Film and Book reviews are in decline at a time when unprecedented numbers of new titles arrive in the market. Every newspaper, from the LA Times to the Toronto Star has gradually cut space and resources allocated to reviewing. Movie reviews have morphed into one-paragraph snapshots. Advance book reviewers are more selective and more opinionated than ever. Some newspapers have entirely eliminated book reviews altogether.Word of mouth, of course, has always been the primary driver of any movie or book title success, but often it begins with a small review in a local newspaper. Book publishers find it increasingly difficult, and very costly, to reach out to the few reviewers left in the industry. Smaller publishers have few places to turn for the all-important review.
Is there a solution?
It has already appeared in the form of the internet. Forums, reader groups online, places like Authors Den and large portals provide voice for the necessary buzz and word of mouth. Online magazines, such as Films and Books, move in to provide opinion and review. And perhaps, given the sheer numbers of independent film companies and small press publishers, this is a very good thing.
