cinéSPEAK Philly Beat Fellowship

cinéSPEAK is delighted to launch its second edition of the arts and culture journalism fellowship!

The cinéSPEAK Philly Beat Fellowship is a paid learning opportunity geared towards Philadelphia-based cultural critics and journalists—especially those who are new and emerging in the industry. We are looking for voices that further amplify the spirit and magic of the Philadelphia film and art community. The aim is to provide local journalists with the opportunity to refine their skills, learn from other critics, and to be compensated for publishing work for the journal.

The 2023 cinéSPEAK Philly Beat Fellowship will take place between September 2023 and June 2024 (10 months). Each fellow will be in charge of writing a monthly column, spotlighting either moving-image artists or organizations in the Philadelphia area. There will be a monthly check in with the Editor-In-Chief. We anticipate bringing on two writers for this year’s program. 

In addition to writing monthly columns, fellows will get first priority to pitch and write articles that align with the cinéSPEAK Journal editorial calendar such as film reviews, event coverage, interviews, and more. Fellows will be provided additional compensation for any pitches that are published.

Finally, the fellows will take part in a workshop aimed at film critics. More details about the workshop TBD.

To apply for the fellowship, please fill out the application form at the bottom of this page. A select number of fellows will be invited to interview as part of the review process. The fellows will be announced in the fall.

Monthly fellowship columns:

• The “Philadelphia Artist Spotlight” column will be up to 700-1000 words and should outline why the artist is relevant right now, focus on the artist’s work, and highlight any upcoming projects or screenings. If relevant, the article would include some links to the artist’s work. The artists spotlighted will be selected in collaboration with journal staff. Take a look at our published spotlights to get a sense of what we’re looking for. (Rate: $300 per month)
• The “Philadelphia Organization Spotlight” column will be up to 700-1000 words and should outline the work of an organization/business as well as how readers can get involved in the organization and work. Organizations/businesses could be nonprofits, collectives, production companies, and other film industry entities doing notable work in Philadelphia. The organizations/businesses spotlighted will be selected in collaboration with journal staff. Take a look at our published spotlights to get a sense of what we’re looking for. (Rate: $300 per month)

Fellowship requirements:

• Individuals must live and/or work in the Greater Philadelphia region.
• We center the voices of Black, Brown, and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ writers.
• Fellows will be required to submit a monthly column on a tight deadline.
• Fellows will be required to attend a film critics workshop.
• Fellows will get first priority to pitch additional articles for additional writer fees.

Fellowship Timeframe: September 2023 and June 2024 (10 months)

Fellowship Fee: $3,000 over 10 direct deposit monthly payments of $300. Fellow will be a 1099 contractor employee.

Fellowship Note: Life happens and if the fellowship is not working out for either party, it can be terminated upon mutual agreement. If the fellowship is terminated, cinéSPEAK agrees to pay the individual through the most recently completed month.

Miscellaneous Perks: cinéSPEAK will cosign festival press applications and cover participation fees (as needed) and free admission to all cinéSPEAK screenings in 2022.

*EXTENDED* DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 5, 2023 at 11:59 PM

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

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2023-2024 Fellows

2022-2023 Fellows