If you’re an actor appearing in a studio, network or other AMPTP member project – you can’t promote it in any way…period!
Officially you’re NOT ALLOWED to do any promotion/publicity services at the direction of an AMPTP company, such as: tours, personal appearances, interviews, conventions/fan expos, festivals, For Your Consideration events, panels, premieres/screenings, award shows, junkets, podcast appearances, social media, and studio showcases.
WOW! That’s a lot of stuff you CAN’T DO.
So, does that mean all your hard work and talent goes unnoticed if it premieres, airs, or screens during the Strike?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
There are still ways that you can promote your artistic career, even if your latest project is premiering during the Strike, that will highlight you as someone in the game.
Here’s some ideas to consider:
Post on social about your Strike experience.This showcases you as a professional and active union member. This is a buzz-building moment that you probably didn’t even realize you had. But, industry folks (including casting and creators) are all over social media these days, so take advantage of that exposure. Plus, it gives you a chance to explain what you’re fighting for.
Get your friends and family who are NOT in the unions to highlight your success.They can post on social media and tag you – just don’t share or repost it. They can send emails to your other friends and family alerting everyone of when your project will premiere. This is when it’s a good thing to have a Mom as your friend on Facebook.
Don’t think of your press campaign as cancelled — consider it “on delay”.No one is allowed to do any press right now related to a studio, network, or AMPTP project. And the reporters I’ve talked to since the Strike started – can’t wait for it to end. They miss you already! In fact, I’ve had many of them tell me to circle back again once this is all over because they might still be interested later.
Additional platform releases later can offer another opportunity.If your film is having a theatrical release in theaters during the strike…you can possibly get another chance for press outreach when it hits the streamers. Or if the project is having a festival premiere…then consider a full campaign later when it gets a broader release.
Promote your own projects.The press is still in need of entertainment news and creative artists to highlight. So, if you have a project, that doesn’t violate any union rules, that you’re planning to release during this industry shut-down – do yourself a favor and consider a press campaign. You might just find that media outlets are willing to showcase smaller projects…since they’re not getting any interviews with the big stars these days.
If you have any doubts about what you can or cannot do – please visit the Union websites for further details or contact them directly:
The silver lining in all of this is – you’re not alone! This is a significant moment for the industry and it’s worth the fight…even if you must put your PR on hold.
This Strike will end at some point…and then we can keep building your buzz together.
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