News

Tips from Film Publicist : 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.

» Get consulting with David E Van Houten Read More