How to be a film and TV critic
Making a living as a film or television critic is the coolest job in the world, right? Well yes, pretty much, though to get a professional standard – and a point where editors don’t glance at the subject line of your emails then press delete – takes a great amount of work and dedication. In a field where everybody’s opinion is the most important, and where countless aspiring writers are forever trying to break through, how do you get noticed from the pack?
This one-day course, led by Guardian Australia’s film critic Luke Buckmaster, will guide students through the world of film and television criticism, from writing tips to insider information about the ins and outs of the industry. Being a critic doesn’t mean it has to pay all your bills, of course – it is also a terrific hobby for people who enjoy combining a love of the written word with a love of screen culture.
This course is for you if...
You’re a student who wants to improve your writing and review techniques
You always wondered what it would be like to have possibly the coolest job in the world
You want to learn insider tips on the best ways to publish and share reviews in the digital age
You’re an amateur reviewer keen to improve your skills
You love film and television – and the written word
You work in film or television publicity and want an insight into what kind of people these cretinous critics are and how they go about their business
Course description
Lay of the land: what is film and television criticism, the purpose of critics, where critics exist in the media, opportunities in online and other mediums
How to write a review: key concepts, dos and dont’s, developing your writing style, finding a voice, different styles and types of analysis
Writing an interview: finding talent, conducting interviews, writing and developing features, selecting quotes, dos and dont’s
Pitching to editors: the protocols of getting your work before editors – what works and what doesn’t and how to please the gatekeepers
Educating yourself: who you should read and what to look out for, using the past to inform the present, things you need to know
Publishing online and sharing on social media – tips and tricks
Tutor profile
Luke Buckmaster is an award-winning film and television critic who began writing on cinema in 1997. In addition to being Guardian Australia’s film critic, he also contributes to publications such as BBC Culture and Daily Review, and is currently writing a book for a major Australian publisher. Luke is also the co-host of ABCiview’s screen review program The Critics, has lectured on cinema at LaTrobe University, has hosted film screenings for The Guardian Film Club in three Australian cities, has hosted Q&A screenings for the Sydney Film Festival and was formerly host of Friday on My Mind, a weekly event held at the Australian Film Television and Radio School. He has contributed to a wide range of other programs and outlets including ABC Radio, ABC 24, ABC’s The Mix, Channel TEN’s The Project, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, VICE and Senses of Cinema.
Book now
Melbourne
Details
Date: Monday 20 March
Time: 10am-5pm
Location: Wheeler Centre,
176 Little Lonsdale St Melbourne,
VIC 3000
Price: $299
Event capacity: 20
Dress code: There is no dress code for Masterclasses. Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
Sydney
Details
Date: Friday 7 April
Time: 10.30am-5.30pm
Location: Guardian Offices, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
Price: $299
Event capacity: 20
Dress code: There is no dress code for Masterclasses. Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 7 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.