The Publicist's Notebook

The Pitch - How And When?

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:12:00 +0000

Every producer and journalist has their own personal preferences of how and when they want to be pitched for feature stories and interview guests. Some want an E-mail, others prefer a fax or a letter. While others like to be pitched by phone or even in-person. They also have certain times and days of the week when they prefer to receive pitches. What to include is also an individualized preference. Some just want a quick pitch, while others want a complete EPK or sample package, etc. This is another reason why just buying a media list or mass mailing of press releases is not a very effective PR strategy. It takes a professional publicist many years to build media relationships, and to learn the specific preferences of each media contact.

Book Publishers Playing Catch Up

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Publishers are now scrambling to re-invent the way they present books. Interactive content is quickly becoming the key to remaining competitive in the new age of digital reading. See the full article at the link below.

Wired Article

Social Media Image

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:15:00 +0000

Today, celebrities, authors, experts, business owners and professionals have all become inseparable from their social image. Everyone is being Googled. In most cases, it is the first thing the media, potential customers, employers, fans and competitors do. The image you present on social media has become an important element in your professional and public relations. If you think nobody is looking -- think again. See the article at the link below.

Marketwatch Article

What's The Difference?

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:01:00 +0000

There's a saying people often use to explain the difference between advertising and PR: "Advertising you pay for, PR you pray for." That's at the heart of the difference between the two closely related industries. Read more at the article link below ...

Vault Article

Trending Sources

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:36:00 +0000

Ever wonder where the topics and stories that hit it big on the "What's Trending" circuit actually originate? Well, you may be surprised. Turns out those cutting edge social bloggers ... are mostly just responding to established media sources. That's why a publicist with those mainstream media connections is so effective. Check out the article link below.

Poynter Article

Life As A Talk Show Producer

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:30:00 +0000

Check out this very interesting article for a glimpse behind the scenes ...

A Day In The Life Of A TV Talk Show Producer

Garis PR In Today's Star Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:26:00 +0000

Garis PR & Media Group Director, R. J. Garis interviewed in today's Star Magazine regarding Kim Kardashian's spectacular wedding.

On sale now nationwide -- check it out.

A Common Tale

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:43:00 +0000

We recently received this quote as part of a message from a prospective publicity client seeking our help. " I am a first-time author and have spent thousands of dollars trying to promote myself through media releases, newswire campaigns, e-mail advertisements, social media promotions, etc ... with little success." We hear this type of story all the time. People just don't want to believe it is such a closed industry. They try all sorts of do-it-yourself PR, or out of the loop agencies, until eventually realizing that prime connections and established representation are necessary to breakthrough.

Publicity Is Your Immunity Idol

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:35:00 +0000

Don't become intimidated by this economic recession -- there is still plenty of business out there. Our clients are doing great. Publicity can immunize you. Strategic media interviews and top feature articles are the most powerful form of promotion.

Working with a well connected publicist is the key to being a survivor in this game. Publicity provides credibility, endorsement and a much faster return than advertising. Just ask those who have appeared on CNN, The Today Show, GMA, ET, etc. One major news story can pull more than an entire ad campaign.

Chris Brown & GMA

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:22:00 +0000

Publicist, R. J. Garis quoted regarding the Chris Brown incident today on ABC-TV's Good Morning America (link below).

Hollywood Life Article

Working It

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:16:00 +0000

Client -- Brenda Arens of "America's Next Top Model" on the CW.

Here are links to a couple of fun articles we recently got for her:

Positively Celebrity Spotlight

Celebrity Baby Scoop

Also visit Brenda's official web site at : BrendaArens.com

Hollywood Life

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:17:00 +0000

Publicist R. J. Garis was quoted a couple of times this week on "Hollywood Life", regarding the Jesse James interview on ABC's Nightline. Here are links to the original and follow-up:

Article Link

Follow-up Article

That's A Wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:03:00 +0000

Sandra Bullock story -- Publicist, R. J. Garis quoted on page two.

Wrap Article

SoCal Networking

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:02:00 +0000

Everyone knows it takes many years to build powerful media contacts. That's why having a publicist in the right place is such a critical element for publicity success. Much of this business is about networking. It's about building strategic connections and developing personal relationships. It's about going to the right events and awards shows, schmoozing at parties, taking producers to lunch, etc. If you're not located where the media elite mingle -- those things are pretty tough to do. Corporations hire Washington D.C. based lobbyists, because that's where the decision makers are. The same holds true for PR. Your publicist should be where the action is. Southern California is now the world's leading media center.

Crazy Like A Fox

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:31:00 +0000

Here's another interesting example of creative publicity thinking on a small budget. Check out how this California donut shop is pulling in nationwide media attention. It's controversial -- and that's the way the media likes it ...

Article Link

Don't Fade Out

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:50:00 +0000

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.

It's the same for the cast of films, television shows and people in the news. When the show or story ends, the hype usually ends with it. Unless the star or personality hires their own publicist and works very hard at maintaining a public presence, they often fade out. Job offers slow down or completely stop. The media loses interest and the public forgets them. It's a sad but harsh reality of the business. Unfortunately, many just don't get it or perhaps they just don't want to believe it. Fame is a commodity that is created, manipulated and controlled. Look at any successful personality, and we'll show you a top publicist keeping them in the spotlight.

Make It Different

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:27:00 +0000

The mainstream media is always looking for something fresh. Getting their attention requires a completely original topic or a new spin on an old one. For example, there are thousands of yoga instructors nationwide. For the most part, the media has seen it all. However, one instructor recently got extensive publicity by just giving her classes a unique twist. She invited students to bring their dogs with them to class. The owners and their pets interact in special yoga type exercises. She calls it Doga. The students and their pets love it. This quickly caught the attention of the media, and generated extensive national coverage. Her classes now have a waiting list, and they are expanding rapidly.

Remember, same old, same old doesn't fly well with today's media. No matter what type of business you are promoting, you've got to give it a unique spin. If you can make it visually entertaining as well, that works the best of all.

This Just In

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:50:00 +0000

File in the category of great publicity stunts... A strip club on the East coast is taking advantage of all the attention on the economy by holding a "Job Fair". They claim they are looking to fill about thirty positions (no pun intended). Needless to say -- the local and national media are all over this. There's nothing like a big crowd of stripper candidates to draw the cameras. With just a little bit of creativity, this club is now getting millions of dollars worth of free airtime and print space. As a result, their business is booming.

Pop-Star President?

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Publicist, R. J. Garis had the honor of being quoted today on the number one national political Internet site (Politico.com). It is a very interesting piece. His quote is on the second page of the article. Here's the link...

The Everywhere President ( 2 page article )

Do Your Homework

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:10:00 +0000

Before contacting a publicist, do your homework. Just like when approaching the media, know exactly who you are contacting. Carefully read their web sites, blogs and articles. Research them on the net. Don't be asking a publicist things like -- so, do you rep my type of project? What have you done for others? That just shows you have no idea who you are contacting. Top publicists are like top talent agents, it is assumed you know who they are before you approach them.

Here's Looking At You

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:04:00 +0000

Ready for your close-up? If you think only models and stars have to look great, you are in for a very big surprise. Fitness experts better look fit. Money gurus better look successful. Politicians better have a photo that gets voters and the media interested in knowing more about them, etc.

Generic head shots are usually a mistake. Underestimating your look can cost you valuable media opportunities and much more. Creating powerful PR photos is an art that takes years to learn. An experienced publicist can guide you.

Mike's Got It

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:32:00 +0000

We recently had the true privilege of spending a couple of days 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. Phelps is a dedicated champion and Olympic superstar with a terrific personality and major charisma. That's called the "It Factor."

By the way -- Phelps is simultaneously achieving another personal goal of bringing the sport of swimming into the mainstream. He told us it was very important to him that the sport not be forgotten in between Olympics. We support that goal and congratulate Michael and all the amazing Olympic athletes. Go USA !!!

Getting The Media To Look

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:40:00 +0000

We are constantly asked about various paid press release distribution services, and interview guest advertising. The prevailing question being -- do these work? At first glance, they sound like an economical, fast and easy way to do publicity. The problem is, the prime level media doesn't seem to pay much attention to them. They rely on well established contacts, and traditional sources (such as AP) where journalists carefully screen and select the material being distributed. Many paid distribution services and publications run just about anything. That limits their credibility in the eyes of most media.

Publicist Humor

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:53:00 +0000

We received this in our E-mail and could not resist re-posting it :)

The Demographics of American Newspapers:

1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.

2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the country.

3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the country and who are very good at crossword puzzles.

4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country, but don't really understand The New York Times. They do, however, like their statistics shown in pie charts.

5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running the country -- if they could find the time -- and if they didn't have to leave Southern California to do it.

6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country and did a poor job of it, thank you very much.

7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's running the country and don't really care as long as they can get a seat on the train.

8. The New York Post is read by people who don't care who is running the country as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated, and who like their news as pictures and/or cartoons.

9. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country, but need the baseball scores.

10. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure if there is a country or that anyone is running it; but if so, they oppose all that they stand for. There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are handicapped minority feminist atheist dwarfs who also happen to be illegal aliens from any other country or galaxy, provided, of course, that they are not Republicans.

11. The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.

12. The Seattle Times is read by people who have recently caught a fish and need something in which to wrap it.

(Source Unknown)

Blackberry Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Garis PR - National Publicists) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:13:00 +0000

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 !!