PRESS
Promoting yourself is an unfortunate necessity for anyone working in film and trying to build a sustainable career. Luckily there are many accessible outlets in Chicago to help filmmakers do that, as well as brush up on contemporary criticism.
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Roger EbertYou can't talk about film criticism without talking about Roger Ebert, particularly in Chicago. RogerEbert.com contains an amazing archive of the critics reviews and hosts several contributors, many of which can boost exposure for more indie productions either through the site or another.
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Reel ChicagoReel Chicago is probably the most accessible news outlet for indie filmmakers, highlighting films, filmmakers, and film-related events in the city as well as different reviews and news. They are certainly worth reaching out to if you have a new project or venture.
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Newcity FilmNewCity Film is a section of the greater NewCity Magazine that highlights media across various disciplines. The film section primarily highlights the reviews of film critic Ray Pride and annually features the "Chicago Film 50 List" of what they define as the most notable Chicagoans working in film, alternating between filmmakers and companies each year. Brian and Jan Hieggelke, the editors and publishers, have also recently gotten into film producing and financing.
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CinemajawCinemajaw is a fun weekly podcast featuring different guests, interviews, and games. You can reach out to them if you are a filmmaker or actor and want a little extra press or just wanting to talk about film. It is one of the more enjoyable outlets as it doesn't take criticism too seriously and has a significant following.
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Additional Press Resources
Final Thoughts
Chicago comes from a great history of film critics and cinephiles. The democratization of criticism has obviously changed the landscape, but there will always be a need for "legitimate" intellectual criticism and analysis. That said, there is value in the many as much as there is in the few. As Roger Ebert once said, how you interpret film is ultimately very personal and it is up to you to decide how to view the opinions of others. One thing I have always said is that filmmaking is film criticism and that a great director (or screenwriter or director of photography) is constantly analyzing their work and trying to discover a deeper meaning behind the story. As such, reading the opinions of other and seeing how they differ from your own is a vital aspect of film education.
The relationship between the press and the independent film community is, not unlike the relationship between the press and...well, anything, complicated. If you are a producer promoting a new independent film and trying to get the word out, all of the above resources are worth contacting.* In a very Chicago-way, however, I find the ethics behind many of the relationships between filmmakers and critics questionable at best. Though a raving review of your film may in fact help elevate your status, it is concerning when I see such a review for an undeserving film. I can understand the hesitation to badmouth an indie particularly when you may run into the filmmakers in such a small market and even understand the appeal of befriending a well-connected director for personal gain. The concern I have is that this mentality perpetuates a bland, comfortable type of filmmaking in which we aren't challenged to do better. I would hope that critics, as well as filmmakers, maintain a certain level integrity and honesty in these relationships. There are ways to disagree about film without being an asshole. And if all you can do is be an asshole, maybe keep your mouth closed...at least for the time being.
*If promoting new works, I also highly recommend reaching out to various organizations such as IFP Chicago, which has a weekly newsletter showcasing member work.
The relationship between the press and the independent film community is, not unlike the relationship between the press and...well, anything, complicated. If you are a producer promoting a new independent film and trying to get the word out, all of the above resources are worth contacting.* In a very Chicago-way, however, I find the ethics behind many of the relationships between filmmakers and critics questionable at best. Though a raving review of your film may in fact help elevate your status, it is concerning when I see such a review for an undeserving film. I can understand the hesitation to badmouth an indie particularly when you may run into the filmmakers in such a small market and even understand the appeal of befriending a well-connected director for personal gain. The concern I have is that this mentality perpetuates a bland, comfortable type of filmmaking in which we aren't challenged to do better. I would hope that critics, as well as filmmakers, maintain a certain level integrity and honesty in these relationships. There are ways to disagree about film without being an asshole. And if all you can do is be an asshole, maybe keep your mouth closed...at least for the time being.
*If promoting new works, I also highly recommend reaching out to various organizations such as IFP Chicago, which has a weekly newsletter showcasing member work.