Film Journalism Workshop
Into Film Workshop
Charles Gant – Film Journalist
Today we went to a film journalism workshop at Odeon Cinemas - Covent Garden. This was held by the 'Into Film Company' which is a film education charity for young people aged 5-19 years old. The trip here was not only inspiring but also useful for our Ancillary Texts, since the well-known film journalist 'Charles Grant' discussed key tips for when writing a film review:
Writing Skills
Writing for various magazines: the tone of voice should change to suit and reflect the audience of the magazine.
Don’t second guess the reader - write from the heart
Don’t always judge a film by a poor poster, if it has high star ratings then there must be some worth.
Most film critics rate out of 5.
Don’t get bogged down explaining what the film is about = waste of time
Have a passion for what you do. You will have an advantage, as it will come through in your writing. (USP)
For blogs, be funny, original and short – good example is Charlie Line.
Be entertaining but still informative.
Difference of writing for something like Grazia (only 40-50 word review so will write it at the end of the film) and Screen International (it is necessary to take notes as detail is needed in the review. Looking at technical aspects and quotes).
Do not spoil the plot of the film with your review.
Number one: spelling and grammar.
Pick a cast member to discuss, someone who gives a strong performance so you can expand.
Try to get an editor
Try having an editor to give constructive feedback – even if it’s just for a blog.
BE CONCISE
There are 800 films released each year, not including early previews and film festivals and Gant sees about 18 films a week. Therefore, he can’t see every film and sometimes needs to explain to distributors that he can’t/won’t be reviewing their film. His specialty is to look for new and upcoming actors and review them as well as the film.
