The Spool

is creating Reviews and Podcasts for Film and TV

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GOPHER

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You get access to the monthly Patron-only podcast Cocktails & Criterions, as well as the Patron-only poll to decide which film we talk about! You'll also get access to our weekly newsletter, where we break down the best streaming options for film and TV.   

KEY GRIP

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You get all of the above rewards, PLUS access to a new Patron-only Spotify playlist every month, curated by the editors and staff of The Spool!

You also get to participate in our poll to determine our Filmmaker of the Month each month -- where Spool staff and contributors go through the filmography of a director or franchise of your choice.

BEST BOY

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All of the above rewards, PLUS a set of Spool stickers!

GAFFER

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All of the above rewards, PLUS a set of The Spool Buttons! Also, twice a year, you'll be able to request a custom article on a film, show or other property of your choice.  

ASSISTANT CAMERA

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All of the above rewards, PLUS a Spool mug!  
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CAMERA OPERATOR

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All of the rewards for GAFFER patrons and below, PLUS a Spool T-shirt AND a custom sketch of your choice courtesy of Hall of Faces artist Jesse Miller.
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DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

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Our ultimate tier! You get access to all of the above rewards, PLUS exclusive entry into the Spool Movie Club, in which we send you a box of goodies three times a year (films, books, toys, etc.) and talk about it via Google Hangout. 
Exclusive Merch
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  • Exclusive Mug - Get an exclusive Spool mug for all your (damn fine) coffee!
  • Exclusive T-shirt - Get a swanky Spool T-shirt!
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About The Spool

The Spool is an irreverent, informative source for film and television coverage, focused on diverse, thoughtful opinions that seek out a greater understanding of the media we love.

The Spool is a Chicago-based film and television website that features reviews, interviews, festival coverage and more for new releases and classic fare alike.

Since 2019, we've posted hundreds of reviews, interviews, features, and podcasts, ranging from new releases to anniversaries of old favorites and festival coverage. Some of our biggest recurring features include:
  • Filmmaker of the Month -- monthly retrospectives on a filmmaker's works;
  • More of a Comment, Really... -- a podcast, hosted by founder and editor-in-chief Clint Worthington, interviewing actors, filmmakers, composers, and others from the world of film and TV;
  • Hall of Faces -- a podcast co-hosted by Worthington and The A.V. Club's Allison Shoemaker, diving deep into the best characters in television history;
  • and more. 

We're Rotten Tomatoes-certified and fully independent -- we rely on no corporate sponsorships or outside money, just what we get from ads and Patrons like you. 

The money you pledge on our Patreon allows us to pay for:
  • Writers, Editors, and Staff
  • Website and Podcast Hosting
  • Graphic Design and Artwork
  • and more
Not a dime goes into the editor-in-chief's pocket; if you want to support young, independent writers through challenging times in journalism and cultural criticism, The Spool can work wonders with our your contributions. 
Goals
$296.30 of $500 per month
The Spool is much more self-sustaining, and can comfortably maintain a small paid staff of freelance writers. 
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