Independent Filmmakers - Getting Your Movie Reviewed

Thank you for your interest in our website!

While we are huge supporters of independent cinema and try to review as many films as possible, but please understand that we receive dozens -- sometimes hundreds -- of indie screeners each month. Due to the enormous volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee your film will be reviewed even if we request a screening copy, but we will at least consider your film if it meets our guidelines.

Here are the criteria for contacting us to submit a film for review. There are no exceptions to these rules.

- Do not submit any film unless it has been listed in the IMDb. If your film has already been released on DVD, we will not review it unless it is available for sale on Amazon.com. We do not review short films -- movies must be at least 45 minutes long to qualify as "feature length."

- Send us a press kit and/or a link to your official website when submitting a film. We are more likely to review films which offer easy access to press materials like still photographs.

- Fair warning: Movies shot on video rarely receive rave reviews unless they are truly masterful otherwise. We try to make some accomodation for low budgets, but we do not make special exceptions for poor stories and bad acting. Thank you for understanding. Please don't submit a film unless you are willing to accept the review as it is delivered, without complaint.

- We do not accept VHS screeners -- we junked our VCRs; we now accept DVD only (and playable on a standard DVD player; no WMA or other wacky formats). Do not send discs which contain "property of studio" or other text overlays or crawls, or discs which periodically drop from color to black and white. They will not be reviewed or returned. Do not send anything to us via certified mail or any other "signature required" format, as we are frequently not here during delivery.

- We do not review movies streamed online. Sorry, but a two-inch window is no place for us to judge your masterpiece.

- Finally, you should are well advised to read Five Stars! How to Become a Film Critic, The World's Greatest Job before submitting your film. The book outlines in detail what we look for in a movie and how we approach the review process. Even if you've already finished your film, this book will be well worth the investment for your film career.

Even if we love your film, materials will not be returned. All submissions are reviewed in the order received. Expect to wait six weeks or more for a review. If you're ready to send us your film,

Please include a presskit and send a digital still photo from your film as well -- or links to these materials online. If one of our critics is interested in reviewing your film, they will be in touch directly.