A Flack. A Spin Doctor. A Prostitute. A Pimp.
A flack, a spin doctor, a press agent. Of course, all these terms are synonymous with the profession of public relations – that is, a publicist. A publicist is a person who shapes and molds the brand and image of a person, place or thing. A good publicist is also a salesperson and a master of persuasion. I recently told someone: “If a publicist can’t sell ice water to an Eskimo, then he or she is in the wrong profession!”
Wyllisa’s logo
I often proclaim myself as a “publicist du jour,” which in French, translates to mean publicist of the day. It just sounds better in French, doesn’t it? Well, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: The moniker is also a nod to a very famous and classic 1967 French movie, “Belle de Jour,” starring the award-winning French actress Catherine Deneuve. The film is about a housewife who spends her afternoons as a prostitute while her husband goes to work.
I have to admit, sometimes, I feel like I’m in the business of prostitution on my day job, hence the clever, little nickname. And I’ve told my clients on many occasions that I’m their publicity pimp, who will put them on a corner for the sake of any and all publicity. I love a good headline. What can I say? I can’t help it! Thank God, my line of work is legal! My mantra: All publicity is good publicity!
From the Vault: “Promo Donnas,” circa 2007
In pr circles, acclaimed artist Andy Warhol is known for the expression of “15 minutes of fame.” Well, looks like I missed my first shot at it. Back in the day, I was vetted and cast for a reality show by Doron Ofir Casting — the same folks behind “#Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,” “Jersey Shore,” and “A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila.” The show, “Promo Donnas,” was a behind-the-scenes look at the work and lives of celebrity publicists like me. Despite interest and pitches to the networks, the show didn’t get picked up, but still, here’s a look at the sizzle reel, featuring some of LA’s top pr pros, including me and my colleague Reid J. Rich, self-proclaimed as the “Dream Team of Publicity;” along with Juliette Harris of IT Girl Public Relations and Siri Garber of Platform Public Relations. See, the sizzle reel below.
Promo Donnas Sizzle With Wyllisa Bennett
“Belle de Jour,” starring award-winning French actress Catherine Deneuve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkAfT6LpEuk
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