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We wish everyone a very happy holiday season, health, prosperity and a wonderful new year!
Copyright © 2006-2009 Garis PR & Media Group. All rights reserved.
We are constantly asked about places that new music artists can get exposure to the industry. One we suggest is the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. Just about every new artist has played there. It has been a launching pad for numerous careers. Top A&R reps, agents, celebs and publicists frequent the spot. Just like when you are doing media interviews -- you never know who's in the audience. Check out their link below, and be sure to invite us to your gig ...
Nowadays, we see actors, music artists, news makers and reality stars break out into the national media spotlight almost overnight. The power of media exposure is amazing. It can instantly turn a virtual unknown into the latest pop hit. It can all move at lightening speed. Likewise, it can fade almost just as fast as it came. Fame has to be maintained. That's where so many go wrong. They get fooled with all the hype being on a show or in a film can bring. Often, they don't even realize that behind the scenes a group of highly skilled publicists are generating that media attention. They think it is just happening because of their talent, personality or whatever. That is a critical mistake. For example, how many of the finalists from season one of American Idol can you name now? How about just last season? Yet at the time, we saw them everywhere.
Do looks matter in publicity? Absolutely they do. The American public and the media are visually oriented. If you think only models have to look hot, you are in for a big surprise. Stars need to look like stars. Fitness experts better look fit. Music artists better have plenty of sex appeal along with great talent. Money gurus better look successful, etc.
We recently had the opportunity to stay at the beautiful Swan Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando. We can't say enough good things about this fantastic facility. The rooms were beautiful with spectacular views. Service was great and the restaurants are exceptional. The hotel is walking distance to EPCOT and there is also boat service to both EPCOT and the Disney Hollywood Studios. Over the years, we have stayed at most of the top Disney World resorts for one event or another, and we love them all. However, the Swan just became one of our new favorites. If you will be visiting the Mouse anytime soon, we highly recommend this facility. For booking, we suggest contacting Dreams Unlimited Travel at the link below. Feel free to drop our name, and they will treat you like a star...
As many of you know, we are enthusiastic supporters of USA Swimming. Not long ago, we had the privilege of spending a weekend up close and personal with the amazing Michael Phelps. While many celebrities exhibit one personality for the cameras and something quite different off camera -- we found Phelps to be refreshingly real. What you are seeing now at the Olympics in China is the exact same person we saw behind the scenes. He is totally down to earth, respectful and friendly. He's truly different than most in the media spotlight (and we are in a position to compare). Phelps is a dedicated champion and Olympic superstar with a terrific personality and major charisma. That's called the "It Factor."
We are constantly asked about various paid press release distribution services. The prevailing question being -- do they work? At first glance, they sound like an economical, fast and easy way to do publicity. The problem is, the media doesn't seem to pay much attention to them. They primarily use established contacts and traditional sources where journalists carefully screen and select the material being distributed. Paid distribution services run just about anything, and that seriously limits their credibility in the eyes of the media.
Everything about the media now moves at lightening speed. If you want to successfully work with us, and the top media, you have to adapt to the rules. You can't take three days to respond to an E-mail or phone message. Reporters and producers want and need answers quickly. If you can't be responsive, they will just book another interview guest. They (and we) are too busy to play phone or E-mail tag. By the way, this new high speed style of doing business applies to more than just the media. Every successful player in the entertainment, literary, modeling, sports and any other high profile industry now gets this principle. With cellular phones, WiFi and laptops -- nobody has an excuse for slow response anymore. If you snooze, you lose !!
We are regularly asked about how to get celebrity business. All sorts of companies want to have celebrity customers and clients to brag about. The list is endless. Everybody wants celebs to be referred to them.
While the major national television talk shows have a budget to fly guests in, the small regional talk and news programs usually do not. However, if you are traveling through their area for other reasons, such as a speaking engagement, they offer terrific publicity opportunities. Many regional shows have live studio audiences and very loyal viewers. They will often allow the guest to get in some good plugs for a book or product. An appearance can also make a great demo DVD for getting other shows. So, be sure to always get added benefit out of your travel schedule by using it to appear on local media.
We are often asked for book suggestions on the topic of PR. A new release we would highly recommend is titled Spinning Disney's World, by Charles Ridgway. He was Walt Disney's publicist, and is an official "Disney Legend". Look for his name on a Main Street window at Walt Disney World. Mr. Ridgway is also a client of our agency. PR professionals and Disney fans alike will enjoy this unique look at how Disney promotes theme parks, resorts and more.
Today, there is often an opportunity to sell news interviews, photos and video in a global media marketplace. When someone is involved in a major breaking news story, their exclusive interview can be worth big bucks. For example, the female British soldier recently taken hostage and then released by Iran, has sold her story for over $200,000. Whereas paying for interviews is not too common in the U.S., it is regularly done in other nations. Don't make the mistake of just giving your interviews and photo material away to a U.S. publication or news show. Remember, they are going to make a lot of money from advertising and increased ratings as a result of your story. Shouldn't you share in that?
Does the legendary "Power Lunch" or "Power Coffee" still exist? Absolutely! Now more then ever, important media opportunities and deal-making revolve around trendy eateries and coffee houses. The secret is in knowing exactly how and where. Should you dress up or down? What should you order? What day of the week is best? Should you be on time or a little late? Everything sends a signal about you and the people you are meeting with. When done correctly, a power lunch or coffee can be one of your most effective image and contact builders. Learn how to do them right, and your career will take exciting turns you never expected. Lessons anyone?
The Garis Agency would like to welcome author and attorney Jacqueline Klosek to our roster of clients. Her terrific new book is titled, "The War On Privacy" (available everywhere). Ms. Klosek is a top notch lawyer with one of the world's largest and most powerful legal firms. She is a fascinating media guest and speaker.
We congratulate our client, Gryphon Productions, on the upcoming airing of their spectacular two hour TV special, "The Real Lost World." It will air on Animal Planet on Dec.10th and 17th, 2006. In addition, Discovery HD Theater will show an impressive high-definition version of the program on Dec. 14th, 2006. Check local listings for times. You will love the incredible work of these amazing filmmakers. Don't miss it!
The more lead time you can give to the media the better. When promoting a feature story, product or event -- give the media ample advance notice. Remember, the media is always subject to hard breaking news first. They also receive hundreds of submissions each day. Feature items must wait their turn. In other words, don't contact the media on Monday about an event you're doing on Wednesday. A minimum of several weeks notice is normally expected and required. The more powerful the media, the farther out they tend to work. Top national shows and magazines often work months ahead. Proper advance planning is the key to great feature coverage and publicity.
Spin and spin control are two of the areas a publicist deals in. In difficult situations, part of our job is to help present a favorable public image for the client. This sometimes requires us to help guide the media in such a way as to make sure they see the client's perspective. Public opinion is a powerful factor in everything, from politics to business. For example, when we are working for the defense team in a high profile legal case -- we can often help win the case by obtaining certain strategic media. In fact, the top trial attorneys we know wouldn't even consider proceeding to a trial without public relations assistance.
We are often asked who we think were the greatest publicists of the past century. Topping the list would naturally be the legendary P. T. Barnum (photo w/ Gen. Tom Thumb). Next on our list would be the great Colonel Tom Parker (publicist & manager for Elvis Presley). In Hollywood, it would have to be the late star-maker and super-publicist Swifty Lazar. If you are intersted in the world of publicity and promotion, we recommend reading the biographies of each of these PR wizards.
We want to give a special congratulations to a terrific actor and model -- Mauricio Amuy. He is a good friend of the agency. Mauricio is starring in the new Disney movie "Apocalypto" (Dec. 2006 release). We just did an interview with him for People Magazine and another with the television show EXTRA. Keep an eye on this shooting star!
Can you do professional speaking? Would your topic, expertise or business lend itself well to public presentations? If so, you can generate significant income through speaking engagements. Many of the authors, experts and celebrities we represent also do paid speaking. In some cases, that is their full-time career. See our web site at www.nationalpublicist.com/ for numerous examples. If you can be a great "infotainer" and you enjoy traveling, speaking may be of interest to you. Our speakers travel all over the US, as well as to Canada, Australia, England and other nations.
As one of the world's top publicity firms, we have access to many national celebrities available for promotional appearances, meet and greet events and speaking engagements. The selection is extremely diverse and includes: entertainment and media stars, sports figures, authors, business and political names.