When I first started writing for media outlets four years ago, I never knew how powerful the opinions of movie fans really were. I was astonished to find out that studios fly writers out for free to interview celebrities on set visits. I was even more amazed about the ‘Open Bar’ film industry events, but the biggest thing that surprised me was that web geeks have fans. When I opened my first fan mail 4 years ago, I knew that putting my writing online was going to be fun, challenging, and a great opportunity to build my resume. It was also something I wanted to excel at.
After writing for a few years, I soon discovered the tricks of the trade. Readers of popular media outlets get to see the positive things writers get to do. We make friends, we get to travel, and we love to entertain you in the best way we know possible. However, we are human and none of us are perfect….especially movie web geeks. We all mostly share the same flaws and weird quirks that we don’t like to admit, and you will usually find us making excuses for them if they’re pointed out to us. So here are some things that you might like to know about us that we would all like to take to the grave. :P
1. WE GET STARSTRUCK
Many people seem to think that online film journalists are very professional and never lose their cool when interviewing someone known in the entertainment industry, but most times we put our game faces on for interviews. A lot of us that write are merely just humble movie geeks that have been given the chance to write for a movie website. Chances are during an interview, the main thought in web geeks heads is wondering if and how they can nonchalantly ask for a picture with the actor/actress afterwards. Actually, from personal experience I have noticed that web writers don’t usually get nervous over the A-list actors. It’s the cult/B-list actors that really get to us. Honestly, I have met a few well known actors, but when I met Greg Nicotero at a convention, I got so flustered and red in the face.
2. WE ARE PRESS WHORES
Yes, we do like seeing our names on popular search engines. However, there are 3 things we all dream of seeing our names on: Movie Posters, t.v. spots, and DVD covers. We will do anything just to get a blurb that will eventually manipulate people into seeing the movie. We might over embellish reviews for the hope that it will be looked at. (We all know there are writers out there that will even flat out lie about horrible movies just to get a good blurb.) We also know the right phrases that will make for a good blurb. We know that movies like being compared to other popular movies. (For example if you see in a review, “It’s (FILL IN THE BLANK movie) meets (FILL IN THE BLANK movie)!” it’s a pre meditated blurb.) Yup, we may deny it, but we have all done this one time or another. ;)
3. WE ARE TERRITORIAL
A lot of us sometimes forget that we are a dime a dozen in this business, and this is evident when you see how territorial some of us can get. See, most of us are just merely hardcore movie fans with an amazing mental capacity to store endless amounts of trivial movie knowledge who like to think we are “film elitists.” This usually comes out when writers from different sites come together for events or festivals. Of course, we usually spend most of the time sharing our views on the latest movie news. However, get a bunch of movie web nerds together long enough, and the conversation is bound to turn into a battle of the wits. (Or “Who’s the biggest virgin?” is what I like to call it.) The once friendly chatter turns into a vicious debate over obscure movies and at some point, someone always ends up mocking a fellow writer for not idolizing a little known cult actor who really is just a glamorized extra in horror films. Since I am a woman, I am usually challenged on my film knowledge every screening or event I go to.
4. WE LOVE THE COMMENT SECTION
As much as some of you are addicted to writing comments, we are even more addicted to reading them. After certain articles/editorials, we will use RSS feeds and constantly refresh the webpage, just to see if there is anything new. Honestly, I have been in the middle of dates or make out sessions and constantly thinking about what people are writing on the site. It doesn’t matter if the feedback is good or bad, we just want to see the number of comments go up!! It is an obsessive compulsive habit majority of us have.
5. WE ARE INSANELY COMPETITIVE!
When you write for popular media outlets, you make friends with other writers from different websites when you cover the same events, festivals and set visits. Usually you only get to see these people when you are working, so it’s really fun when you do see them. However, no one likes to admit this, but when we are covering the same events, we are EXTREMELY competitive with one another. It becomes more of a race than a job really. It’s all about who can get more photo ops, interviews, exclusives, and better coverage! We may have fun at the after parties and love catching up with one another, but believe me, as soon as we’re not around other writers, we will race to our hotels to upload videos and pictures, and write our articles in the hopes that our pieces are the FIRST thing you see in the Google search engine (a.k.a. all websites’ best friend) for whatever event we are covering.
6. WE DO CARE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT US
Believe it or not, your opinions really do matter to us. (Yup, we are all like Mark Wahlberg from ‘The Big Hit’) Your emails or comments can either make or break our day. Sure, some of us start controversy in our articles, but we do want to be liked. (Even if we go out of way to make that nearly impossible. :P) For every ten people who read our articles, we know that there is always going to be at least one person who doesn’t like or down right HATES what we have to say. Sometimes the negative emails or comments are so completely irrational and over the top, it’s hard to be offended by them. (Actually for those ones we print out for our friends to laugh at)
However, even though we have built a thick skin, there are some negative remarks that do get under it. Sometimes they will put us in a sour mood all day. ( After all,no one likes being called a douche for liking a certain movie!) However, the positive feedback is what drives us to keep writing. It puts a smile on our faces to know that we put a smile on yours. (As corny as that sounds!)
So, there are a few more secrets that I’m leaving out. (I can’t let you know everything, because I will be banned from writing on any website ever again!) Please know that even though we all have negative or embarrassing qualities, we do our best to entertain and inform you guys the best way we know how, and that’s what truly counts! :) Our jobs may not be as glamorous as they may seem, however I love my job and my fellow web writer friends, and I wouldn’t want to change a single thing about us. :) (Well…maybe a couple of things! :P)
This is…all wrong.
hi serena,
more than a year ago i stumbled upon TMB because i needed something for my class (movie review presentation thingy). once i seen the movie reviews, i started to fell in love with this site and i got to know the personalities of the very passionate people behind them (extra credits goes to the ever warm and good guy john and the toilet-mouthed doug).
and the TMB audios…which i listen to whilst driving home. it’s gives color and drew a picture in my head about you guys. heck, whilst driving i feel as if john and doug are at the back seat talking! and you know why?
there’s no shananegans or whatnots, just pure and honest opinions by movie fans, sharing what they know and love, to the world! and with the personality to match! and i see it in this post too.
reading your post really added more to your “i’m a real, breathing, living, human being” idea. guys aren’t just great, you’re phenomenal! you know how to capture our hearts and wanting us to get more! eventhough it may seem to be a small thing for you guys, it’s a big thing for us and we love each and every ounce of it!
btw, to all web-movie writers/bloggers who love what they do, I SALUTE YOU! and to all TMB writers, THANK YOU!
and whenever you feel a bit down, heed this word of wisdom:
“if I cannot do great things, I will do great things in a GREAT way!”
p/s: tell doug to keep on cursing like it’s nobody’s business!
ehm sorry about the spelling mistakes..hm
II must thank you. best 5 minutes of reading of the day =). I have been for 1 month or so deciding wheter or not start a blog about movies, and now i am seriously confident in doing so. You are as human as everyone else xd… I obviously know that i will never be invited to conference or to interviews or whatever other cool stuff you do (It’s not I am pesimist, it’s I live in Mexico… yeah and I am a little pesimist). But I want my opinion to be heard too :).
Thank you ;_;… nice writing you got a talent in there :O… and yes, you are totally beautiful in that pic…(yeah you got another new fan haha..)
@Chris(The Real One)
“Who are you guys? The Spice Boys?”
I love that movie.
Well I’m a bit late here but since you’ll be checking this:
I’m not really a horror fan so half the time you write about things I kind of gloss over, but it’s great to have you on board here at TMB. You always write really interesting articles on culture and try to get to the deeper meanings of things with your columns. I also appreciate the female perspective on things you provide, since most of the people who post here are male.
You really should come on the podcasts more often than you do.
o and the big hit….the phone tap blocker blocker
holy balls!! the big hit! i thought i was the only one who liked that movie. props serena and kristina. lou diamond phillips knife fight….nuff said
nice lil article there serena. answers alot of questions about u people, lol. seriously tho i always did think u guys were just film geeks like me
shakaloo!
shakaloo!
shakaloo!
*poof!*
Hey, why is the Notorious BIG in my room?
I’d get a little over excited if I met Greg Nicotero as well.
The biggest geek movie star I’ve met is Ron Perlman.
Well I also met Johnny Depp when I played the Viper room.
I’d get a little over excited if I met Greg Nicotero as well.
The biggest geek movie star I’ve met is Ron Perlman.
I love the Movie Blog better than any other site its easy to use and gives go reviews i may not agree with there opinion but it helps me know what i should expect. I have only been using this site for 5 months but I love it and as a film student and film lover its a thing i look forward to reading everyday. Thank you Movie Blog Writers you guys kick ass.
Hey Serena! I remember you talking about the big geek out you had over Nicotero at the Festival of Fear.. That was a good time. We should have hung out more. I definitely have to agree with no. 2.. I try not to get too big headed about it but I love to see my quote on anything. Have a great one..
I am sure that it must be really hard to expose yourself out there to people. However I must say that I am surprised that being a woman into horror causes some movie geeks to test you. For me women that like horror or heavy metal are kryptonite to me. Add on to that the fact that you’re hot, well that would just seal the deal right there.
This and TV Show Blog I visit multiple times a day. Comingsoon.net, Bloody-Disgusting, and Arrow in the Head I visit once or twice a day each, but this and TV Show Blog are the only Movie/TV sites I actually bother to participate on and leave comments at.
This is actually the only movie-related website that I frequent on a daily basis. So yeah, keep up the good work! =)
/John
Awesome article. It’s always good when people like yourself do things to remind people like us that hey, you’re real people too. So much better and refreshing from some other sites where the writers have this high and mighty attitude about them.
Keep on truckin’!
I think i just proved my point.
You forgot the super secretive point 7.
We all drink human piss on a goatskin mat looking towards a oaken – carved bust of Ebert placed atop an obsidian column. Then we ritualistically burn our genitals with oven-heated hematite stones.
We also say the magical word SHAKALOO 3 times a day
Ahhhhh a fellow woman in the lion’s den – mind you, I think you have it much harder with the passion for horror films.
Great little article and keep at it Serena. I love reading your posts!
@ Karl,
I am quite excited to see your comment! :P
@ Darren,
Bless your movie obsessed heart! Thanks for the comments….
@ Kristina,
I love ‘The Big Hit’ (as cheesy as it is!!) I loved that Melvin Smiley. Also, that ransom note scene was funny sh*t!
@ Meli,
Thanks a bunch. If you keep reading, I’ll keep writing!
@ Phil Gee,
You are one of my favorite commentators…not because you always have something nice to say, but you always write with passion and humor and what you write in the comment sections are informative as well. Thanks for the comment. You made my day! :)
I’ll add to what Meli said. I’m really glad you’re part of the TMB crew Serena because, just like we can always count on Rodney to hold the fort while the guys are away, John to provide a unique perspective on what seems like mundane movie news, and Doug for all that other movie pundits dare not say, we can count on you to conjure up articles like this that give us insight and a forum on things we’d never thought about before.
If you are all so insanely competitive though, I think John should make his next documentary about it. I’m serious; we’ve never seen one about what it’s like to be a movie pundit in a dangerous world:)
Serena, I’m enjoying your articles more and more. Keep up the great work!
First things first… except SHADOPUP beat me to it.
Serena, you have my condolences ;)
Also, I wish I was a press whore: The Strangers… it’s like Ils meets Them!!!
:P
Great article btw.
:)
Serena, you gave a shout-out to one of my not-so-guilty pleasure movies, The Big Hit! Your coolness just multiplied by ten in my book!
Nobody reads any comment I make unless I make it a mile long, rant, or say something right out of Sopholcles.
When I contributed to film-related websites in the past, I would often get a bit flattered, but sometimes I would even cringe, at when my name is trotted around outside of those web circles. (My Projector Booth review of ‘Brotherhood Of The Wolf’ translated to a French site is my personal favorite) But you want to know what’s really nuts? Any int’l friend out there…try this…within say, two weeks of Serena’s post, do a search of your name. You’ll be in a dizzy how many blogsites out there not only pick up on The Movie Blog…but **all** the comments section too. Sometimes…just the comments I kid you not!
So when you say here that “Serena Whitney is one smart lady and really fine” know that the whole damn world will know that now (as they should, of course) and fine bachelors like myself now no longer stand a snowball’s chance in h…
Anyway, moving on…as for the Press Whores, I never really believed any of that. Not until Gio Campea in TIME, anyway.
Not a bad article. I hope you’re excited to see this comment here. :D
There is so much truth in there that it is positively scary Serena.
Keep on fighting the good fight.
:)
Serena can afford to think about comments while making out because she can get action whenever she wants. Losers like me have to savor the make out moments when they come along… cause I never know when it might happen again. :P
Great article,Whitney. you stuff just gets better & better. hope you get that gig @ Empire.
Hey guys,
I’m glad to see such nice comments. (Wow, so not used to this :P) Thanks for being fans of TMB and other movie websites….you guys are the reason why we even have the opportunity to do what we do. :)
@Eric,
Don’t make me blush now! :PThank you for the compliment.
John have Greg Nicotero give Serena a call. Because she’s worth it.
Thinking about the comments while making out? The dude must not have been a good kisser then.
Its always fun to get inside the heads of people you whose work you are familiar with. Good read.
This was enlightening. Definitely enjoyed reading it.
This is one of my frequently checked sites. I love the information you guys allow us to read. Not to mention that Doug Nagy fella is one funny sum’bitch! I have seen some rude crap on here in the comments sections yet you guys(and gals) handle it with grace, even when it’s the nastiest. So thanks for being one of the best movie sites out there and keep up the good stuff!
This has nothing to do with this post, but Serena, you are hot!
@ Bigsampson,
Thanks for the compliment….You are right though, I am out there! :P
@ Bishop,
Aww..you’re so sweet! Thank you! Yes, being a female horror aficionada really does make it that much harder. ( I go through number 3 all the time!)
Either I surprise or piss off other horror movie web geeks and they feel they always have to challenge me because I’m a girl, or I unintentionally end up turning them on just because I know who Ruggero Deodato is. lol
Btw…that Michael C. Hall incident does NOT count. He called me!!! I was completely caught off guard! :P
Actually, come to think of it, does being a major fan of horror movies in particular put you in the line of fire moreso than the regular film geek, simply because of gender? Are you challenged more on your knowledge /taste?
I think it is harder to find female horror movies fans, and consider myself lucky to have married one :)
I am reminded of the infamous Michael C. Hall incident of ’07. ;)
Great post Serena. Keep on writing. And being you, of course.
HEY MAN I LIKE THIS post alot….+ i new u where human the whole time dammit…well atleast i new john was you are kinda out there lol. nah just kidding man love this site…i check it everytime i get on my cpu.