How to Find a Film Publicist

A publicist helps filmmakers with the business end of the industry.

A film publicist plays an important role in the commercial success of a film. The publicist helps to plan and execute marketing campaigns that drive awareness of a film. The publicity that surrounds a film varies depending on whether it's a small, independent picture or a summer blockbuster. However, any film can benefit from the experience of a talented publicist and so it's worth taking the time to find a savvy professional.

Instructions

1. Create your own following, especially online. If you have social media channels full of followers, a large email list or a website that gets a great deal of traffic, a publicist will see potential in your built-in audience and be more interested in working with you.

2. Create a catalogue of work. This is especially valuable if you're looking for a publicist before you begin a shoot, as your past work will serve as a kind of calling card.

3. Talk to other filmmakers who are more advanced in their careers about publicists that they have used. The truth is that anyone can claim to be a film publicist. Referrals will help you to find hardworking, legitimate publicists that have produced real results.

4. Contact publicists in your area. Create a list based on the referrals you gathered. If you need more resources, contact film schools in your area. They often have resources that include contact information for local industry professionals.

5. Interview potential publicists. The pairing of a publicist and a film requires agreement on both sides to partner on the project. Choose a publicist who has references as well as a solid track record and a detailed plan for publicizing your film.

Tips & Warnings

• In the age of the Internet, it is possible to promote your film entirely on your own. However, an independent publicist can help a small film stand out in situations like film festivals, where potentially hundreds of filmmakers are trying to gain the attention of a distributor.

References

• The Independent; Behind the Spin; Jessica Edwards; 2005
• indieWire; Jeremy Walker on Independent Film PR: "What I think Publicity Really is and Also What it Should Not Be"; Jeremy Walker; 2008
• IFC; Recommended: On Life as a Film Publicist; Alison Willmore; 2010

Resources

• "The Sunday Times"; The Truth About Film Publicists; Kevin Maher; 2008