Experience with publicists?

HI Friends

I'm working on the marketing budget for my feature length indie comedy "We Are the Hartmans" and would love any feedback on the cost of publicists.

- What's your experience and what is a good (affordable) rate for a publicist at a major festival? (SXSW, Tribeca, LA, SIFF etc)

- What's your experience with a regional publicist (area screenings with music tour)

- How much did you commit to producing posters and postcards? How effective was that?

I appreciate any insights, links, etc. We've been asking the top names in indie film but would like to hear from the "trenches" too. : )

Thanks

Cielito

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tennyson E. Stead on January 25, 2011 at 5:37pm

My advice is to look very hard at how you're going to use tools like postcards before you invest in them. Our success with the media - as well as our strong network - are basically the product of our commitment to keeping a live, interactive relationship with our audience. This process has been going on for two years now, and it never lets up.

At the same time, it's given us the tools to lever ourselves into theaters, to attract a-list talent and financing to our projects, and to build impossibly strong relationships with our representation. As a result, our publicity efforts are building on this foundation and amplifying our efforts, instead of carrying the load of marketing us and our projects to the industry and our audience.

If we didn't have that infrastructure, and may indie filmmakers don't, our circumstances would be very different. There's much bigger questions to ask than how much to allocate to print costs - you need an overall marketing strategy of your own, that your publicist can then become a part of. That big picture comes first, in my opinion.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cielito Pascual on February 15, 2011 at 2:22pm

Thanks Tennyson

Your thoughts are much appreciated. The strategy we envisioned at the beginning is evolving as the film evolves.

I still would love to hear from people who have experience with publicists. A powerful team with experience is essential!

Regards

Cielito

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ray Auxais on June 26, 2011 at 4:54pm

My experience with Publicists are limited, but I know a few actors who have had one. One actor in particular was a series regular on a cable show and used his publicist to hob nob with other working actors. The publicist fee was $2,000 per month I believe. She got him entry to celebrity parties, red carpet events and gifting parties.

Another actor friend of mine had a publicist work for free because of the publicist's relationship with the actor's manager. I do know that some publicists will do free work, if they believe there will be a pay off for them in the end all, weather that be money or opportunities to reach bigger clients.

I wold find ways to accent the incentives of being involved with the process, and not be afraid to barter for a fair price. I hope you find this helpful.

Ray!