PR, Publicity and the Entertainment Industry
PR is an industry within an industry. Many believe that PR is just used to promote a business’s products or the business itself, but it is so much more. PR can consist of media relations, community relations, communication strategy, digital marketing, etc. PR pros try to make themselves well-rounded in order to address and fulfill all of their client’s needs.
Personally, I have been working at a boutique PR and Publicity firm for the past few months and have been lucky enough to see both sides. Spectacle Creative Media is a PR/Publicity firm that has experience in entertainment, small biz, tech startups, and many other clients. I have been learning and working in traditional PR and I have also been doing publicity for clients in the entertainment industry. I’ve been able to create campaigns for clients, do social media audits, find the perfect outlets for them to build relationships with, pitch media, pitch potential clients, and so much more.
While working with Spectacle Creative Media, I have also had the chance to work in the entertainment industry. The first and most important thing to know in the entertainment industry is the lingo. A whole bunch of words like grip and AD were being thrown at me, and I had no idea what I was doing. So after brushing up on my film speak, I was bit more prepared to work with entertainment professionals.
The work that I get to do for entertainment clients and other clients is different usually, but sometimes I find myself doing similar work for both. Especially when working with film clients, there are so many different aspects for a film and it’s important to address all of them. Films work on a totally different schedule, whereas when you work with a client you may be working with them for the majority of a work day. A film generally shoots for a 12 hour day, and most times a publicist is needed there, especially if any deliverables will be needed from that day, some days you may be working from 2pm to 2am or longer.
Depending on what stages a film is in, a publicist does different things. I’ve been doing social media for a film, creating content for all social media platforms to promote the film, and promote the events that are related to the film. I’ve also been in charge of choosing the best photos of the actresses and actors to be put out in the media. I’ve pitched media outlets in an effort to have the film and its cast on a certain show, or even featured online or in print media. It’s also interesting getting to work with other actresses and actors publicists as well because you get to learn from them also!
It’s been extremely beneficial having the opportunity to work for a firm that has a client base, allowing me to get the experience of working with clients and campaigns as well as films, actors/actresses, and tech developers! I get to see the differences and the similarities all while building a portfolio and learning from these industry pros
Jade Villanueva is a senior at Grand Valley studying pPublic rRelations and Arabic. This is his first year in GrandPR, and he is ready to implement his knowledge and creative skill into his work with the team. Jade has interned at a local PR/Publicity firm, Spectacle Creative Media, and is now an Associate Publicist. Jade enjoys trying out new local restaurants and breweries, film, and spending time with friends