Submissions wanted (film, TV) | $100 per essay

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: BRIGHT WALL/DARK ROOM

12 December 2023

In keeping with our annual tradition, our first issue of 2024 will be entirely focused on the best films and TV of 2023! No fancy prompt this time around—and as long as it was released in 2023, any film or tv show is fair game, even if we've previously covered it on the site.

We are currently able to pay $100 for accepted essays, upon publication. Please be aware that all acceptances are based on the presumption of the writer's good-faith engagement with our collaborative editorial process; a refusal to participate in this process may result in rescinded acceptance. In order to be considered for the issue we will need to receive a complete first draft of your essay via Submittable by December 12, 2023.

Please be advised that given the high volume of interest for what’s typically 8 - 12 publication slots in a month, and to level the playing field between emerging and established voices, we rely primarily on Submittable in finding essays for each issue, and we do ask for full first drafts for consideration (pitches sent to Submittable are often seen too late to be considered).

We completely understand that for many writers, working on spec is too much of an expenditure of time and energy for an uncertain result. For that reason, we’re happy to accept e-mailed pitches via editors@brightwalldarkroom. Please include a rundown of the idea, a projected word count (we usually publish work between 2,000 and 4,000 words), a sense of what makes it a great fit for BW/DR (usually some distinctive form or offbeat focus that would set it apart from outlets more focused on news and reviews), and a few links to pieces published at outlets with editorial oversight. On pitches, we will offer a solid yes or no, and a rejection may represent a range of reasons unrelated to the quality of your work—given our roster of regular contributors and our desire to save a few slots each month for Submittable discoveries, pitching is, for better or worse, a fairly competitive prospect!

For additional, detailed information on our general submission process and guidelines, please take a look at The Bright Wall/Dark Room Guide to Pitching & Submitting.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

• Submissions: Via the webform
• Website: brightwalldarkroom.com

TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:

• Learn more about the publication: Bright Wall/Dark Room aims to offer a different lens on film and television. It is an independent online film journal devoted to exploring the relationship between movies and the business of being alive. Bright Wall/Dark Room is also a gathering place for writers and readers who want to look more passionately at film. More information here.
• Read through a selection of recent articles/stories on its website.
• Review the submission guidelines here.
• Check out our collection of pitch excerpts on this page and find more sample pitches at The Open Notebook and at SuccessfulPitches.com.
• Do not forget to end your pitch with (1) a short introduction about yourself; (2) a few lines highlighting your writing experience, relevant credentials and publication credits; and (3) links to your strongest work or portfolio, and online profile.

* * * * * * * * * *

LOOKING FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES? Find additional jobs on Extra. Check out the upcoming deadlines on our PLUS+ Calendar. Filter the listings by category (worldwide opportunities, high-paying leads, paying publications, and non-pitching jobs). Use the search form on the homepage to find opportunities relevant to your interests.

WANT OUR DIGEST delivered to your inbox on a daily basis? Go to your email settings and make sure the notifications for Write Jobs PLUS+ are turned on. Want more tips? Read the welcome notes here.