While many of us cosy up on our sofas to watch our favourite flicks, imagine turning those viewing hours into cash. Not a bad thought, right? For those with a love for films and a knack for the written word, there’s potential to bring in extra money by reviewing movies.
1. Animation Arena
In the world of animation, there’s always a buzz. At Animation Arena, you can craft reviews not just for movies, but for comic books and video games too. No expert hat is needed! But remember, your writing must shine. And if it does, there’s £15 in it for every review. With a cap of 10 reviews a month, it’s a cool £150 for sharing your thoughts.
Starting, Animation Arena offers novices an exciting space to showcase their skills. While the requirement for excellent grammar and writing prowess is undeniable, the submission of two samples allows you to get a feel of what the editors are seeking. The fixed £15 rate for each review of at least 550 words seems like a solid start for beginners, especially if allowed to write up to 10 reviews monthly.
2. Screen Rant
Screen Rant is the go-to for many movie enthusiasts. From movies and TV shows to video games, there’s always something brewing. Fancy being a contributor? Bring your A-game, polish up those samples, and give it a shot. The pay remains a mystery until you’re in, but one thing’s for sure: your name will shine brightly with a byline.
Recognised widely, Screen Rant offers a vibrant playground for film aficionados. The application process, which includes forwarding three of your finest writing samples, ensures that you refine and present your best. The undisclosed pay might make it a bit of a mystery, but the platform’s established reputation can be a beneficial addition to your portfolio, especially if you’re looking to be seen and read by a wider audience.
3. Taste of Cinema
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill review site. Taste of Cinema loves its ‘list’ articles. While films are their jam, they’re open to other lists too. The interesting bit? Your earnings vary with views and clicks. So, if your piece goes viral, your bank account will feel the love.
- Differing from the previous two, this platform holds a unique niche by specialising in ‘list’ articles. Although they don’t have a flat fee like Animation Arena, the pay based on views and clicks can serve as a motivation for beginners to market their articles and increase their readership. It’s an intriguing choice for those wishing to combine their cinematic insights with a penchant for curating lists.
4. Bustle: For the Modern Woman and More
Bustle isn’t just about films, but when it touches the entertainment scene, it does it with style. Here, you’re not limited to movies; there’s a realm of topics to flip through. Payment details remain under wraps, but it’s a prestigious platform to voice your cinematic thoughts.
- As one of the prominent sites focusing on a plethora of topics, Bustle provides an expansive audience. While the pay remains undisclosed, the reach and diversity of this platform can be alluring for novices wishing to find different writing formats, including feature articles and movie reviews.
5. Cracked: Where Humour Meets Cinema
Cracked brings a chuckle, always. Their categories are vast, from movies and TV to a sprinkle of history and science. Here, everyone’s welcome to pitch. For seasoned writers, aiming for the ‘Cracked Columnist’ title might be the golden ticket. The earnings? Between £75 and £190, based on your experience and article length.
- For those leaning towards infusing humour into their content, Cracked can be a delightful pick. The pay bracket between £100 and £250 can be enticing. However, the challenge lies in pitching feature articles that resonate with the magazine’s comedic essence. But remember, humour is subjective, and what might be amusing to one might not be to another. So, it’s crucial to gauge the platform’s style.
6. Cineaste: The Classic Movie Maven
Cineaste is a vintage gem. This quarterly publication takes you on a tour from Hollywood blockbusters to indie treasures. If you’ve got the flair to match their style, earnings range from a neat £14 for short reviews to a hearty £70 for features.
- This platform’s rich history and its emphasis on the art and politics of cinema make it stand out. The varied pay scale based on article type and length offers flexibility. For a beginner, it’s an excellent way to try out different content formats, from short reviews to feature interviews.
7. Carve Your Path
Fancy being your boss? Launching a movie review blog puts you in the driver’s seat. It’s a canvas for your thoughts. And the best part? Monetisation methods are aplenty, from ads and sponsored posts to affiliate links.
8. Your Movie Review YouTube Channel
YouTube channels like ‘We Watched a Movie’ and ‘Heavy Spoilers’ have cracked the code. They’ve built communities, sparked discussions, and, yes, made money. What’s stopping you? If you’ve got charisma and insightful opinions, the YouTube stage awaits.
- Venturing out independently via a personal blog or YouTube channel can be both empowering and challenging. While you get to control the content and monetisation strategies, you’ll need to invest time and effort in building a substantial following. The success stories mentioned earlier can serve as motivation, but remember that online spaces can be unpredictable.
9. Medium: The Aspiring Critic’s Playground
Medium is where writers bloom. This platform isn’t just about stories; it’s a space where movie aficionados thrive. Once you hit 100 followers and have at least one published article, the partner program unlocks. Earnings then flow in when readers enjoy your work so much that they opt for a paid membership.
- Medium’s vast platform allows writers to dive right in without any upfront costs. Once you gain a minimum of 100 followers, you can start earning based on reading time and member upgrades. This model ensures that quality content that resonates with readers brings in more revenue.
10. HubPages
HubPages lets you craft your mini digital empire. Movie reviews, DVD critiques, or even actor profiles; you name it. Get it right, and with a Google Adsense account, you can rake in between £1.50 to £3.80 for every 1,000 views.
- For those wary of setting up their site, HubPages offers a seamless experience. You can set up a mini website and start earning based on ad revenue. The £2 – £5 per 1,000 views might not seem substantial, but for beginners, it’s a step in the right direction.
11. FlexJobs
For those ready to don the professional critic’s cap, FlexJobs lists top-tier film critic roles. It’s not just a gig; it’s a career. Search, apply, and if all aligns, you could be reviewing movies full-time, with a salary that matches your expertise.
- This avenue is for those feeling ready to go professional. Platforms like FlexJobs offer numerous opportunities. However, it’s imperative to remember that this could be a competitive space, and having a few published reviews under your belt could strengthen your application.
The online movie review space is filled with opportunities, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. For beginners eager to earn online, it’s all about finding the balance between your comfort zone and the potential returns. No matter the platform, remember that consistency, quality, and authentic passion for cinema will always be your best allies.