We're always on the look out for new writers to contribute medium-length film essays to the magazine. Essays are 2000-2500 words and come in three formats: Film Studies Essays, Research Essays, and Personal Essays. This page contains details about the formats, some tips on writing, and a form at the bottom to submit your idea.
• The majority of the magazine's content.
• A discussion of a focused topic on a particular film / director / genre / theme.
• Evidence comes from scene analysis with film form where cinematography, editing, sound, mise-en-scene, performance are discussed and how they create meaning.
• A past example from the magazine: "A Portrait of Nihilism Via Drug Use in Quadrophenia" that picked apart several scenes of drug-taking and delinquency to talk about post-war Britain.
• Research-driven pieces that cover wider topics.
• Evidence comes from researching sources or a writer's own investigations.
• A past example from the magazine: "Does Historically Accurate Costume Design Matter?" that looked at a wide number of approaches directors take in costuming period pieces, and how audiences respond to them.
• A story about how a film, movie-going experience, or working in wider cinema impacted you.
• Evidence is anecdotal, with a focus on telling the story.
• A past example from the magazine: "How Synecdoche, New York Changed My Life" which discussed how Charlie Kaufman's film impacted the writer's life trajectory through the narrative's discussion of career goals and mortality.
Our payment to writers is currently £50 per essay and a copy of the magazine your essay is featured in.
Keep your essay subject focused.
• e.g. "The Roles of Women in '70s Westerns" is a better title than just "Westerns".
Make sure your essay is original.
• As an indie magazine, we try and feature essays covering alternative readings of films or lesser-talked-about titles as much as possible.
• Please Google your idea to see if other publications or video essays have discussed it before submitting.
• If it has been discussed, is there an aspect overlooked or an alternative direction you can take?
Use the right tone when writing.
• Tone should be clear rather than academic - which includes removing phrases like "In this essay I will..." or having intros or conclusions that only summarise points.
• Pick up a copy of the magazine (or email us to request a PDF) to get the best idea of what we're looking for.
What happens after you pitch?
We aim to approve or deny pitches within a week. If accepted, a deadline for the first draft will be given depending on the next available magazine issue. After sending the first draft, it will be edited and any changes will be made to turn it into a final draft. The final draft is then proofread and placed within the magazine.
Do you accept international submissions?
Yes - but the essay will be published in British English. The payment will be the UK rate converted into your local currency, and will be sent via PayPal.
Do you accept essays already published?
We do not. Re-worked essays from University or other non-public pieces are allowed.
Do you accept interviews?
Please contact us if you believe it may be of interest, but all our interviews are currently conducted ourselves.
Use the form below to be notified about deadlines and submissions info.