Lead Times Matter for PR

No. Don't tell the media about your new film the day it comes out and expect coverage. Too late.

Over my career, some people have wanted to promote their films or projects after the fact. Or on the day of release. Unless you have a PR stunt or something happening that day to warrant immediate coverage — which usually means a news cycle — then you just affected your coverage results dramatically with poor planning. I'm sorry to be so direct; it's true.

The media have timelines. Coverage doesn't just magically appear out of dust instantly. It takes work on the media's behalf, and effort to get their attention in a busy world. Planning and preparation are essential.

"The actors actually want to help market and promote their projects. Especially the actors working hard to establish themself."

If you're working on a film with a moderate budget, there are actors on your cast eager to help promote. The odd stories they can achieve add up, and suddenly it'll feel like the coverage is "everywhere you turn." More people doing interviews means more coverage of your creative work.

Marketing and PR are often an afterthought for many creatives, but it's important. If you want to keep creating more cool stuff, then you need as much exposure as possible. It'll help with: distribution, viewers and numbers, and future investments.

People read online articles before meetings, which could help establish confidence in you. This could lead to producing more projects or an investor taking the plunge with you.

Remember to keep your cast and crew informed about release/screening dates. And make sure you have considered marketing and PR before your creative work is released.