Advice Cred is a resource we’ve created here at Film Cred, with the understanding that sometimes talented new writers need a push in the right direction to deepen their understanding of film criticism as an art form within itself. We’re not interested in just giving you the groundwork — we also want you to have access to the wisdom of writers and editors who have been a part of this community for years. This time, we got to pick the brain of Richard Newby, an experienced critic and cultural analyst whose work has been featured on The Hollywood Reporter, Vulture, The AV Club, Fangoria, and Inverse, as well as recently publishing We Make Monsters Here, his own book of short-fiction horror stories. Richard’s love for film is evident in every piece of writing he publishes, and we were lucky enough for him to share his tips on how he channels that love into his work.
Film Cred: First thing’s first, tell us who you are and what your experience is in relation to film criticism!
Richard Newby: Hi! I’m Richard Newby and I’m an author and freelance writer whose work has been published at Audiences Everywhere, The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Fangoria, Vulture, Inverse, Fatherly, and The A.V. Club. In 2021 I won a National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award for my THR piece, “Protest Backlash and the Failings of a Superhero Culture.” I also published my first collection of short stories, “We Make Monsters Here,” in 2021.
FC: What was your first published movie review?
RN: My first published movie review was Noah (2014).
FC: How exactly did you get into film criticism?
RN: I’ve always loved movies, talking about movies, and writing. I read a lot of film magazines growing up so it was always something I wanted to pursue alongside my own creative writing.
FC: Do you follow a particular film theory (formalism, structuralism, etc.)?
RN: I don’t.
FC: What do you think the structure of a good review should be?
RN: I think a good structure doesn’t summarize the film but provides a lens through which to view it. I don’t subscribe to the idea that film reviews should tell you whether or not to see the movie, but to assume you will and give you something to think about, whether you agree or not.
FC: Who is a film critic you admire?
RN: Meagan Navarro at Bloody Disgusting.
FC: Do you ever read other reviews before you write your own?
RN: Not usually.
FC: What is your method for note taking for a film review? Do you take notes during the movie?
RN: No, I take notes immediately after the credits.
FC: When sending a pitch to a publication, how long do you wait before checking in?
RN: A week.
FC: How do you handle writer’s block and burnout?
RN: I try to do something else that I enjoy. Watch a movie or read something unrelated to what I’m writing about. I find stepping away from something, even if it’s for a day or two, refreshes the mind.
FC: Do you have any advice for aspiring film critics?
RN: Keep writing and keep watching. It’s easy to get discouraged. I wrote for 4 years for free before I started getting paid for my work. That’s not ideal of course, but if you’re passionate about the writing, stick with it and the money will follow, even when it seems like it’ll never come.
FC: Are there any books or articles that you would recommend a new writer read?
RN: I recommend reading past reviews, both good and bad, of movies you like and movies you dislike. Not every critic is for every viewer but I think figuring out which ones work for you and why is essential to your own development.
FC: As someone with a very active social media presence, what are some ways in which freelancers and writers can take advantage of social media and utilize it in their favor without falling into the negativity present on websites like Twitter?
RN: I think social media is a great way to get your voice out there. Every writing job I’ve gotten has been because of Twitter. At the same time, it’s a toxic environment. My suggestion is to follow the people you admire, both big names and smaller ones and make more friends that adversaries. I think one of the best ways to achieve this is to share your opinions but don’t attempt to argue with others on their tweets – save it for the review and remember that subjectivity reigns.
FC: How do you find the balance in writing an honest review of a piece of art that you didn’t enjoy while still maintaining a certain degree of respect for the attempt as well as the filmmakers involved?
RN: I always try to find something positive, even in movies I don’t like. And I remember that movies are made by people who care about their work. There’s no need to make it personal in a review. I think avoiding hyperbole and not writing with the intention of getting social media attention through negativity is key.
FC: Do you have any advice for new writers who are trying to find time to pursue their craft while also juggling the responsibilities of family life?
RN: It’s definitely a challenge. I think it’s important to remember that your time is limited and you can’t do everything. Don’t load yourself up on pieces if you know it’s going to take away from family responsibilities. It’s ok to not take every assignment that is offered if you communicate your bandwidth. More opportunities will still come.
To get an even more concentrated glimpse into the mind of Richard Newby, you can read his library of work at Vulture, Inverse, and The Hollywood Reporter, as well as following him on Twitter @RICHARDLNEWBY. He also has a fresh collection of short horror fiction entitled We Make Monsters Here, available on Amazon.com. And for more resources for fresh writers, including more interviews with various industry talents, be sure to check out film-cred.com/advice.
