In the beginning...

What is a Substack? Why do I have one? What does this mean?

If you’re reading this, there is a high possibility you already know who I am. Most, if not all, will stumble upon this via my social media platforms. A small percentage of you will know me in real life, in which case please never let me know directly that you read my writing as this will only increase my anxiety tenfold. Since I am entirely new to Substack, I suppose there is a slight chance you find this through their channels-does Substack have an explore page? Clearly, I didn’t take the tour when signing up. If you are part of the latter group, here is a brief introduction to who I am. As you have probably pieced together, my name is Joe. I have a modest following on the hippest and maybe soon-to-be-illegal social media platform known as TikTok, where I dedicate my time discussing film- whether that’s intelligently or not is still up for debate. I also host a podcast called House of Cinema and I have an unhealthy obsession with Letterboxd- but these things were most likely assumed once you knew I was an active TikTok user.

What is a Substack?

I am not entirely sure. From what I’ve gathered it appears to be a blog of some sort, but then again, the word “blog” feels archaic now. Do people still actually own or run blogs? Anyone besides Perez Hilton? From my brief exploration, it appears people can subscribe to your Substack, which can in turn generate revenue. So in essence it’s a writer’s YouTube. Except without the clickbait thumbnails (I think?)

Why do I have a Substack?

This is the better question and it’s more than just collecting social media profiles like infinity stones. Let’s address it in bullet points for the sake of staying organized.

• New Year, New Me- an old and admittedly tiresome adage, but one that is undeniably powerful. There is something about the start of the new year that is inspiring- tabula rasa, a chance to build something new from the ground up.

• I am torn- I’ve reached a juncture in my life where decisions need to be made. I have found moderate success on social media discussing film but now what? YouTube was a venture that was undeniably exciting, but I have found the burden of creating long-form video content mostly unsatisfying- in both the results and more importantly in the creative process. So I have turned to Substack as an outlet to further explore the art of film criticism.

• I like writing more- Not really much to expand on here.

  

What’s the goal here?

Another great question, mostly because I am not entirely sure. To call my venture into the space of film criticism via social media an adventure may be selling it short. It has been literally life-changing and I am extremely grateful for the immense support I have received. However, my greatest fear is to stop growing- to lose momentum and become stagnant. If there’s even the slightest possibility that Substack leads to an opportunity in the writer’s space of film criticism and journalism, then at the very least it’s worth a shot.

Will you stop making video content?

Nope. Short-form content is my bread and butter. It’s where I got my start and where I’ll continue to make content for as long as people enjoy watching. As for YouTube content, it’s still an endeavor I want to pursue, but I’m still trying to work out exactly how I want to pursue it. Lists? Rankings? Show my face? Voice-overs? Essays? I’ll figure it out, eventually.

Will you continue the podcast?

A shameless plug, but absolutely. The House of Cinema podcast is my baby. Even pre-social media explosion, I was churning out episodes because ultimately, talking about movies makes me happy (even if no one is listening). I am reaching episode 100, a milestone I am extremely proud of and I hope 2023 brings bigger and better things for the podcast. One day I’ll have to do a written history of the podcast, it’s been a wild journey.

Listen to the podcast here

What kind of content is expected on Subbstack?

Reviews, rankings and lists, short essays, and other film ramblings. What this won’t be is a blog about my personal life, mostly because that would be incredibly boring.

Will there be paid content?

I have no idea. Who am I to charge people to read my writing? Maybe one day, but currently that is not the plan.

So now what?

I wasn’t entirely sure how to end this post without it being too abrupt so I am using this section as the conclusion. I don’t have a set schedule for when I will be posting, but the intention is to post weekly. If you have gotten this far, I appreciate your time and support. I am always deeply humbled by anyone who enjoys my voice, either in written or audio formats, and my hope is that this Substack continues to bring exciting conversations into the world of film.

My apologies in advance for any technological errors, Substack is a strange place but I will eventually get a good understanding of it. I hope.