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What if you could get paid to binge-watch your favorite shows and talk about them? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for freelance writers, it’s a real opportunity. If you have a passion for film and television, you can earn money writing reviews, news, and opinion pieces for top entertainment websites.
But here’s the catch—breaking into entertainment writing isn’t easy. The industry is packed with talented writers, and many websites have more applicants than open spots. However, with the right strategy and the right platforms, you can land paying gigs and build a career writing about the entertainment world.
This article breaks down five legitimate sites that offer paid opportunities for TV and movie writers. Some provide steady work, while others accept submissions on a rolling basis. We’ll cover:
✅ Where to find paid TV & movie writing gigs
✅ How much each site pays
✅ What type of content they’re looking for
✅ How to apply and increase your chances of acceptance
If you’re ready to turn your love of entertainment into income, keep reading.
5 Sites That Pay Writers for TV & Movie Content
1. ScreenRant – Get Paid for Film & TV News
Type of Content: TV, movie, and gaming news & analysis
Pay: Per article (exact rate not listed)
Commitment: Ongoing, requires multiple articles per month
Who Can Apply? Writers worldwide with web writing experience
ScreenRant is a well-known entertainment website that covers film, TV, and gaming news. They frequently hire freelance writers to produce trending articles and in-depth analyses.
How to Get Hired:
- Prior experience writing for online publications is preferred
- Must commit to a certain number of articles per month
- A strong understanding of SEO and pop culture trends is beneficial
Apply Here: ScreenRant Application
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their job listings, as they update frequently.
2. MovieWeb – Write Reviews & Opinion Pieces
Type of Content: Reviews, industry news, opinion pieces
Pay: Per article (exact rate varies)
Commitment: Ongoing freelance work
Who Can Apply? Writers with a strong voice & unique perspectives
MovieWeb offers freelance opportunities for those who are passionate about films, streaming, and entertainment trends. If you enjoy writing in-depth movie reviews, industry news, or think pieces, this could be the perfect fit.
How to Get Hired:
- Strong research and storytelling skills
- Ability to write engaging, well-structured articles
- Unique insights and a fresh take on entertainment topics
Apply Here: MovieWeb Application
Pro Tip: Pitch an article idea with your application to stand out.
3. Cineaste – Write for a Prestigious Film Magazine
Type of Content: In-depth film critiques, book/DVD reviews
Pay:
- $18 for short take reviews
- $36 for book/DVD reviews
- $45 for film reviews
- $90 for feature articles/interviews
Commitment: Per submission, published in print & online
Who Can Apply? Writers with a deep understanding of cinema
Cineaste is a quarterly film magazine that accepts freelance submissions for film reviews, feature articles, and interviews. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in serious film criticism.
How to Get Hired:
- Submit a well-researched, polished piece
- Stick to their editorial guidelines
- Be prepared for selective acceptance
Apply Here: Cineaste Submission Guidelines
Pro Tip: Submitting a unique film analysis or interview proposal can increase your chances.
4. Listverse – Earn $100 for List-Style Movie Articles
Type of Content: Top 10 lists on film, TV, pop culture
Pay: $100 per accepted article (via PayPal)
Commitment: One-time submissions (not guaranteed acceptance)
Who Can Apply? Writers with engaging, fact-based storytelling skills
Listverse is perfect if you enjoy crafting entertaining, well-researched listicles. Popular categories include:
- 10 Shocking Behind-the-Scenes Movie Facts
- 10 Greatest TV Show Cliffhangers of All Time
- 10 Forgotten Cult Classics You Need to Watch
How to Get Hired:
- Write an original, well-researched list with compelling descriptions
- Follow Listverse’s submission format
- Avoid generic topics—they prefer unique angles
Apply Here: Listverse Submission Page
Pro Tip: Use humor and intriguing facts to make your list stand out.
5. Comic Book Resources (CBR) – Cover TV, Movies & Comics
Type of Content: TV/movie news, opinion pieces, listicles
Pay: Not listed (freelancers report per-article pay)
Commitment: Ongoing freelance work
Who Can Apply? Experts in TV, movies, comics, anime, or gaming
CBR is one of the biggest entertainment sites covering comics, gaming, and TV/movies. They seek freelance writers to produce fresh, engaging content for their massive audience.
How to Get Hired:
- Deep knowledge of comics, anime, or entertainment media
- Strong ability to source and analyze industry trends
- Ability to meet tight deadlines
Apply Here: CBR Application Page
Pro Tip: Emphasize your expertise in a specific entertainment niche to increase your chances.
Wrap-Up
✅ Entertainment writing is competitive, so building a strong portfolio is crucial
✅ Some sites offer steady work, while others rely on one-time submissions
✅ Pay varies—Listverse pays $100 per article, while others may have lower rates
✅ Consider diversifying into related niches like gaming, comics, or pop culture
✅ Always pitch unique ideas to stand out from other applicants
Bonus: Insider Tips to Stand Out & Get Hired Faster
Landing a freelance writing gig in entertainment isn’t just about finding job listings—it’s about making your application irresistible. Here are five insider tips that most freelancers overlook:
1️⃣ The “Pitch Before You Apply” Strategy
Most freelance job applications go unread because editors are flooded with submissions. Stand out by sending a short, well-crafted pitch before applying.
- Find the editor’s contact email (often listed in submission guidelines or on LinkedIn).
- Pitch one unique article idea with a short, compelling summary.
- End with: “Would this be a good fit for your publication? If not, I’d love to hear what type of content you’re currently looking for.”
This positions you as proactive and professional, dramatically increasing your chances of getting hired.
2️⃣ Bypass the Generic Contact Form
Many writers apply through a website’s contact form and never hear back. Instead, connect directly with editors via:
- LinkedIn (send a brief, professional DM)
- Twitter/X (reply to their tweets with thoughtful insights)
- Online writer communities where editors actively scout for freelancers
Pro Tip: Search “[Publication Name] editor” on LinkedIn and personalize your message.
3️⃣ Use a ‘Reverse Portfolio’ Approach
Instead of only sending past writing samples, offer custom samples based on their style:
✅ Analyze their content style (tone, format, and structure)
✅ Write a mini article or sample listicle in their format
✅ Attach it with a note: “I created this piece to showcase how my writing aligns with your publication’s voice.”
This effort shows dedication and immediately sets you apart from generic applicants.
4️⃣ Leverage Trending Topics for Quick Wins
Entertainment websites love trend-based content. If you pitch an article about a viral topic, they’re more likely to accept it.
Example: Instead of pitching “Top 10 Sci-Fi Movies of All Time” (a common topic), try:
“The 5 Most Underrated Sci-Fi Films Streaming Right Now (And Where to Watch Them)”
Pro Tip: Check Google Trends & Twitter/X trending topics before pitching!
5️⃣ Get Paid More by Leveraging Your Byline
Once your articles are published, use them to pitch higher-paying gigs:
- Add published links to your portfolio
- Use them to negotiate better rates with new clients
- Pitch directly to editors at bigger sites by referencing your past work
Freelance writing is a game of momentum—each published piece makes landing the next one easier.