Please complete these questions and submit the requested information to apply for membership in Chicago Indie Critics.  We will review every application as a team and reply to you at our earliest convenience.  If you have any questions about the form or the process, please email us at: chicagoindiecritics@gmail.com.

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS:
1) Residency within the Chicagoland area, specifically Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane, DeKalb, Kendall, Grundy, Will, and Kankakee counties in Illinois, Kenosha country in southeastern Wisconsin, and Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper counties in northwest Indiana.

Membership will require the applicant to have completed reviews based on the following:

FILM WRITING APPLICANTS: Must have a minimum of 50 published film reviews of 400 words or more in length.
TV WRITING APPLICANTS: Must have a minimum of 50 published TV reviews of 400 words or more in length

FILM AUDIO APPLICANTS: Must have a minimum of 50 shows/podcasts of at least 15 minutes in length reviewing a minimum of 50 films in year
TV AUDIO APPLICANTS: Must have a minimum of 50 shows/podcasts of at least 15 minutes in length, reviewing a minimum of 50 titles per year

FILM VIDEO APPLICANTS: 50 videos of at least 5-minute length reviewing a total of 50 films a year.
TV VIDEO APPLICANTS: Must have a minimum of 50 videos of at least 5 minutes in length, reviewing a total of 50 titles per year.

APPLICANTS OF MULTIPLE PLATFORMS: Must show a combination of contributions that still total a minimum of 50 fully reviewed Film and/or TV content in a year.

FOR ALL APPLICANTS: As per a part of our mission, 15% of your total reviews need to be from independent, foreign language, or documentary sources.
FOR ALL APPLICANTS: Review quality, professionalism, quality of outlet, audience reach, candidate statement, and other personal traits will also be taken into consideration and reviewed by our review board.

OPTIONAL FOR ALL APPLICANTS: To add to your application, you may submit a letter of reference or recommendation from an existing CIC member. Email this letter to chicagoindiecritics@gmail.com with your completed application.
FOR ALL APPLICANTS: Applicants who review both Film and Television content need only review a total of 50 titles (either film or television) per year.


MISSION STATEMENT:
Chicago Indie Critics (CIC) is a creative and engaging not-for-profit organization composed of unique, dedicated, and diversified film critics.  Our members are wide-ranging in experiences, backgrounds, tastes, diversities, and target audiences across both print and on-line platforms and publications.  We have organized to share our personal assessments, commentaries, passions, and creativity in the vigilant effort to highlight the greatness and diversity found in both independent and mainstream films.  While we originate in the Chicagoland area, the efforts of Chicago Indie Critics are to share, celebrate, and promote the rich artistic medium of film to audiences, fans, and eager minds across the nation and world as an exemplary and upstanding pillar of intelligent print and broadcast journalism.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
1) Completed online form.
2) Notification of receipt of Membership Application form and anticipated timetable for decision.
3) Formal review of application and applicant's work by the CIC Directors.
4) Follow-up communication period to request further information, answer inquiries, or discuss a timetable for a decision.
5) Personal communication of final decision. We stand by the guarantee that you will hear from us personally with either acceptance or denial.
6) If approved to join, annual membership dues are $50, payable by check or PayPal, and will be due within 60 days of acceptance.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
Fill out the following sections to the best of your ability and email us at chicagoindiecritics@gmail.com with any questions or needs.

2023 OPEN APPLICATION DUE DATE: July 31, 2023