Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Beatty
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I came into movies as a passion but also an escape from a sheltered background. As a native of northern Utah hailing from a strictly religious community environment, films and entertainment were seen as entertainment but also as taboos to avoid for several reasons. Nonetheless, I was obsessed with them as a vessel of creativity and free thinking. Now as an adult, I relish my opportunity to turn that lifelong devotion into a prolific career.
I started said career on YouTube in August 2015 with a review of American Psycho 2 starring Mila Kunis. From that time until October 2020 I was learning as much as I could about film, criticism, and how to present myself on camera and with thought-out observations and critiques. I began interviewing and participating in FanX Salt Lake Panels and Celebrity Spotlights, which led to being admitted to the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. From that coverage, I was approached by ABC4 Good Things Utah to restart their Friday Flicks movie review segment.
For the last several years, I have proudly applied my dedication as film critic to ABC4 television in Salt Lake City, At the station, I spearheaded the first post-pandemic review segment on Utah’s #1 lifestyle show Good Things Utah, which has since led into my own flagship ABC4 segment created and run by me. I have interviewed hundreds of creatives and artists, as well as participated in multiple film festivals both as a judge and as moderator for panels.
I’m a member of the Critics Choice Association, the Utah Film Critics Association, the Hollywood Creative Alliance, and the Online Film and Television Association.
With each person I reach through this outlet– be it on a large screen at home or a small screen in their pocket– I have the pleasure of sharing my passionate insight for film.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The more obscure the path is to obtain a career as a film critic, the more challenges are unavoidable.
There are some incredibly inspiring people who I look up to in the industry, but there’s also a lot of jealousy, bad actors, and self-doubt. I still feel a great amount of imposter syndrome because the path I took wasn’t what others would consider “traditional”. My ADHD has been something that feels both like a strength and a hindrance because many things that might come naturally to another critic don’t for me and that can be hard.
The biggest challenge facing my industry comes from the uncertainty of media journalism specifically film criticism. It’s a niche market with a surplus of wonderful journalists and a deficit of opportunities for them all. I have been very fortunate to be where I am in my career.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What do you do: Film Criticism and Celebrity Interviews
Specialize: Interviews, Festival coverage, Awards Coverage, Broadcast reviews
Known For: Film Critic for ABC4 Utah
Most Proud of: My family, finding success in a passion I am in love with, and meeting my inspirations and lifelong idols like Weird Al, Christopher Nolan, Harrison Ford, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
What sets me apart from others:
Passion and consistency. At the end of the day if you aren’t passionate and excited about what you’re doing, you won’t be consistent and won’t succeed. I’ve loved being able to bring that passion and inspire others to follow their passions as well.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Salt Lake City is a beautiful place city with small-town vibes. There’s good food, community-based stuff like farmers markets and festivals.
The inversion is what I like least.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abc4.com/dailydish/see-it-or-skip-it/ and https://patrickbeattyreviews.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickbeattyreviews/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrickbreviews
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-beatty-26b62663/
- Twitter: https://x.com/patbreviews
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/patrickbeattyreviews
