A Unit Publicist for a television show or movie is responsible for publicizing new and upcoming movies, films, and television shows. While part of this job encompasses the glamour of TV and movies, there is another part filled with routine tasks and details. The Unit Publicist is in charge of making sure that both the general public and the media know that a new movie or television show is being released. The Unit Publicist must create sufficient excitement about the project so that everyone wants to see it.
This is accomplished in a number of ways. The individual may set up media interviews with local television, radio, newspaper, and magazine editors around the country. He or she may set up the same type of interview with network, cable, and syndicated television and radio shows. The individual also tries to set up interviews with national magazine and newspaper editors.
The Unit Publicist is responsible for writing press releases and biographies of stars, compiling press kits, putting together fact sheets, and making sure that photographs and video clips are available. The individual must also make sure that the right people get this information. The Unit Publicist may send press packages to reviewers, critics, print editors, news editors, or talent coordinators. He or she might also distribute this information at press parties or conferences. Many movies and television shows now rely on provocative Web sites to generate audience interest.
The Unit Publicist is responsible for arranging both local and national press conferences and parties. If the individual is creative, he or she may develop a unique idea or “hook” in order to gain attention for the television show or movie. The purpose of all the interviews and press coverage is to attain as much exposure in the media as possible. The individual may be responsible for clipping press releases from magazines and newspapers and getting audio and video clips of interviews, reports, and television shows. If the Unit Publicist does not perform this duty, he or she may be responsible for having an intern or assistant take care of the task or may retain a clipping service to handle the job.
The Unit Publicist often travels to other cities with stars of the television show or movie. During these travels he or she makes sure that the star gets to and from each interview on time. The individual provides press releases, biographies, press kits, photos, video clips of the movie or television show, etc. to the reporter, editor, or producer of the interview. The Unit Publicist might also spend a few minutes with the individual interviewer trying to point the interview in a positive direction. If, for some reason, the Unit Publicist does not accompany stars to these interviews, he or she arranges for another escort to meet, greet, and accompany the star to the interview.
The individual works with the studio, producer, or network producing the show. He or she helps arrange screenings for both critics and reviewers. If reviews are good, the Unit Publicist sees that copies are made or takes a quote and uses the piece to get more publicity for the project.
While Unit Publicists may freelance, most work with publicity and public relations firms hired specifically for the project. The Unit Publicist is then assigned an individual project to work on. After the movie or television show comes out the individual is reassigned to another project. If the individual is freelancing, he or she is responsible to the production company, studio, or network that hired him or her. If the Unit Publicist works for a publicity or public relations firm, he or she is responsible to a senior publicist, press agent, or one of the V.P.s of the company.
There is a lot of stress in this type of job. The individual must constantly come up with creative ways to publicize the movie or television show. The Unit Publicist might also deal with the pressure of tight deadlines, stars who don't really want to participate in interviews, and interviewers who really don't want to be doing the story. If the people in charge are not satisfied with the kind of publicity received, the amount of exposure, or the success of the project, the Unit Publicist often is blamed. On the other hand, Unit Publicists who end up with a hit television show or film rarely get any personal recognition. The individual in this type of position must have a thick skin and a lot of stamina to survive.
Earnings for Unit Publicists can vary greatly. An individual who is working independently or freelancing or one with little experience may be hired for a low-budget film and make US Dollars 350 to US Dollars 500 a week. Another person working for a large public relations firm or an independent Unit Publicist who has proven him- or herself can earn up to US Dollars 2,500 a week plus.
Generally speaking, salary ranges depend on the experience the individual has, his or her track record, and the specific project.
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