COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course deals with press releases, press kits, media-publicist relationships, artist imaging, print and electronic publicity, tour press, web publicity and other activities conducted to promote the artist, company and product.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

As a result of this course the student should be able to explain those activities conducted by an entertainment and music business publicist. A major portion of this course will involve the student producing an artist press kit including the jacket, bio, photo and press release.

GOALS OF THE MIKE CURB COLLEGE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC BUSINESS

To provide a personalized, career-oriented and practical education that emphasizes leadership, innovation, private enterprise, and entrepreneurship.

To equip students with the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, accept responsibility, make successful decisions, and prosper in diverse environments.

To emphasize quality classroom instruction within the parameters of ethical Christian principles.

HONOR CODE

As members of the Belmont Community, students, faculty, staff, and administrators are all responsible for ensuring that their experiences will be free of behaviors which compromise value. In order to uphold academic integrity, the University has adopted an Honor System. Students and faculty will work together to establish the optimal conditions for honorable academic work.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

ATTENDANCE:

It is very important that you attend all scheduled class meetings. For a complete explanation of the attendance policy see The Belmont University Bulletin. A lack of attendance may result in suspension from Belmont West.

MATERIALS:

Guerrilla Publicity by Levinson, Frishman & Lublin, Adams Media

PREPARED ASSIGNMENTS:

Press Kit:

Each student is required to create a press kit for an aspiring musical artist. The press kit must include a jacket, bio, photo, and press release. The bio must be written following the six-step outline that will be presented in class. Students are encouraged to research other bios to compare structure and presentation styles.

Presentation:

Each student is required to research a musical artist and prepare a presentation with specific attention given to the role of the public relations in their career. Research materials may include a. book written by or about the artist, b. newspaper or magazine articles, c. websites or other appropriate sources. The presentation must be based on a minimum of 3 sources. Students will submit an outline of the presentation that includes the key points and sources used in the research.

Publicity Research:

This assignment requires the student to explore 3 artist websites and rate each site. The findings should be emailed to the Professor on or before March 28, 2006. Your report should include: 1. the address of each site, 2. your overall impression of the site, 3. how effective the site is for publicity, and 4. commentary on the links provided.

Concert Review:

Each student is required to attend a live musical performance and write a review of the show.

The review should address the performance, the venue and the audience reaction. The review should be 500 – 600 words, typed, double-spaced and include the date and location of the show.

4. GRADING:

Press Kit 25%

Final Exam 25%

Presentation 20%

Web Research 10%

Concert Review 10%

Chapter Summaries 10%

Total: 100%

Grading Scale:

93-100 = A 90-92 = A- 87-89 = B+ 83-86 = B

80 -82 = B- 77-79 = C+ 73-76 = C 70-72 = C-

67-69 = D+ 63-66 = D 60-62 = D-

5. CLASS SCHEDULE:

Tue. Jan. 10 Public Relations Overview

Thur. Jan. 12 The Dynamics of Exposure - Read FFPR- chapters 1-2, G.P. 1-6

Tue. Jan. 17 Class meets with Entertainment in L.A.

Thur. Jan. 19 Class meets with Entertainment in L.A.

Tue. Jan. 24 Press Kits-Building Buzz – Read FFPR chapter 3, G.P. 7-12

Thur. Jan 26 Class meets with Entertainment in L.A.

Tue. Jan. 31 Writing the Artist Bio

Thur. Feb. 2 Field Trip – Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Tue. Feb. 7 Class meets with Entertainment in L.A.

Thur. Feb. 9 Media Relations – Read FFPR – chapters 4-6, G.P. 13-17

Tue. Feb. 14 Media Relations continued – Read FFPR – chapters 7-8, G.P., 22

Thur. Feb. 16 Tour Press – Read G.P. 18-21

Tue. Feb. 21 Class meets with Entertainment in L.A.

Thur. Feb. 23 Field trip- Paramount Studios

Feb. 27 – Mar. 3 Spring Break

Tue. Mar. 7 Publicity and the Print Media

Thur. Mar. 9 Publicity and the Broadcast Media

Tue. Mar. 14 Class meets with Entertainment Industry in L.A.

Thur. Mar. 16 Field trip- CBS Columbia Square, Hollywood

Tue. Mar. 21 P.R. Wired – Read FFPR – chapter 9 & Afterword, G.P. 25-31

All chapter summaries due

Thur. Mar. 23 Class meets with Entertainment in L.A.

Tue. Mar. 28 Discuss Web research & Current Issues

Thur. Mar. 30 Field trip

Tue. Apr. 4 Field trip

Thur. Apr. 6 Presentations

Tue. Apr. 11 New Publicity Strategies

Thur. Apr. 13 Easter Break

Tue. Apr. 18 Electronic Press Kits

Thur. Apr. 20 P.R. story of the week – Review for final

Tue. Apr. 25 Final exam