or magazines that would welcome a freelance film reviewer?

It would be nice too if you could tell me if there are any ways to find out if there are people producing films at the moment that need crew, be it on a fulltime/temporary/paid/unpaid basis. As I said, my boyfriend really wants to make a start in London but as he doesn't know anyone he finds it a bit difficult!

Thanks very much, I really appreciate this!

:)
lemonade
Posts: 144
Joined: 25 Oct 2005 23:01
Location: Croydon

Film Industry

Post by lemonade »

Hello
I must admit I know nothing about the films industry.
But I would consider looking on the internet at say; www.totaljobs.com or other jobs websites and type in a search command such as Television, journalist, etc.
Good luck in you future career
Lemonade
orgone
Posts: 33
Joined: 16 Jul 2005 08:36
Location: Peak Hill

Re: How to get into film journalism?

Post by orgone »

sean
Posts: 279
Joined: 1 Aug 2007 18:26
Location: Sydenham

Post by sean »

Frangipan
Posts: 60
Joined: 5 Mar 2008 13:26
Location: Sydenham

Post by Frangipan »

I have messaged a friend in the kit hire business, he has loads of indie contacts, not sure how much is going on at the moment but will get in touch if he is interested.
dickp
Posts: 567
Joined: 7 Jan 2005 14:39
Location: Cardiff

Post by dickp »

He needs to get himself down to the library and get hold of a copy of the Willings Press Guide. Sydenham library might have one - bigger libraries certainly will.

Willings is a directory of pretty much every single media publication in the UK, with contact details.

There's probably a section for the "film journalism" (i.e. dealing with the film trade), and also most local newspapers and magazines.

The media industy depends on networking - once you're on the inside, it's easier to get work.
Frangipan
Posts: 60
Joined: 5 Mar 2008 13:26
Location: Sydenham

Post by Frangipan »

I heard back from my friend, he said things are pretty bad at the moment - not a lot going on but to keep an eye out on these sites: Mandy.com, productionbase.com, shootingpeople.org.uk

Good luck...
dickp
Posts: 567
Joined: 7 Jan 2005 14:39
Location: Cardiff

Post by dickp »

Oh yeah - another reason to get hold of the trade press is because they will have the specialist jobs - or, at least, the specialist jobs agencies.
nomie44
Posts: 20
Joined: 30 Jun 2008 15:17
Location: sydenham

film journalism

Post by nomie44 »

I'm a freelance journo (though not in this field, so don't mind sharing info!). Check out gumtree's media and design jobs - you'll find plenty of mags and websites asking for these kinds of reviews (usually unpaid - but once you have a reasonable portfolio you'll have more chance of getting in with publications that pay for your opinions!)
Might also be worth taking a trip to the BFI on the South Bank (they have a nice cafe too) and checking out any information they have.

Good luck!
nomie44
Posts: 20
Joined: 30 Jun 2008 15:17
Location: sydenham

film journalism

Post by nomie44 »

PS: You'll also see ads for film-makers/assistants/general bods on film productions on gumtree too
paultreacy
Posts: 487
Joined: 10 Jun 2008 17:40
Location: Lawrie Park Road

Post by paultreacy »

We should get together for a few jars of an evening. Are you and your boyfriend local to Sydenham?

I'm a photojournalist and filmmaker returning to work in a couple of weeks (when school starts) after several years as a stay-at-home dad both here and in New York City.

I'm expanding into filmmaking and multimedia story telling and I'm about to start a blog to tell London stories as short form documentaries. I'm expanding my contacts all the time and in the not too distant future will be looking to form alliances.

I come from a hard news back round dating back to 1992 and have been published across the board in the print media. Motion capture is entirely new professionally.

If you want to compare notes, let me know and we can hook up.

It's all about collaboration, right?

Good hunting.

Paul Treacy

http://paultreacy.com/video
http://photohumourist.com
http://sydenhamshots.co.uk

photo@paultreacy.com
bensonby
Posts: 1656
Joined: 18 Jun 2008 12:28
Location: Kent

Post by bensonby »

this thread is 3 years old! Why resurrect it?!
paultreacy
Posts: 487
Joined: 10 Jun 2008 17:40
Location: Lawrie Park Road

Post by paultreacy »

So it is. How bizarre that I should have missed that. What a waste of time.
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