3 Simple Truths About PR

Whether you are an actor, filmmaker, musician, comedian or something else entirely…there are certain factors about PR that I’ve discovered ring true for everyone.

 

They might even seem obvious, but many times they are not adhered to. That’s why I think it’s worth sharing with you what I consider to be at the core of any publicity campaign.

 

3 Simple Truths About PR:

 

1. Strong Stories Grab Attention

 

The fact of the matter is…a strong story will always find a reporter to cover it. It’s all about uncovering the best angle or way to tell your story that can make a difference. Also, the strength of your story is subjective. What’s interesting to one reporter is not always interesting to another, so you might need to have a few different angles to use as you target different people.

 

For example, if you’re starring in an indie horror film that is premiering at a film festival, plan to approach a press outlet that covers the horror genre with a different angle than a local film reporter in the city where the festival is taking place. Each of these could have an interest in your story idea, just keep in mind the way in which they cover entertainment projects and their audience.

 

2. Timing Counts

 

It’s no coincidence that entertainment reporters write stories related to the release of a project. They like to share stories about fresh, upcoming projects that their audiences will be able to watch or hear in the near future. And, it makes sense…because don’t you hate it when someone starts talking about a movie that you know nothing about and have no way of watching?! I sure do!

 

Another timing consideration is: Urgency. Reporters are always on deadline and under pressure to cover stories that have some built-in urgency. What’s that? It’s a story that has an implied expiration date and often relates to when a project is premiering, screening, happening, etc. And, the truth is…a story with urgency usually wins over a story that can be told at a later date.

 

3. Doing Nothing Doesn’t Work

 

Although there are no guarantees for coverage when it comes to PR, you can bet that zero is what you’ll get if you do nothing. Being pro-active is the fastest way to build your buzz. You don’t have to be a series regular or an Academy Award winner to capitalize on your successes. Start searching online for reporters, bloggers, and others who cover similar projects to the ones you’re involved with — they’re out there.

 

My best advice is to start creating a strategy early, don’t wait until it’s too late. And, at a minimum, write your own press release, post it online and send it to a hometown outlet.

 

Overall, if you keep these 3 simple truths in mind…your PR campaign will be heading in the buzz building direction.

 

THANKS!