Join HFCS

Eligibility

Like other film critics groups, one must apply for entry into the group. Enrollment in HFCS is free. The criteria for admittance is simply having written a substantial amount of film reviews for a magazine, newspaper, blog or website. Read our detailed eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for HFCS membership, critics must meet one of the following two criteria:

• Compose at least 20 reviews of at least 300 words each per calendar year, in a print medium with a circulation of at least 20,000 monthly, or on a film-focused web site with at least 5,000 unique visitors/month, or a general news/entertainment site with at least 10,000 unique visitors/month. Radio and podcast critics with at least six months of experience and an online collection of their work are also eligible.

• Make a minimum of 12 broadcast appearances (television, cable, satellite radio, terrestrial radio or podcast) to review and/or discuss films in a given calendar year.

Enrollment in HFCS occurs between February and September. During that time, please contact HFCS founder Barry Wurst II via email stating your intent to join, and provide a brief history of your work, links to existing reviews, and contact information including your email and phone number.

HFCS Regulations

Members must agree to follow embargo rules, established by film studios, regarding the publication or dissemination of film reviews, in both their main media outlets and social media venues. Members should also conduct themselves in a professional manner when dealing with publicists, visiting talent and their fellow film critics.

Failure to respect these rules means immediate termination from the group. Members can be removed at the discretion of the HFCS Board.