STOP! Don’t enter that contest or festival until you read this!

Not every contest or festival is worth entering, even if there is no entry fee. The point of submitting artistic products to festivals and contests is to gain exposure. How can such a feat be accomplished if no one is viewing or reviewing the content of these events?

Organizers of events need to develop branding strategies that present the event as a cutting edge source of entertainment.

Check the event’s website and look for a press section. DO NOT be deceived by a plethora of self published press releases! Look for links to articles written by print and electronic media on the prior year’s event. First year events need to receive the same scrutiny. Ask the event’s organizers what is being done to obtain press coverage.

Remember the golden rule of public relations: the media is looking for relevant stories to relate to its publics, in order to make a profit. Entering contest or festivals with a reputation is one more interesting tidbit to get the media interested in your entertainment product.

Check out Critical Region Consulting's
New York City Film Festival Guide

Indie Entertainers Make the Perfect Media Pitch

Indie entertainers today are a lucky bunch! Thanks to the plethora of cheap technology a Press Kit can be put together for next to nothing and nicely mailed off to every ilk of media.

However too often indie entertainers think a slick Press Kit is all that is needed to get the attention of an inundated reporter. Unlike the major companies who have the power of brand to get into just about any publication, the indie entertainer MUST cater to the needs of the media. Remember they do not need you, unless your story will add to the quality of their publication. This in the publisher’s mind equals higher circulation and/or ad revenue.

Indie entertainers need to save the cost of mailing the kit and focus on the pitch letter. The pitch letter outlines why a publication SHOULD write about your product. A pitch letter introduces the product and why the publications readers would be interested. Then if the publication is interested a press kit and other subsequent materials can be submitted.

New York City Film Festival Guide $5.00!

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The New York City Film Guide lists all 62 festivals that take place in New York City’s five boroughs.

Whether you have a film or just a script-- a full length or short film-- a seasoned professional or student--this guide is where your strategy begins.

Plus this guide provides tips on maximizing the summer festival season in New York! Get tips on housing and traveling for American and international filmmakers!

Buy Critical Region Consulting's New York Film Festival Guide

Critical Region Consulting collaborates with independent entertainment companies and artist in developing targeted action-based strategies that enhance media coverage and product visibility. To schedule an appointment in person or by phone submit an e-mail to bandwidth (at) ybfree.com.