My name is Laura Ackermann, the CEO/Founder of Advantage PR, and I'm thrilled to dive into the dynamic world of PR with you. With two incredible, experience-rich decades of navigating the PR landscape under my belt, I've crafted compelling campaigns for a diverse array of clients – from budding actors and authors to visionary CEOs and influencers.
At Advantage PR, we're all about securing standout, momentum-building "WINS" for our clients. Whether propelling a breakout talent into the limelight or conceptualizing and executing a strategic campaign for a seasoned CEO, our passion always lies in delivering results that not only meet but exceed expectations.
Public relations isn't solely a profession for me; it's a strategic endeavor that constantly evolves and adapts to the ever-shifting media landscape. Staying ahead of the curve is key, and that's where Advantage PR excels.
For those curious about the ins and outs of PR, here are just a few questions I'm looking forward to tackling for you!:
• When's the perfect time to enlist PR support?
• What can I be doing when I am not yet ready for a publicist?
• How long should your partnership with a publicist last?
• Who comprises the dedicated team managing your account day-to-day?
• How do we leverage our media connections on your behalf?
• What differentiates your PR firm from others?
• Who will use their relationships with the media on my behalf?
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Hi, Laura Ackermann. Hope you’re having a great week and spring. Thanks for having this AMA. My first question is your question: What can I be doing when I am not yet ready for a publicist?
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Hey Laura Ackermann - great to see you here again. Thanks so much for spending your day with us. To take from one of your questions (because I am genuinely curious) - what sets your firm apart from others? And secondly, is there an already established foundation that you look for in clients? Thanks in advance.
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Will you be at Cannes? I have a client for you
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Hi Laura Ackermann - is it correct that the author of a book needs a publicist, but a screen writer whose script is picked up by a producer does not (because any PR will be part of the film development)?
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Hello Laura Ackerman -as I am in the process of trying obtain agent representation for my first short story collection, would you recommend an attempt to obtain a publist to promote my work. Eventually I would like to become a producer. Have worked in entertainment as an Participations Analyst
thanks Annie Burdeos
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Laura Ackermann One of my questions…
• When’s the perfect time to enlist PR support?
• When’s the perfect time to enlist PR support?
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Thanks for doing this AMA Laura Ackermann ! Definitely a topic that doesn't get enough attention.
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I learned filmmaking by creating no-budget films. My 3 longest comedies is each slightly more than 100 minutes long. What no-budget PR solution do you suggest for me, who lives in Europe, to find somebody in USA who wants to buy my new screenplay
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Thank you for sharing your time with us today, Laura Ackermann! How long should a partnership between a publicist and a filmmaker last? Is it usually on a project-by-project basis or for a specified amount of time?
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How much do you normally charge for your service, and have you worked for free for clients with/without track records of financial success. Thx
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Maurice Vaughan For a filmmaker when you are on set keep great notes so you have a nice director's statement and you will have good notes for the production notes as well. If there is a local reporter you can invite to set that would be a good way to get an early piece of press. Make sure you get the EPK interviews done on set with the actors so you don't miss out and the interviews you can you for an electronic press kit when submitting to festivals.
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Dan MaxXx It depends on the client's specific needs and the level of promotion and scope of work that is involved. I prefer to meet with a potential client to get to know them and learn what they're looking for in terms of publicity for their project. If I believe that I can help them with those goals, then I put together a plan of action and the price involved based on that plan.
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Ashley Renee Smith Typically unless someone is year round busy with projects then I would say the relationship is typically 3 to 5 months for a project.
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Annie Marie Burdeos The best time to bring on a publicist is when you have a date that your project is going to be released or you have a film at a festival. It is very competitive in today's market with the massive amount of content so press typically needs a very timely news hook.
Thanks for the answer, Laura Ackermann. What's a director's statement?
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Maurice Vaughan A director's statement is a written description in which a film director explains the motive and vision behind making a particular film. It is usually included in a proposal to producers or financiers, or in press material made available for distributors, film festival programmers, journalists, and critics
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Göran Johansson you could try submitting your work to managers as they would potentially help you shop it around
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David Margulis I won't be on the ground but I will have a colleague at festival and I can do work from here but someone would be there for coverage
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Lynette Willoughby can you expand on your question need a little more context
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Leonardo Ramirez
I would like to think that the one thing that sets me apart is the strategy of a campaign and the actual outreach to journalists comes from me. I use my 20 years in PR to pitch my clients to the media myself as I have developed great relationships with the press! As for foundation it is really from project to project with a client. cause there are so many variables in the projects like role or direct video vs a big theatrical roll out.
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That's awesome Laura Ackermann. I love the loyalty aspect of it and that you keep it relational. Very cool.
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Ok, so a director's statement is kinda like a writer's statement, Laura Ackermann. Thanks for explaining.
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Submitting to managers. Yes, that is what I plan, if I fail to find a buyer myself. I mean, most production companies refuse to read screenplay from us who have no literary agent.
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Thanks Laura, appreciate it.
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Thank you so much for your time Laura
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Laura Ackermann thank you Laura for taking the time to support the Stage32 community. I have a couple of questions, if I may.
1) When should a filmmaker/production company employ the services of a Publicist; in the development phase or should they wait till pre-production?
2) When thinking of the film ‘The Zone of Interest’, they had a specialty distribution programme for the Education Institutions - Universities - around North America. What should the aforementioned production company be expecting from the Publicist, by way of packaging and presenting the film to those institutions, because this is not for the ‘normal’ cinema goer?