“PR stands for ‘public relations’ and has to do with the state of your relationship with the public. You could also say it’s your reputation and how others view you, so it’s subjective to a large degree. Part of a publicist’s job is to maintain a favorable public image for you — or help create or repair one as the case may be.”
- RICK KRUSKY, MWPR
As a part of my series about the things you need to know to excel in the modern PR industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rick Krusky. Rick is the president and co-founder of MWPR, a full-service public relations firm based in Los Angeles. Rick’s business background and 20-plus years of experience in the entertainment industry led him to the helm of the firm and to this day makes him a highly trusted adviser for his clientele…
What intrigued you to pursue a career in public relation in the first place? I felt it aligned with my personality and skill set in many ways. I was already an entrepreneur, lived in Los Angeles, had spent most of my life in the entertainment industry and the arts, and my wife was a publicist. So when she decided to start her own firm, we just jumped in and did it together…
We’re a full-service PR and publicity firm. We specialize in publicity for individuals and brands, primarily in the entertainment and lifestyle spaces. Our day-to-day involves creating awareness of our clients by securing media coverage for them – TV, radio, print and online magazine features, movie premieres, red-carpet events, podcasts – stuff like that…
Rick Krusky is a publicist and co-founder of the Los Angeles-based publicity firm MWPR. He and his wife run the company, servicing clients in the entertainment and lifestyle fields. His day to day consists of managing the public perception of clients and procuring press attention for them and their brands. We caught up with him and discussed his views on business, publicity, and working in Hollywood.
PR: Stands for “public relations” and has to do with the state of your relationship with the public. You could also say it’s your reputation and how others view you, so it’s subjective to a large degree. Part of a publicist’s job is to maintain a favorable public image for you (or help create or repair one, as the case may be)…
In the worlds of publicity, marketing, advertising and elsewhere, you often hear the term “repeat the message.” This is an important concept that has been utilized since the beginning of the fields themselves. Any household name, whether we’re talking iPhones, McDonald’s or Coca-Cola, has employed this, and in no small measure. Their message is repeated over and over again to the public. But how can this be interpreted and used to your advantage in the world of acting? In my experience, it’s through “continuity of branding.”
I woke up this morning to the news that Garry Marshall had passed. This was a man who not only directed many movies I had enjoyed over my lifetime, but who also created much of the television I watched growing up. In addition to this, he was also a writer, actor, producer, voice artist, and comedian. Garry wasn’t just in the industry; he was part of molding the industry. I had the chance to meet him once. And although I do work in the industry, our meeting was not work-related at all. It was a personal encounter, and one which served to teach me something about the work I do…
Imagine you arrive at the Four Seasons on Doheny for your first press junket. The journalists are already there, ready to interview you on what is sure to be the summer’s biggest blockbuster. But how do they know about you, what questions to ask, what details to include in their piece? The answer: They’ve been provided with a press kit…
Every actor has heard of them. And practically every actor has dealt with them, whether well or badly. But in my experience, not everyone is clear on exactly what “PR” and “publicity” mean. Since the terms can be somewhat confusing and even lumped together as one at times, I thought I’d go over their basic meanings and give some examples in order to more clearly define them and make more of a distinction between the two. I’ve found that doing so can help actors improve both areas of their careers…
On any given morning you can open your computer to find fresh photos of celebrities on the red carpet from the night before. From film premieres to record releases, art show openings, and more, these press opportunities are essential components to some of the most successful publicity campaigns. Whether attending an event that is promoting your own project, or attending as an invited guest, it’s to your benefit to get the most out of the opportunity…
