When you tell people you’re a film critic, you typically get one of two responses. “You watch movies for a living?” or “How do you make money doing that?”. While the profession encompasses far more than just watching movies, these reactions do highlight some of the challenges experienced in forging a career around entertainment journalism.

Having been in the game for 17+ years, I often get budding movie critics asking for advice on what to expect, how to do it and what steps to take in order to make it. The answer isn’t straightforward because there isn’t a professional model or blueprint to follow with fewer full-time roles and the profession’s steady evolution against the rise of digital, the internet and artificial intelligence.

The dream of becoming an entertainment journalist today presents a unique set of challenges. The industry has undergone significant shifts with traditional media outlets facing budget constraints and a decline in dedicated entertainment journalism roles. Freelance opportunities, while potentially lucrative, can be scarce and unpredictable. This forces many would-be entertainment journalists to create their own opportunities in creating a body of work to best represent them and effectively creating a side hustle to keep the show on the road.

This reality necessitates a pragmatic approach in order to make things work until you can land the right gigs. Much like being an actor requires flexibility in order to make auditions and sign new projects, it’s important to be nimble as an entertainment journalist. Securing a part-time job to cover immediate financial needs is crucial while allowing aspiring journalists to dedicate their free time to honing their craft.

The Power of Consistent Creation

The key lies in consistent action. Writing reviews, recording podcasts or creating any form of content related to entertainment is invaluable. This not only refines skills but also builds a portfolio – a tangible demonstration of talent and passion. The cumulative effect of this hard work over time helps build your reputation in digital spaces – as they say, write long enough about something and you’ll inevitably become regarded as an expert.

From Hobby to Profession: Building a Platform

Establishing a personal website or blog is a pivotal step in transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional. This online platform serves as a central hub for showcasing work, attracting potential clients and building a personal brand. While it takes time and effort in order to set this platform, you can get it to the point of earning money on the side and leverage the assets to create more money with value-added service offerings.

Finding Your Niche and Cultivating Versatility

The journey to success in entertainment journalism is often non-linear. You need to have an organic approach to building your career in this arena. Be willing to learn on the fly, absorb valuable skills that keep you competitive and independent. While passion is essential, finding a niche – be it film criticism, music reviews or a specific genre – can help differentiate you from the competition. However, maintaining versatility is equally important. The evolving media landscape demands adaptability and the ability to contribute to various formats and platforms can significantly enhance career prospects.

Breaking into entertainment journalism requires perseverance, dedication, and a proactive approach. By embracing a practical mindset, consistently creating content, building a strong online presence, and cultivating a versatile skillset, aspiring journalists can navigate the challenges and ultimately achieve their professional goals.