The Take-Up was founded in January 2023 by St. Louis-based film critics Kayla McCulloch, Joshua Ray, and Andrew Wyatt. After working together for several years as contributors to Cinema St. Louis’ official blog, The Lens, they struck out on their own and established The Take-Up as a new, independent online platform for criticism. Their goal was to create a welcoming space for thoughtful, high-quality critical work on cinema and other culture. The Take-Up serves as a permanent home for the work of the site’s founders, as well as a publishing platform for regular and guest contributors. The founders are committed to the principle of author ownership, and they endeavor to provide an outlet where young and emerging critics can confidently present their work and refine their voice.
Why "The Take-Up"?
In a two-reel film projector system, the take-up reel (a.) – also known as the winding reel – is the receiving reel for film that has passed through the film gate. In addition to signifying a new endeavor for the founders, The Take-Up connotes that which follows once the credits roll and house lights come up. It personifies the reflection, analysis, and discussion that are crucial to the appreciation of any film and its place in the wider context of culture, politics, and history.
The Take-Up Manifesto
1. We believe that all works of cinema are, by definition, art. All cinema is worthy of – and, conversely, a valid subject for – serious, quality criticism. No film is beneath or above good-faith critical consideration, analysis, and appraisal.
2. We believe that criticism is a subjective endeavor. It is intrinsically beholden to the viewpoint, sentiments, and life experiences of the individual critic. The critic should always strive for honesty and precision when articulating their response to a work.
3. We believe that quality criticism requires transparency and the minimization of conflicts-of-interest. The Take-Up does not publish paid or sponsored content. Contributors to the Take-Up do not accept gratuities or hospitality from studios, distributors, or public relations companies in exchange for coverage.
4. We believe creators should retain ownership of their work whenever possible. Works presented on the Take-Up are published with the permission of the creator, who retains the original copyright unless otherwise specified.
