14 replies to this topic

[bims]

Hi,

I've been thinking about putting out an press release regarding an upcoming movie that has been getting some international press attention because of its subject matter. My site is involved in an industry that could be adversely affected by the negative consequences of the film.

Now, i know we're not going to stop the movie from coming out but we wish to make a public statement regarding our stance on the movie and possibly appeal for a boycott if possible We also think it might be an opportunity for more folks out there to know the positive work we've been doing and our services.

I'm unsure how to proceed, my partner says it is ill-advised to do that (she would, she's an actor) but i disagree... any ideas or tips?

Edited by bims, 13 September 2006 - 10:38 AM.

[Jill]

I don't have any advice, but I do think you should do it.

I know of a group that has done something similar in the past and it does help bring awareness of the issue to light. Anytime you can educate people about something, it's a good thing.

[rolf]

I can't see how raising awareness can be a bad thing - although I suppose it depends what you're raising awareness of

It's quite feasible that you (your industry) may end up with a higher profile regardless of what you do or don't do, so you might as well try and have some sway on the direction of the publicity. Martha Stewart and Marilyn Manson (to name just two) have done very well out of proactively managing 'adverse' publicity.

I'm intrugued - what is it you do and what is the film?

[bims]

Trust me, i do want to tell you more about it and i probably will soon. I do however, want to be the first person to come out publicly and condemn the timing and potentially exploitative nature of the film. I can tell you that it is starring an a-list hollywood actor.

[smc_online]

I just wanted to chime in on the typo in the "Topic Description." Shouldn't it be edited?

It got my attention for sure.

[daniel]

I just wanted to chime in on the typo in the "Topic Description."  Shouldn't it be edited?

It got my attention for sure.

[bims]

yes, i've edited the topic name.. in case anyone is trying to make sense of it.

Jill, thanks for your contribution too!

[bims]

Can i be so cheeky to ask if there is anyone who would be kind enough to help me with my draft?

You don't ask... you dont get

[Shane]

Heck, I'd be willing to take a look. I'm certainly not as good as some of the professional copywriters around here, but I've written plenty, including many press releases. Just PM me a draft.

[bims]

Just wanted to thank you man for helping me out and adding a focus to the piece. I really appreciate it...

Thank you.

[glengara]

*I've been thinking about putting out an press release regarding an upcoming movie that has been getting some international press attention because of its subject matter.*

If it's the new Borat movie I wouldn't bother ;-)

[davidtemple]

It seems to me that anytime someone calls for a boycott of a movie, not that your intentons aren't honorable, it just gives the movie additional publicity and more people want to see what the fuss is about. This may be a double edged sword.

[Sarah]

*I've been thinking about putting out an press release regarding an upcoming movie that has been getting some international press attention because of its subject matter.*

If it's the new Borat movie I wouldn't bother ;-)

It couldn't be.... Bims said :

I can tell you that it is starring an a-list hollywood actor.

Not an annoying comedian who should know better.

[gaddison]

I've dealt fairly extensively in "political' and 'issues' topics on the web. On one side, I'd probably tend to agree that you would only draw more attention to the movie with a press release, and the distributors would probably secretly thank you for it.

I have dealt with a very similar situation on one on the more controversial issues in North America (and Europe) where a primetime US show took a real swipe at the industry. I ran an AdWords campaign over the weeks around the show with "get the facts on Industry X " and "Was TV SHOW telling the truth about industry X" type ads?

Not surprisingly, we got a bump in impressions when the show ran, and were able to get direct information to people who were looking for more info on the topic.

The real bonus, though, was a few media interviews that would not have happened had the interviewers not found us through the PPC ads.

Just a thought.

Gord

[St0n3y]

Unless you got some real power behind you I think a call for a boycott would fizzle and only get people more interested in the movie. On the other hand, a simple educational message combating the "inaccuracies" of the move might be the way to go. Encourage people to get the real facts from your website. AT that, you might be able to provide enough information that makes them actually NOT want to see the film without actually telling them not to.