Writing Tips:
- Create an outline or take notes beforehand to plan what you want to say. Avoid steering off course or taking on too much.
- Write while a film is fresh in your head, our inspiration is often highest right after we consume media, use that momentum!
- When planning, have an idea of what you want to say about the film or topic you are writing about, and who your audience is.
- Keep plot summaries brief and spoiler-free. Some readers will already have seen the movie you’re reviewing, and some won’t have, but your review might encourage them to check it out. Keep both of these audiences in mind.
- You don't have to rewatch a film to review it, but if this helps you come up with ideas for your review, do it! Sometimes we miss something on our first watch. If you don't know what to look for, it might help to watch it through once without analyzing it too much, and then taking a few notes on your second watch.
- Reach out to an editor if you are struggling! (Email, schedule an appointment, etc.)
- Reach out to a friend! If talking to an editor is a scary thought, talk to friends about the film, sometimes that’s all we need to get our brains going.
- Check out previous articles for inspiration! Look to other Crash/Cut articles for inspiration, see what other authors have done in the past, or look at other reviews on the internet. Please be cautious of not plagiarizing work if you do look to other’s work for inspiration though!
- If you are writing an article, take a deep breath and relax! We want to hear your authentic voice. Crash/Cut articles should come from a place of passion, not stress!
- When writing a review, don’t stress about missing ideas you think are the most important or clever– you will have your own experience of the film and take different things from it than others will. That’s exactly what our reviews section is for!
- Reread, rewrite, and edit!
- Bonus: Keep a list of ideas handy. We love hearing your voice, and the more submissions from you the better! You never know when the inspiration to write may hit!
Ideas of things to include in a review:
- What is the film about, what kind of subject matter does it include, and what is the style or general feel of the film?
- Think about your experience watching the film and how certain parts made you feel.
- Talk about narrative as well as the visual aspects and formal elements used.
- Feel free to criticize certain aspects of the film– or write about a film you did not like!
- Speak to similarities in other films. Tell us about what other films we would enjoy if something in your current article really spoke to us.
- Write about a local film event! This is highly encouraged.
- If it is an older film, what is its historical significance?
- You can write about the film’s history and production, there is a lot that goes into making a movie!
