5 Keys for Turning Your Booking Into Buzz

WooHoo…you just got the call that you booked the role! So, now what?!

 

Well, you either do: a) nothing…which means you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to create career momentum – OR — b) you decide to incorporate a strategic PR plan into your career, sharing your good news with the world and building your buzz.

 

I don’t know about you, but I’ll take the second option.

 

Of course, many of you don’t utilize PR in your career because you’re just not sure where to begin. So, I want to fix that.

 

To help you get started, I’ve put together 5 Keys for Turning Your Booking into Buzz:

 

1. Am I Allowed To Share This Information?

 

If you’ve just booked an acting gig…congrats! But, before you go sharing your good news with the press and the public, it’s important to make sure that you’re not violating an NDA (non-disclosure agreement). If there is a strict NDA on the project, then you might need to get permission or wait until more details have been revealed to the public by the production team.

 

Keep in mind, there are always to promote your work without violating anything. So, be smart…and don’t let an NDA keep you from sharing your success. Of course, if you’re looking to get press attention for a project you’re creating yourself, then this probably isn’t going to be a problem.

 

2. Is My Story Idea Considered Timely?

 

Reporters are bombarded with tons of story ideas every day. So, you want to make sure yours feels ‘urgent’. Every story idea needs to create a sense of importance and answer the question: why should a Reporter do a story about you right now?

 

Positioning your personal PR campaign around a project’s premiere is usually a savvy way to establish a timeline with build-in urgency. And, it makes sense if you think about it. Most of the stories, interviews and promotions you see are usually published in the weeks surrounding the release or premiere of a project. Just don’t wait too late — it’s best to start contacting the press several weeks before you want to gain any press coverage.

 

3. Am I Offering a ‘Fresh’ Story Idea?

 

Always bring a new angle, the latest details or extra information when reaching out to the press. Once a story idea is published or posted…it’s no longer a ‘fresh’ idea. So, be sure that what you’re offering up will give a Reporter the chance to cover something before it becomes ‘old’ news.

 

Be aware that once your latest booking is posted openly online…then it’s considered public news. This includes posting it on IMDb, your website, a news website and even on social media platforms. So, if you’re looking to land a casting announcement in the industry Trades (like Variety or Deadline) – hold off. These types of outlets want to have the first opportunity to post it, so make sure you keep it ‘fresh’.

 

4. Is This a Business Story or for Fans?

 

Determining the type of story you’re offering will help you narrow down your press targets. An industry-related business story could be a good fit for the Trades, including announcements about casting, funding, deals and more. Whereas a premiere-related story is great for the fans, so focus on the consumer media. 99% of all media outlets fall into this category and they include the general news publications, as well as those focused on entertainment.

 

Getting specific about which outlets you’re reaching out to will have an impact on exactly when and how to approach them. It’s all about making sure your story is of interest to each of their audiences – that’s the key to gaining coverage.

 

5. When & Where Is This Project Available?

 

Reporters want to be able to share with their audiences exactly when and where they’ll be able to watch you. So, it’s important for you to know and be able to share the release date. In fact, many Reporters will not even evaluate a story idea unless this information is made available.

 

Also, these details will help you create a timeline and strategy for your press outreach, dictating when to get started. And, if you’re not sure of the release details…don’t be afraid to contact the production team and ask.

 

So, the next time you get a call that you booked it — remember these 5 keys to help you turn your booking into buzz.

 

THANKS!