Entertainment Publicist Job Description
A publicist, also known as a public relations specialist, is usually the spokesperson who represents the entertainer or entertainment company. Actors, sports athletes or other entertainment personalities hire public relations specialists to either enhance their careers or handle the public if they are involved in a scandal or conflict. Public relations specialists may either be on retainers or are paid based on specific services they provide. For example, publicists may have access to various red carpet events that entertainers may pay the publicists so they can attend. Publicists have a highly demanding job in an extremely competitive field.
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Responsibilities
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Publicists may handle any issues or inquirers from the public or the media-community. They must also use careful research to understand current and past concerns in the community and industry regarding the entertainer. They must also draft press releases and stay in contact with other people in the media to print or broadcast information on behalf of their clients. They may also handle advertising and sales promotions for the entertainer or entertainment company.
Environment
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Public relations specialists have busy schedules that may span more than 40 hours per week. Based on the entertainers life and lifestyle, publicists may have their regular schedules and lifestyles interrupted. They can be on call 24 hours a day especially if a conflict or emergency arises that may affect their clients. They may have to make impromptu speeches on behalf of their clients and attend any meetings and organizations on behalf of their clients.
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Skills
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Entertainment publicists must be able to communicate their thoughts clearly in a way that everyone can understand. They must have good judgment, advanced research skills, problem solving and must be able to think rationally in the event of the crisis. They must be self-confident, understand people and must be highly advanced public speakers. They must also be highly confident and have advanced writing skills.
Education
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Entertainment public relation specialists must have a bachelor’s degrees in public relations, communications, journalism or marketing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Publicists must also have some experience working either for an entertainer or in the entertainment industry. During college, publicists may have worked or interned in firms that directly work with entertainers or entertainment companies. Writing intensive courses in college are also suggested by the BLS. Courses in advertising, business administration, accounting and psychology are also suggested by employers of public relations firms.
Salary
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, publicists earn between $30,000 and $97,910 annually in 2008. Their median income was $51,280. The industry, years of experience and entertainer or entertainment company the publicist is employed by will determine his salary as well.
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References
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