What A Publicity Lead At Amazon MGM Studios Wishes They Knew Before Entering The Entertainment Industry
Amanda, a Publicity Lead at Amazon MGM Studios, emphasizes the crucial, yet often overlooked, importance of "networking and making relationships" with both internal executives and press, advising that "following up with people, never taking no for an answer," and maintaining flexibility under pressure are essential for success in the industry. This experience highlights the evolution of their role from a smaller team with limited time for relationship building to a more established position where networking is now a key part of securing high-profile media coverage.
Networking, Relationship Building, Stress Management, Resilience, Time Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Traits
Amanda Hahn
Publicity Lead
Amazon MGM Studios
University of California Santa Barbara
N/A
Humanities, Political Science, American Studies
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. The importance of networking and relationship building with internal executives and press is crucial for landing significant media coverage.
2. Remaining flexible and handling stress effectively are essential skills due to frequent tight deadlines and high-stakes situations.
3. Never taking "no" for an answer and persistent follow-up are key strategies for success in publicity and media relations.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would've told you before entering this industry?
A disclaimer for those entering the industry is important. It was something I learned later on: how important networking is and making relationships, not only with internal executives but also with press people.
I feel I was a little delayed in that. When we started at Amazon, it was so small, and nobody had time to pitch stories, take press people out to lunch, or get to know them on a personal level. Now that we've grown as a team, I have a bit more time to do that.
It's crucial to landing a huge profile piece for your movie. I was just a bit delayed in that, but that was due to the demands of the job at the time.
Maintaining and building relationships, following up with people, and never taking no for an answer are key. Also, remain flexible and handle stress. There's always going to be a tight deadline and high stakes, or it will feel like high stakes in the moment.
Just keeping yourself grounded in those moments and executing, knowing that you will get through it, are important skills. I like to tell people these things in interviews just before they get into the industry.
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