SOCAL COALITION RECAP: BRANDING IN ENTERTAINMENT by biola

By Travis Ramsdell​

No matter what it is in life, whether it’s a future job, a new hobby, or just a way to present ourselves to others, the origin of it likely comes from being inspired. Whether this inspiration can be considered something minor or a life changing experience, it can have profound effects on our life and lead us to mirror it as closely as possible. Speaking from personal experience, while this can provide a solid road map as well as a glimpse into the future in regard to how it worked out for others, it creates difficulties when figuring out how to stand out from others and creating something that was never done before.

This topic as well as many others was discussed at the last PRSSA SoCal Coalition Meeting this past week, hosted generously by Biola University, in which three amazing guest speakers shared their experiences working in the PR industry and offering advice to those in attendance. Naomi Hyman, a marketing assistant at Capitol Records, Kara Makishi, an account executive at 6th Street PR, and Amanda Pappalardo, President of Biola’s PRSSA chapter who has also interned at NBC Universal and Fender, were the panelists at the meeting in which they discussed tips and tricks for those interested in branding for the entertainment industry. Those who came to listen were able to hear specific strategies related to branding for artists and companies in the entertainment industry as well as ways in which it could transfer over and help those who wished to develop their own personal brand as well.

From tactics to get our foot in the door and solidify our first opportunities in the industry, to different techniques that can help us maintain our creative energy in difficult times, everyone had the chance to relate to a piece of advice and leave the meeting to work towards something. One such topic that resonated in almost every question that was asked was whether or not we were moving in the right direction with landing an opportunity and it circled around to the main advice that was given: just be you. “There’s a reason that you’re in every room that you’re in,” Hyman revealed following a question for advice for those new to the branding world. “You have so much to give.” This advice connected with those who may have felt uneasy or unqualified, like myself, about the place that we’re in in the PR industry and always feeling that we have to do more in which Makishi chimed in, “Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t get it. We are always learning and making goals that you can see yourself achieve really adds up.”

Whether you are someone who has been interested in entertainment and branding for years or someone who is just looking for their opportunity in PR, one piece of advice that should always be held onto is to be yourself and that opportunity will come as Pappalardo stated, “There’s something about you that no one else has. Don’t be afraid as you never know when you’re going to get that yes.”