Hero Image for SAG-AFTRA Podcast episode 87 'What You Need to Know About Publicists"

Veteran entertainment publicist Shannon Barr joins the podcast to talk about the unique role of publicists in the industry.

Picking a publicist is like picking a best friend: You have to have that connection. And I have to feel that if I represented [a client], I’d give them 150% of everything I have.

Shannon Barr

Strategic Public Relations Founder

Publicists hold a unique role as professional talent representatives, and for many, obtaining one can help better promote yourself or an upcoming project or event. Still, it’s important to know exactly what services publicists provide and how best to utilize them. 

Joining podcast hosts SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland is entertainment publicist Shannon Barr. Barr has represented many entertainment and media figures throughout her decades-long career, and in 2013, became the first African American senior vice president of Los Angeles marketing firm Rogers & Cowan. Following her departure from the company in 2019, she founded her own agency, Strategic Public Relations.

Barr offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work of publicists and helps to answer the question of when — or if — a performer should seek a publicist. She also discusses what to keep in mind when finding a publicist and best practices for publicist-client relationships.  

Click here to listen to other podcast interviews, panels and workshops and be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts and TuneIn.

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.

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