If you were to hire a publicity specialist, you could be assured that someone was working for you aggressively to garner as much press as possible.
Timing is very important, and if you wait to long, the press will not be interested in you or the film after it has been shown. You need to start working on your career as soon as you begin your work on the film.
Get the Cast Photo
There is usually an agreement in your film’s contract that any photos shot by the film’s photographer are not for the use by cast members without permission. This permission is seldom given without a full review. Don’t let this happen to you. Make sure you get the contact information of the film photographer. You will need it to build your press kit. Also, get cast photos and if you are not the lead, make sure you get a photo of you and all lead actors. The more candid and not fan-like, the better.
The importance of photo’s and video clips from your film is the most important thing in your press kit, besides your name.
Your Name
How do you pronounce and spell your name? What name are you going to give? What name is in the credits of the film? Changing your name too many times will make it difficult to look you up on IMDB or various searches about you.
Your Bio
What else have you done as an actor which you want the press to know about? If there is anything you want to bury, make sure it is not in your bio.
8x10 Promo Photo
Make it easy on everyone by having both in a hard copy, as well as a digital copy of your 8x10 promo photo. Industry professionals will need to quickly see the image you portray while reviewing your demo. At the same time, newspaper editors and writers want the convenience of being able to download a photo-ready image from your website.
Press Clips
Has anyone ever given you a good review? If yes, it should be in your press kit. Has anyone hated your work and wrote how they feel about you? If yes, it should not be in your press kit.
Film Bio
Describe the movie or cut and paste from the film press kit. Place your name above all others in the film, even if you have a smaller part.
Electronic Press Kit and Website
The cost might be cheaper to place everything on a CD and call it an electronic press kit. The cost would even be cheaper yet if you just handed out a business card with your web address for clips and electronic press kit.
Why Your Press Kit is a Waste Without Proper Handling
A piece of paper that to you is the most important piece of paper in the world will be useless without getting it to the right people.
It does not matter if its at Tribeca, Toronto, Cannes, Hollywood, Venice, Monaco, or any film festival in the world. This is your chance. Do something about it, while you can.
A publicist can equalize the playing field by creating a buzz for the unknown and overlooked actor. Films count on heavily paid actors like Shia LaBeouf, Will Ferrell, Halle Berry, Kate Blanchett, Jennifer Aniston, Jake Gyllenhaal, Scarlett Johanson, Matt Damon, America Ferrera, Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise, Naomi Watts, Penelope Cruz, Jessica Simpson, Tyler Perry, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Hudson, Drew Barrymore, Hayden Panettiere, Reese Witherspoon, Jeremy Piven, Adam Sandler, Keira Knightley, Nicolas Cage, Heath Ledger, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Will Smith, Hillary Swank, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce to help sell movie tickets.
Source: Rob Tencer is a publicist who specializes in creating a buzz for his clients, no matter what role you play in the movie, from the star, supporting cast, to an extra with just a couple lines. He is available for film festival projects. You can find out about Rob Tencer at http://www.robtencerpr.com or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 248-808-2270.