ARE THEY REALLY WINNING?

As previously discussed in my prior blog post, artists in my personal opinion cannot thrive within the entertainment industry without a successful and knowledgeable publicist. It is inevitable to not reach your full potential within the entertainment market if you are not represented properly.  With that being said, what in the world is going on with Chris Brown and Charlie Sheen publicist? SERIOUSLY!?

As I sit and read about the various outbursts of both artists it is disturbing to know that this is accepted within the media market. Don’t get me wrong; I do believe the media is bias in accepting the actions of Charlie Sheen who is an alcoholic and abusive drug user who is now known for “WINNING”, compared to the actions of singer/actor Chris Brown. But the sad truth is Sheen is not winning, he is losing. The following artists are known for having a rough patch in the road but without a doubt are able to overcome their adversities and triumph.

Unless you are living under a rock, I am sure you are fully aware of the media stunts that actor Charlie Sheen has done within the past month and the outburst and photo leakage of singer/actor Chris Brown. The following artists have been media puppets and are being taken down a path in my personal opinion that causes rebellion and heartache.

So now let’s discuss ways to handle the following situations. My first question is:

1.     How do you handle this as a publicist?

2.     Do you utilize all the publicity and use it to your advantage or

3.     Do you step in and make a change?

Let’s start by painting a picture.

 Nonetheless, let’s talk briefly about the infamous “Winning interview” held at NBC with Charlie Sheen. As we all know, this is a man struggling with drugs and alcohol addiction. Instead of suggesting rehab or seeking help, Sheen is now receiving a stand- up comedy show (O_O PAUSE) Did I miss something? No, I didn’t. The fact that the media is milking Charlie Sheen for what he is worth proves people thrive off others failures and try to generate revenue in as many ways as possible.

 Now, as his publicist handling this situation to best meet the needs of your fans and artist you must step in and make a change. Sheen is in no position to work and produce a television series. So as a future publicist, it would be imperative to utilize the publicity by encouraging my artist to  attend rehab and work on having a “comeback story” down the line. The publicity he is receiving is generating a large amount of revenue for networks and personal use but is affecting the people around him and his life overall. He is being made a fool of within the media and unfortunately; he is not receiving any repercussions for his actions. This brings up another issue that we will later discuss in my upcoming blog post.

Now, let’s focus on Mr. Brown. Chris Brown who in the past at age 19 was charged with assault due to his altercation with ex girlfriend Rihanna. Not only has Chris Brown overcome harsh critics the past two years, his publicist handled his image and reputation the best they could. Until lately, he was given a pat on the back for the leakage of his private photos. In order to keep it PG-13 we will call it his special “F.A.M.E.ous Package”. Was this a coincidence this occurs two weeks before his album drops? Not to mention the day his album is released he decides to launch a chair through the window of Good Morning America’s dressing room.  Do better Chris Brown. You have GOT to do better.

Now here is my question to you, do you blame him? I am not agreeing with his behavior but bringing up a difficult time in his life during the peak of comeback without his consent is unfair and unruly in my personal opinion.

 Now in regards to Chris Brown publicist, they are in for a rude awakening in the near future. Their job at this time is to focus on revamping his image and allowing him to make change in a positive light. Brown is in a position where he has hardcore and consistent fans, but is in a position where fans are losing faith in the fact that he won’t do something stupid. No matter how good you can sing or act, your personal life is huge factor in your success. Chris Brown is no longer the baby face artist that we all fell in love with four years ago. He is now an adult who is filled with emotions making natural human mistakes. Unfortunately, he is not in a position to make “common” mistakes anymore. This is when his publicist steps in and asks the following question: Do I think he will continue to rise as an artist? Do I think as his publicist, I need to utilize this time to milk the media for positive use and nothing else? The answer is YES.

Now that the picture has been painted. How about we compare the two and see if they make sense to you. Charlie Sheen is utilizing the bad publicity and gaining a great deal of fans, money and success. Where Chris Brown is receiving bad publicity but not being able to go over this hump in the road. Why? Why is he unable to do so but Sheen can? The following questions have been on my mind all day. Then it clicked. Well duh Krystyn, Charlie Sheen is a household name that has been within the industry for years with an amazing publicist and a great deal of support. Where Chris Brown on the other hand, came into this industry young and was immediately viewed one way after one mistake. His mistake came before all his success and glory. 

So in this particular case, their publicist has to deal with different situations at hand when it all boils down. Although, I don’t agree with the result of the “Winning Interview”, I expected this too happen. Do I agree with the double standard within the media market, not at all. But do I see it changing any time soon? Not at all.

Until next time,

Krystyn N. Price

616 890 8535

KrystynNPR@gmail.com

www.necolebitchie.com
www.TMZ.com

Can an artist surive without a publicist? Say it with me: NO

When thinking of public relations and entertainment I can’t help but compare the following to the infamous relationship between Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston. Whitney and Bobby had a captivating relationship that you loved to watch and hear about but hated to hear about at the same time. Their relationship eventually became a destructive union that only affected the people surrounding them. Their relationship in relation to public relations and artist management is the same problem applies to this union as well. As a publicist you love working and fixing problems for your artist but hate fixing the same problems for the same artist. This particular issue only makes it hard on everyone working on the project.

Several publicists working within the music business representing various artists not only have a lot of work cut out for them but also have to develop a solid relationship with their clients. Publicist and artist relationship is a union that is intricate to separate unless the time is right but easy to build when handled correctly. Countless publicists have worked in the industry and have an understanding of what public relations entails. Don’t worry! We will cover the various issues of an artist image within the public, the relationship between artist/publicist and how they go hand in hand. Ready? Here we go…

As an artist within the entertainment industry it is a must to have a publicist working on your team. The role of the publicist entails a great deal of functions that a self-managing artist wouldn’t be able to successfully fulfill. Aren’t quite sure what a publicist is or what they do? No worries! Here is a brief explanation:

According to Webster dictionary: 


A publicist is a person who generates and manages publicity for a public figure. Publicist main function is to generate press coverage on behalf of clients, build a relationship between clients and create a positive image within the media.

The most important idea of public relations is any press is good press. The most successful artist within the music industry such as Jay Z, Carrie Underwood, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas and Christina Aguilera are all artists that have been in the media, which required their publicist to step in and fix the problem.

Of the following artist the most provocative and controversial artist is our good girl gone bad Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Not only does she grab your attention, but is also distracting at the same time. I say this because her music is decent and catchy, but her drama,lifestyle and image is far more distracting than anything else that you don’t pay attention to her as an artist. Let's admit it, instead of listening to her music fans are most interested in how she will look and what she will do next. Rihanna's most recent controversy resulted from her 2011 Grammy performance where she performed live with rapper Drake “What’s My Name” and “Rude Boy”. A week after her performance, Minister Farrakhan allegedly speaks at conference in front of 18,000+ people and states “Rihanna is Filthy, whose music is SWINE”, says Minister Farrakhan. (necolebitchie.com/) 

How does she respond?

TWITTER:

Here is her response:

                                       

 

Now as for her publicist, when do they step in? IMMEDIATELY! Her response was completely uncalled for and unnecessary. As her publicist, a statement should have been released stating she apologizes for how he feels but will continue to make music for her fan Etc. Unfortunately, it was too late. This situation causes issues for publicists because, you can explain the importance of reputation and image to an artist all day long but cannot control your artist 24 hours a day. The best solution is using the bad press for something good. Someone who did this well was Kim Kardashian (not really).  Kim Kardashian took a scandal and turned into million-dollar empire. This is very hard thing to do especially if you were in her shoes. 

For those who missed her performance: catch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OFmfa_kmm4

Lastly, as sad as it may sound, you hate to hear about the same drama about artist but can’t get enough of it. Just accept it people. All this means is publicists are doing their job and doing it well. They keep artist in the limelight and keep them being talked about whether good or bad. If a publicist doesn’t do anything, they must keep their artist being talked about but in a tasteful way. So what should you take from this post:

1.     If you are going to become a publicist for a thriving artist: keep them fresh, keep them talked about

2.     Build a relationship with your artist

3.     Develop a bond that can’t be broken

4.     Understand good and bad press

5.     Make money no matter what you do

Taking the time to get to know Ricardo Bernard

During this insightful interview we will cover key tactics and tricks to negotiating as well the key things that all students should know. The following questions are in relation to negotiating and deal making. I hope you enjoy!

Meet Mr. Associate Attorney Ricardo Bernard…

Question 1: Can you please explain your position at your law firm?

I am an associate attorney (junior attorney) at a prestigious law firm located in Miami, FL. I work mainly on corporate cases and ensure the representation of their clients work is accurate and correct. I am responsible to make sure the client receives what is in the agreement and is pleased with their deal. I work with a wide array of clients whether in entertainment, stocks, corporate, etc. I essentially do (complete) the same thing (task) for each client.

Question 2: How long have you practiced law?

I have practiced law for four years.

Question 3: What school did you obtain your law degree from?

I attended undergrad at Northwestern and law school at University of Chicago.

Questions 4: As an attorney it is important to have leverage and power, can you give an example of how you apply the following to your clients?

It depends, for example; if I were to be representing a seller and if the buyer really wants to buy the seller has the power. Who you are representing determines who has the power. When dealing with a client who invest a large amount of money into the company determines a lot. We have clients that invest thousands and they have the power.

Questions 5: Can you briefly explain how you handle your negative and positive emotions?

When dealing with our clients it can be difficult handling emotions. There is always fulfillment when getting the job done which in turn leads to having positive emotions. When accomplishing something, I am more prone to have a smile on my face than a frown. Dealing with clients who make unreasonable request hinders you from doing a good job. But the amount our clients pay us is saying an unreasonable request is a reasonable request, which in turn gives them the power.

Questions 6: When dealing with your clients, can you explain how you try to reach a mutual benefit for all parties?

Reaching a mutual benefit is for the deal to get done. As long as a deal is done all parties are benefiting. The real magic happens, when the client is extremely happy and a deal gets done. The firm gains more credibility and the client is pleased. The mutual benefit aspect is when all parties walk away from the table leaving with what you asked for and getting everything you wanted.

Questions 7: As an attorney, it is key to have various tactics that you use, what are some of your dirty tricks and/or tricky tactics?

A few dirty tricks and tactics, is having my connections. For example, I may have a client I am negotiating with wants a deal to be made and I have a connection with someone at another firm or company gives me the power and leverage.  Mainly because I am able to connect which results in me making moves and deals. When you are in the right position in the business you can make any move as long as you understand your clients and your role. Basically my advice is always keep wealthy friends.

Questions 8: How do you separate people from the problem?

People are always the problem! For example, a client would call at 9 a.m. and wanted his request done at 9 30 a.m. Although, I couldn’t say what I wanted to say, I would get it done and then address the issue with my boss. I always remained professional. Developing a skill I suggest all students to never get emotionally connected with clients. I handle my clients on an “it is strictly business” relationship. The hardest pill to swallow is you have to understand they keep your salary paid and keep your lights on in your apartment.

Question 9: How do appreciation, affiliation, status, role and autonomy play a role in your profession?


The role I take on is the position I am currently in.  I am treated as a junior attorney and my status is a junior attorney. Although, sometimes status and role doesn’t matter, nothing matters more than the confidence you gain by pleasing yourself and your clients. In my mind I understand you can never sit and wait on someone; your value is more than that. You have to understand your status and never work for less than that.

How Public Relations adapts to social media

Embarking on a journey to gain greater insight on how public relations adapts to the social media environment I was introduced to Joanna Oosthuizen. Oosthuizen broke down various areas of Public Relations that have been forced to adapt to the changes of social media. Over the past decade the media industry have endured great change(s). Adapting to the changes of social media creates a huge opportunity for Public Relations practitioners because it will allow them to be able to compete and develop innovative ways to promote their brand.

The premise of the article was to insight readers on the various areas of social media that is changing many company’s platforms and ways of promoting. The first area discussed, Managing client reputations online. With the online community expanding quickly it is extremely important to have your company in a position to increase their brand and understand how social media works. Understanding your competitor’s weakness will allow you to make your brand stand out among the rest. It is essential to promote your brand through digital space. The second area, Getting to grips with social media discusses ways to adapt “traditional” public relations to this new platform. The traditional press releases are no longer working for companies because of the “GO GREEN” tactic. The new platform requires press releases to be released via social media, which captures a wide market through pictures, podcasts, videos and graphics. Many companies as mentioned in the article are already making use of the new form of public relations  which gives practitioners access information by a simple click of the mouse.

The last three areas revolve around understanding and recognizing public relations. Understanding the blogsphere used to be an afterthought for public relations but over the past few years public relations practitioner developed an understanding of blogging and the various ways to attract a wide market. Public relations practitioners will have to continue to use the traditional media channels for the small percent of the population that are not social media savvy. Although, social media is growing it is not expanding as fast in many places. The solution for public relations practitioners is to expand in all areas, by first reaching the percent of cliental expecting to work with a social media knowledgeable company and a company that still utilizes their traditional media channels.

The power of public relations is to recognize the areas to influence and impact your clients. Public relations is a dynamic industry expected to expand like never before in 2011.  The potential public relations trends will take the social media by storm and position public relations practioners in a position to develop innovative ways to improve tactics. To reference the 2011 expected trends view http://prsay.prsa.org/index.php/2010/12/22/2011-pr-trends/

For any additional questions please contact me at

KrystynNPR@gmail.com

Work Phone: 407-513-2052

Thank you

One on One with Terrece Walker from MTV Network

Instead of taking the route of discussing current events within Public Relations, I chose to take the time to interview a close connect that works at one the largest entertainment networks on television today. Interviewing Terrece Walker, was a very easy-going, enthusiastic interview that provided great insight and tips for potential PR publicist or consultants. 

Below are 14 questions that answer a wide array of questions students may have about Public Relations.

1. Can you please describe your job within Public Relations?

I am a Jr. Publicist at MTV, mtvU and Pro-Social. My job is to promote programming and public affairs initiatives to our diverse audience by working with reporters at diverse outlets on stories that effectively and (hopefully) positively reflect the message the network wants to send.

2. How long have you worked in Public Relations?

Since 2006

3. What company do you work for?

MTV Networks

4. What are some tips you have for future PR candidates?

Take as many writing classes as you can because a lot of what PR professionals do, involve writing.

5. How should students prepare for the PR industry?

I would suggest students to Intern in as many different industries as possible to get the best-rounded experience.

6. What the pros/cons of working in PR

Pros: Working with diverse people, getting to work on exciting projects and working/attending events.

Cons: Working with challenging personalities and it can get redundant.

7. How would you describe your daily tasks?

My daily tasks involve a lot of email and phone pitches to reporters at different outlets. I also maintain close contact with internal executives and external partners about the PR strategy to ensure we’re on the same page and being the most effective. Additionally, even though it’s not a daily task, I also write press strategies, press releases, programming notes and media alerts, create media lists and cover phone or in-person interviews and photo shoots.

8. What is your background in?

I have a B.A. in Organizational Communication and a M.S. in Human Resource Management.

9. Is education or experience more important in PR?

Yes, education is always important. An undergraduate degree is typically required for most positions, but graduate degrees are far less common and rarely required.

10. Any suggestions for future candidates?

Write, write and write some more! It is critical to your success as a PR professional because it’s how we pitch reporters and how we communicate with our audience/consumers.

11. Can you explain your best experience with your company?

My best experience was occurred during the first show I lead on my own. I pitched and landed the cover of The New York Times Art section and had a feature in USA Today. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, the CEO of MTV Networks called my boss to tell her how amazing both articles were.

12. Your worst experience?

I was working on a Saturday show and had a big celebrity featured on one episode. After confirming she was willing to do press, I secured several interviews (US Weekly, OK!, In Touch, E!, to name a few) and in the end, she pulled out of all of them and said all she would do was tweet a tune-in reminder and also post it on her blog. So depressing!!

13. What is the most important skill one should have before working in PR?

Being a confident writer is critical, as well as being able to work with difficult personalities. PR professional’s work with so many different people on a daily basis, that’s it’s crucial to be patient and professional, even when it’s challenging.

14. Any last minute comments?

I always tell my interns to do their research about what PR is and the many types of PR there are. You can work in television, public affairs, digital/social media, corporate, financial, etc. and each experience is very different. PR

Thank you!

Hello and WELCOME to all who took the time to view my informative entertainment blog!

For those who do not know, my name is Krystyn N Price! I am an aspiring Public Relations/Entertainment Consultant and Chief Executive Officer for Price Entertainment Group. I am currently attending Full Sail University majoring in Entertainment Business Masters of Science. Although, this journey has just begun I am thrilled to be here today living my dreams.

Through this journey to success, I will provide great insight and tips on how to become a great writer, background information about Public Relations, interviews with industry leaders, Public Relations trends, Fortune 500 company updates and how to become successful within the field.

Enjoy...

PRSA- Public Relations Society of America

When considering one of the fastest growing fields, Public Relations is one of the top ten. Within this particular industry it requires a great deal of networking and knowledge on this specific field. After conducting research on various organizations within the Orlando area and areas within Florida, one that made a lasting impression was PRSA. After speaking with various professionals, PRSA was introduced to me by Ken Degilio, Full Sail University professor of Business Storytelling and Branding. Taking an extra step and researching this highly reputable organization, I was extremely pleased with their mission and success.

Within the Orlando area, PRSA has made a name by hosting several events, luncheons and offering jobs and internships. This is HUGE when comparing and contrasting with various PR firms. Many offer internships but they are extremely limited within their own company. PRSA offers internships within various organizations, which gives potential employees options and doesn’t limit their success. Having organizations as such, gives college students and opportunity to meet with professionals within the industry and build connections and network at the various events. With organizations such as PRSA it also gives students the key within the industry, because you are able to gain hands on experience and knowledge that you wouldn’t typically be able to obtain if organizations didn’t exist.

Personally, PRSA is going to be an organization that I utilize all the resources and tools to become a better candidate for Fortune 500 companies in New York, LA, Miami and Chicago. Having an internship through an organization like this is a great resume builder and experience every potential publicist or agent needs to have.  I plan within the next few months to become an intern for a top PR firm here within the Orlando area that will help me as a Graduate student get a job quickly after graduation in 2011.

Here below is the direct link to their website:

www.prsa.org/