New Tip! 8. Having a “pretty” website is meaningless unless it is working for you. Many people think that it’s enough just to be up and spend the time and money to have a “flash” component. However, the key is to have the ability to keep up to date with the ever-changing Internet and use the fan sites and social networks work for you.

David E. Van Houten (Marketing and Publicity) has over 25 years experience as a marketing and publicity expert. His background includes Vice President of International Marketing at Paramount Pictures, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Trimark Pictures, in addition to being a production consultant to Warner Brothers’ “The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning,” Sony’s “The Lodger,” “Felon,” “Anaconda 3&4,” “The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day,” “Universal Soldier: A New Beginning,” among others. He has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. ( »Some Previous Projects )

Consulting by David covers the following topics and more…

1. Developing and Writing Step-By-Step Marketing and Publicity Plans and Calendars for Entertainment. This increases the value of most any project by the client doing some of the work themselves.

2. EPK & Added Value prep and Production

3. Research and Budgeting for Marketing and Publicity Plans

4. General Marketing and Publicity expertise including Film Markets

5. In Production expertise including prep for Marketing and Publicity Deliverables. Production Notes and Press Releases.

»  Get consulting with David

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Tips from David E Van Houten

Tip 1. Have two biographies of yourself: One that is shorter, one or two paragraphs: the second, a longer fuller history, one page. Keep them businesslike. A lot of information that you’d like to include, such as your philosophy on life or what kind of person you are, readers usually don’t care about.

Tip 2. Make sure you update your IMDB.com profile. Make sure to have your photos and bio there.

Tip 3.It seems simple, but always proceed with a publicity or marketing plan. If you are in preproduction on a film, think about what you can do to groom your project’s awareness even during shooting (for consumers, potential distributors or festivals). Think about putting clips up during production or announcing start of production, especially on appropriate internet outlets.

Tip 4.The publicity world has changed, most people still don’t get online publicity and promotions. There are tons of things you can achieve, for little or no money.

Tip 5.A big problem is that we live in a results oriented world, many waste a lot of money chasing after a quick segment, just to say they are on TV or Radio. These one-offs are meaningless and usually do more harm than good.

Tip 6. Whether or not you use a publicity firm for yourself or a project, it’s essential to have someone for a “second opinion” and to make sure everything is being thought of on your behalf. Like getting a second opinion when you go to a doctor.

Tip 7. Most publicists say they are Internet and tech savvy but 9 out of 10 times they aren’t. Many publicity “experts” feel that the Internet is just another outlet to send information to, it doesn’t work that way. The Internet has its own rules. The Studios, for example, have the money to buy ads and muscle in that way. But most people don’t have that clout (nor money) and need the sophistication and the relationships or friends of true Internet professional to get meaningful results. Free or inexpensively.

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