Stephen C. Thompson: Structuring an Entertainment Publicity Program

Last year I began working as the Community Outreach Director for The Ritz Theatre Company, near my home.

Since then I've promoted several shows, including the Bob Fosse classic Pippin.

Here is a published story on the show. I wrote the press release:

The Ritz Theatre Company Presents "Pippin"

My basic structure is to introduce the reader to the show, provide a quote from our Artistic Director about why he feels the show is relevant to our audience, then describe our current production, including cast and crew.

Our intention is to take a reader who knows nothing, or very little about the show, and leave them with a basic understanding, and enough information that will prompt them to take an action, in this case buy a ticket!

Then the press release is submitted to media outlets who have a reasonable probability of publishing it, in this example New Jersey Stage.

The process is similar for an entertainment publicity program that would promote you or your project. I will interview you to learn what makes your story unique, write a press release, then get it out to those people who I think have a good probability for covering your type of story, while also promoting your story in social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Stage 32.

Here is another example on a film industry professional:

ACTRESS/PRODUCER SABRINA PERCARIO LAUNCHES PRODUCTION COMPANY

If you are serious about generating publicity for yourself or a project, and you would like to get started developing a publicity program, take the first step, and get back to me.

I'll ask you a few clarifying questions, then give you enough information so that you can make an informed decision on how you would like to proceed.

Steve Thompson