More about just getting the goods

A common misunderstanding about publicists is that all they care about is to obtain coverage on whatever project they're working on. This may be true to a certain degree; after all, there is a certain expectation from our clients to "deliver the goods." That said and done, being a good publicist means developing an excellent rapport with members of the press. A good part of this week-end, for instance, was spent trying to help a Montreal-based journalist find a place to stay during the Toronto International Film Festival, and finding a good camera person for a Belgian TV producer who needs a local crew during TIFF. None of my clients expect me to help these journalists. But since these journalists are good colleagues (not to mention overall very decent people) who have demonstrated great support of my projects in the past and who will continue to do so, there's simply no reason why I shouldn't at the very least try to help them out. Just common sense and common professional courtesy.