If you are a strong writer who also knows a lot about movies and TV, you may be able to turn that interest into paid work. Below are five sites that pay people to write about entertainment.
Before we begin, keep in mind that these opportunities will not all provide regular, steady work. Some sites accept individual submissions, while others hire freelance writers to contribute on an ongoing basis.
Also, breaking into entertainment writing and turning it into a steady writing gig for yourself can be challenging. There are a lot of writers competing for this type of work, and the pay is not always as exciting as the topic.
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1 – ScreenRant
ScreenRant hires remote freelance writers to cover movies, television, and gaming. The site looks for writers who can contribute regularly, and it sometimes has full-time writing and editing openings as well.
You should be comfortable researching, writing for the web, meeting deadlines, and following detailed editorial rules. Available topics and requirements can change, so check the current listings before applying. Pay rates are not posted publicly.
Go here to see the current ScreenRant writing opportunities.
2 – MovieWeb
MovieWeb hires paid remote freelance writers to cover movies, television, streaming, and entertainment news. At the time of this update, its hiring page included flexible, work-from-home writing opportunities.
This could be a fit if you can write engaging news or feature articles and already have strong knowledge of certain movies, shows, franchises, or genres. Just know that these are real writing jobs. You will need to research carefully, meet deadlines, and follow the site's formatting and editorial rules.
MovieWeb does not publicly list its freelance rates. Go here to review its current openings and apply.
3 – Cineaste
Cineaste is a quarterly magazine focused on the art and politics of cinema. It considers completed freelance submissions and proposals for articles that may appear in the print magazine or as online exclusives.
The magazine currently pays $18 for a Short Take review, $36 for a book or DVD review, $45 for a film review or short article, and $90 for a feature article or feature interview.
Those rates are low, especially since feature articles are usually 4,000 to 5,000 words. Also note that even a formal assignment does not guarantee publication. Cineaste recommends sending a query before writing, and new contributors should include samples of previously published work when possible.
Go here to read the Cineaste submission guidelines.
I also have a large list of magazines that pay writers if you would like more places to check.
4 – Listverse
If you enjoy researching unusual movie, television, and pop culture facts, Listverse may be worth considering. The site publishes Top 10 lists covering entertainment along with history, science, crime, and many other topics.
Your list must contain 10 items and run between 1,500 and 2,000 words, including the introduction. You must provide a reliable online source for every item. Wikipedia and other editable sources do not count.
Listverse currently accepts submissions only from the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. If your list is accepted, it pays $100 through PayPal, minus PayPal fees, within 14 days. Listverse aims to accept or reject submissions within 30 days.
Acceptance is definitely not guaranteed. You should also know that Listverse takes ownership and copyright of an accepted list. If the company rejects it, the rights remain yours.
Go here to read the current rules and submit a list.
5 – Comic Book Resources
Comic Book Resources, usually called CBR, hires paid remote freelance writers for entertainment news, reviews, features, and lists. Its coverage includes movies, television, comics, anime, and gaming.
CBR wants writers who know their chosen topic well and can keep up with current news. Openings and subject areas change, so you should review the hiring page to see whether anything matches your knowledge.
Pay rates are not listed publicly. Go here to see the current CBR writing opportunities.
Entertainment Writing Is Hard to Break Into
Freelance writing jobs covering movies and television can be hard to get because so many writers want them. Publications may receive a large number of applications and pitches for every available spot.
Some entertainment outlets also pay less than writers expect. Before accepting work, look at the rate, article length, research involved, number of revisions, and how quickly you will need to finish it. A fun topic can still turn into a poor-paying assignment.
If you are struggling to get hired, you could maybe focus on a smaller area where you have real knowledge. Horror movies, classic television, animation, international cinema, or one major franchise are a few examples.
Of course, you should also keep samples that show you can write about other subjects. A wider portfolio gives you more options if entertainment work is slow.
In Conclusion
I tried to make this list longer, but many of the entertainment writing opportunities I found were unpaid. Some writers may accept unpaid work to build a portfolio, but honestly, I prefer to list places that offer actual pay.
None of the five options above guarantees acceptance or steady income. That said, they are legitimate places to check if writing about movies and television sounds like work you would enjoy.
Want Help Turning One Paid Article Into Steadier Writing Work?
The sites above could help you land an assignment, but building steady freelance income usually requires more than waiting for a publication to post an opening. You may also need to learn how to pitch editors, find clients, set your rates, and market your writing.
Freelance Writers Den is an online community created to help freelance writers strengthen those skills and grow their income. Members get access to writing and marketing training, bootcamps, an active support forum, and feedback from experienced writers.
Membership currently costs $40 per month, but the Den only opens to the public twice a year. You can join the waiting list free now and decide later whether the paid membership is right for you.
While you wait, they will send you a free copy of Carol Tice's The Recession-Proof Freelancer. The e-book shares practical ideas for finding writing work and keeping your freelance income going during difficult economic times.
Go here to join the Freelance Writers Den waiting list and get the free e-book.
Good luck to you!
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.