The Ugly Side of Publicity

I've had a fast and early education into the darker spectrums of human fraility and psychosis as a publicist. I had no grandiose expectations when I considered representing a friend who's now a client.

My job is to create or help create a marketable brand, field and secure radio, TV, and print interview requests, and promote my clients to their ideal demographic.

I didn't expect to deal with prim donas, would-be divas, people who'd never qualify as a diva, or people better suited an insane asylum.

My new job as a publicist is one that I embrace and know that I will be successful because I get to incorporate my background in theatre, writing, and editing. Most successful publicists and marketers have the gift of gab are are social butterflies. How else can we place our clients in venues and on radio and talk shows if we're not liked, or at least respected?

I've no patience and time for people who think they can take advantage of me or anyone else because they were once a corporate executive, physically attractive, or accustomed to delegating to subordinates.

Every third person is clamoring for fifteen minutes of fame and notoriety, but two out of three people don't understand what's involved in creating a public identity. It requires hard work and daily maintenance to sustain a reputable career. This isn't to say that one-trick or one-shot ponies have no place in life; they are the ones who amuse and teach us what not to do.

The ugly side of publicity shines a floodlight on the darker reaches of human greed, insecurity and stupidity. Too many are outraged or shocked during the early stages of contract negotiations. Don't be. Compromises have to be made to ensure both sides get the best deal at the time. Still others want to threaten legal for verbal agreements after they've watched a few episodes of Law & Order or Boston Legal. These are the ones who will probably never be successful, and will do whatever they feel necessary to have an audience.

Seeking Part Time Media Intern

Keneritz Media, LLC, and Morningside Writers Group seek a twice-weekly part-time virtual assistant for administrative, editorial, research, marketing, and commission sales tasks. Minimum of eight, maximum of ten hours.

Ideal assistant types at least 60wpm, has legible handwriting, takes good written notes and dictation, and able to work with minimal supervision. Seeking an intern with an interest in media, publishing, marketing/publicity. Must have wireless-enabled laptop and cell phone. Must be pet-friendly as working environment is a home office with animals.

Send cover letter with availability and résumé. Opportunity to earn commissions and work with emerging artists and writers: keneritzmedia@gmail.com

Kenertiz Media, LLC

Keneritz Media, LLC, is a multidisciplinary publicity/marketing and booking agency based in New York City. We represent mid-career artists, entertainers, musicians and small business owners seeking promotion, marketing and brand building.

We strategically position our clients within their target demographic to transform and sustain their career using established techniques and social media.

Some of our services include writing press releases, creating and distributing press kits, media placements, and cross-promoting with other with vendors for collaborative efforts.

Keneritz Media is a creative solutions provider for singers, writers, actors, musicians, and entrepreneurs who are ready for the next logical step in a rewarding career.

For more information or personal interview, feel free to contact us here:publicity@keneritzmedia.com

Introducing LeNora Jaye

I'm pleased to announce that I'm launching a Publicity and Promotion service, Keneritz Media. My first client is the dynamic, Indie Nubian Soul Singer, LeNora Jaye, who will release her first album in July 2008.

Visit her MySpace page and listen to several of the advance tracks, and see if you don't share my opinion that she will soon become a force in the music industry.

She's already an Internet and United Kingdom deejay favorite!

Contact me at publicity@lenorayjaye.com or keneritzmedia@aim.com for media inquiries and booking requests.

Fallen From Grace - Indie Film Casting Call

CornerStone Pictures and Keneritz Media are casting for an independent feature film - Fallen From Grace

Fallen From Grace is the story of a married immigrant's spiritual separation from his Christian beliefs as he navigates the sometimes turbulent terrain of married life, immigration, and life in the metro New York City area as he pursues the sometimes elusive American Dream. Along the way, he meets and interacts with an assortment of characters that tests his emotional and physical resolve as he works a variety of jobs to remain afloat while pursuing his creative dreams and American citizenship.

This film deals with adult themes, ethnic identity, and contains brief nudity.

We are seeking a diverse, talented, flexible, and reliable cast for principle, supporting, and featured extra roles.

This is a low-budget/no-budget/non-union film. All actors will receive film credit, copy of the DVD, and a free personal photo session valued at $400.

Interested actors please forward a recent headshot,resume, and the role that you feel best suited for. Additionally, there are a few supporting and featured extras.

If you have previously submitted for our casting call, there is no need to resubmit. All headshots/resumes will be kept on file for up to one year.

For more information refer to the film's website: http://www.fallenfromgracethefilm.com/

Introducing Keneritz Media

There was a time in my life when I thought I'd marry the girl I met in ninth grade and move to California to be a famous actor; she'd be a college professor of math or science. It didn't happen as poetically or romantically. I lost contact with her when I transferred high schools, occasionally receiving updates from a mutual friend.

I didn't move to Hollywood with my first serious girlfriend, but escaped to New York City. There were a few people and situations that lead to my decision to move to the East Coast. It's all water under the bridge, and washed out to sea by now.

I miss performing on stage, film, and performing or reading scriptures at my Methodist church down south. Life was different back then. I didn't have to deal with an octopus of a director until college, even though I'd been warned long before of people in the business who only wanted to take advantage of unsuspecting younger actors. I think of the monologue from the play Small Craft Warnings by Tennessee Williams, when the character has tried to fool an older man into believing he's one thing, when he's clearly the other. In my recasting, my former drama professor from college is the fraud.

I don't know what happened that I stopped auditioning, training, and pursuing the craft of acting. I can't wholly blame dirty old predatory women and men in the industry as to why I have abandoned the profession after so many years of joy experienced in front of a live audience.

The number of bad Hollywood movies and TV shows is reason enough to dust off the headshots and résumés and start auditioning again. I know I still have it. I've had to rely on my acting, directing, and persuasive talents in uncreative corporate jobs and in social settings. Why not get paid for it expressly as an actor? I've nothing to lose.

I'm in the early stages of forming a production company, and joining forces with two friends as they create their own production companies. Together, we'll work on short films, documentaries, and eventually feature film projects as actors, writers, and directors.

I've named my future company Keneritz Media. My grandmother's nickname for me is Keneritz. Folks ask, "Why Keneritz?" The story is that my younger brothers and I have similar sounding names as do three of my cousins. One day Granny was calling out to me and was temporarily stumped as to which "Ken" I was. She said, "Hey, you, Keneris!" The assembled family in her living room looked around, and after laughing, realized she was pointing at me. I phoneticized the mistake to Ken E. Ritz, and began using it as a poetry pen name. It sounded very Hollywood razzle dazzle, but didn't capture the warmth and closeness of what Granny represents. Away with the spaces and punctuation, and Keneritz was born.

My ideal world is where I'd write short stories, novels, and screenplays. I'd adapt the short stories and novels for the screen, and either sell, direct, produce, or act in the screenplays. At the end of the week, I'd drive away to a country home with room for a pony and dogs.