We're Looking for People with a Passion for Film and Television
DVD Verdict
Marketing/Public Relations Interns, Reviewers
Cinema Verdict
Theatrical Film Reviewers, Interviewers, Festival and Event Reporters
TV Verdict
Television Reviewers, News Bloggers, Event Reporters (based in LA or NYC)
The Verdict is the fastest-growing internet resource for film and television criticism. With more than 45 writers and editors located in the US, Canada, and England, we cover everything from the biggest Hollywood blockbusters, to the smallest indies, and everything in between. At Verdict you are guaranteed to find thought-provoking, irreverent, and insightful news, reviews, interviews, and commentary from the most diverse collective of first-class writers ever assembled. We love what we do and share that passion with over 400,000 of our closest friends on a regular basis.
If you're asking yourself, "How can I get in on this action?"—it's easy…
Regardless of what position you're applying for...
• Write up a quick paragraph telling us who you are, where you live (state, country), what you do, what you're passionate about, and why you would make a great addition to the Verdict family.
• Email samples and previous experience to helpwanted@dvdverdict.com. Our lovely and talented editorial team will review every application as they arrive. There is no deadline. This is an open-ended invitation. In addition, each person who applies will receive a personal response. You've taken the time and energy to share yourself with us, and we will return the favor.
Marketing/PR Interns
The amount of work we have to accomplish is staggering and we need some help to alleviate the pressure. You can be... a student studying marketing, public relations, or journalism looking for some great resume building experiences; an entertainment professional looking to keep connected to the industry between gigs; or someone aspiring to make their mark as a writer or marcomm professional in the entertainment industry. Responsibilities include maintaining healthy relationships with the studios, distributors, and production companies; writing and distributing press releases; attending screenings, festivals, and events as a reporter; and generally helping ensure the Verdict machine runs smoothly.
DVD Reviewers
Select a DVD, preferably something you have never seen, and definitely not a television season box set as they are an animal unto themselves. This writing sample is our way of seeing how you approach a film with no previous connection or passionate ties. Pay close attention to the thoughts and emotions it stirs and, using DVD Verdict's should-be-patented legal format (click here), tell us what you loved, what you hated, and what you were ambivalent about; what worked, and what didn't; which actors soared, and which fell flat. Share with us your thoughts on the image and sound quality, and bonus materials (if any). Finally, tell us if you would recommend purchasing, renting, or avoiding this DVD like the plague. The most important thing to remember here is to use your own voice. This is a conversational medium that demands nothing but your own personal opinion, good or bad. Be yourself and let your true personality shine through. The most successful writers are the ones who create a sense of intimacy with the reader. And don't forget to read other Verdict reviews so you are comfortable with subtleties of the format.
Theatrical Film Reviewers
Head out the local multiplex or art house and see something that interests or intrigues you. Using Cinema Verdict's should-be-patented legal format (click here), tell us what worked and what didn't -- Was the plot cohesive and compelling? Were the acting performances authentic? Describe the cinematography and the use of sound. Did you have previous knowledge of the project going into it, and did it live up to your expectations? Share your experience at the theater -- Was the crowd into it? Did they applaud when it was over? What were some of the comments you overheard from other audience members on the way out? This is your opportunity to be judge, jury, and executioner, while letting your inner Roger Ebert shine through.
Festival and Event Reporters
Looking for folks willing to attend and report back on local and regional film festivals, premieres, advanced press screenings, awards shows, and other special events. We will provide you with press credentials in exchange for you getting written, audio, still photo, and video coverage, based on what's appropriate for the event itself. At this point in time, we cannot provide travel expenses, so you will need to be local to the event itself, many of which take place in NYC and LA. However, if you live in Toronto, Chicago, Berlin, Cannes, or any other city that hosts big ticket events, we'd love your help as well.
Interviewers
We're being more interview opportunities than we can possibly keep up with. Many of these are done by phone (and some by email), which means you can be located anywhere in the world to participate. However, what you'll need is an ability to record that conversation for playback on a podcast episode, or to transcribe into written form. If you have done interview work in the past, please send us samples so we can get a feel for your style. If not, no worries. Do a quick interview with a friend or family member and send us a copy.
Television Reviewers
You no doubt come across countless blogs which cover television. While we'll be just another voice in the crowd at first, or unique judgmental and irreverent wit will no doubt set us apart. We're looking for folks who can follow a particular series and riff on it, highlighting the kind of things casual viewers might miss. If you have passion, insight, and a great sense of observational humor, turn on the TV, go to work on a particular show, and send us the result. This can be anything from Larry King Live and Days of Our Lives to American Idol and Lost. If it's on television, it's fair game.
News Bloggers
Just what it sounds like. We're looking for folks with a pulse on the entertainment industry willing to take 5 or 10 minutes to report on the latest news, casting rumors, and scoop you may come across. If you have a particular connection to the industry or just love to scour the news wires and RSS feeds, we'd love to share your insights with our readers. WordPress experience not required, but it's a definite plus.
1) Do I have to write something new or can I just send a link to samples of my previous work?
• For DVD and Film Reviewers: Feel free to share past work, but in order for us to understand how well you'll adapt to the Verdict format, we need something written in our format also.
• For News Bloggers, Interviewers, and Event Reporters: Dazzle us with your best stuff -- old or new.
2) If I already work for another site, can I still apply?
You bet. We have several team members who contribute to multiple print and online publications.
3) What do you pay?
There is no cash compensation at this time. However, there are perks and incentives that will make it worth your while...
• Interns: The experience you gain through your work
• DVD Reviewers: Ownership of the DVDs you are assigned to review
• Theatrical Film Reviewers: Free admittance to press screenings, festivals, award shows, and other events (depending on area and availability)
• TV Reviewers: Advanced DVD screeners of series and specials
• Based on performance, all contributors have the ability to earn Amazon.com gift certificates and studio schwag throughout the year
4) What's the time commitment?
• Interns work a minimum of 5 hours per week
• Reviewers commit to a minimum of one review per week
• News Bloggers update content on a daily basis as information breaks
• Interviewers and Event Reporters work as opportunities arise and schedules permit
5) How much experience do I need?
If you know your way around the English language and can express your thoughts in a clear and engaging manner, you're in good shape. You don't have to be a professional, but you may very well become one by working with us.
This is an exciting time for Verdict and you have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a number of incredible projects. We'd love to add your energy, enthusiasm, and insight to the mix. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Michael Stailey
Publisher, Editor-In-Chief
DVD Verdict, Cinema Verdict, TV Verdict
mstailey@dvdverdict.com
