“I Wanna Be Famous Too!” February 28, 2008

I guess every celebrity’s manager/publicist has their own way of doing things to promote a client but the road being traveled by Ali Lohan seems like the wrong road. In a recent interview for Teen Vogue, Ali Lohan discusses things about her sister, being a celebrity, and other things about her life. I feel like her sister has not necessarily been the best family member to go before her and pave the way. People will undoubtedly give Ali Lohan more attention in audition rooms but in the back of their minds will be the triumphs and tribulations of her sister, Lindsay Lohan. 

 

In the interview with Teen Vogue, Ali Lohan says “I want it so bad. So bad you don’t even know. And now, it’s actually happening.” The sad part about that quote is she is not going on about how she loves acting, or the opportunities she has been given to express her so-called talent, but rather going on and on about being a celebrity! She is young and immature but her publicist should be guiding her on tips to have people taker her seriously! From the article tidbits it is obvious all Ali cares about is signing autographs, and being famous. 

 

If I were her publicist I would have an entirely separate approach than her mother Dina Lohan has had. I think it is important to hear about why clients do what they do, what drives them, and what they are completely passionate about. I would want to know aside from the money, the autographs, the fame, is this still what Ali would want to do? Does she wake up yearning to be able to perform and showcase her talent – or does she wake up wanting to be recognized?

  

I am in no way attacking Ali Lohan. She truly is a young, cute girl who happens to be in an overly dramatic family. I just think if she truly wants this lifestyle, she should take a different tactic. Her sister will constantly over shadow her unless she steps out from her shadow and shows that she is different, that she cares not about all-night partying, but about working consistently in the business and creating a sustainable career. 

 

Just My Thoughts…

B.  

Oh, The Oscars!!! February 22, 2008

As everyone knows the Oscars are this Sunday on ABC – I love the Oscars! It’s a night of glamour, beauty, and people’s dreams coming true! As weird as it sounds, I feel like when I watch the Oscars the celebrities become these wonderful people with insecurities and vulnerabilities because all the nominees are sitting there praying for the same thing – an Oscar. Its nice to see them respond and act like normal people, watching them feel nervous and insecure shows they ARE real people! I think because of all of the hoopla with the writers strike this year has been more exciting than ever because there was so much curiosity on whether or not it was actually going to happen.

I think if I could be anyone’s publicist this week it would be Ellen Page, the star of this year’s hot film ‘Juno.’ She is all over the top Hollywood magazines and entertainment television and she is even being interviewed by Barbara Walters right before the Oscars – she is the ‘it’ girl right now!!! If you have seen the movie ‘Juno’ you would know her Oscar nomination is very worthy. I think it would be exciting to be her publicist right now because you would get to be a part of this young, humble girl’s dreams coming true, what is more exciting than that?

I know this post is not as gossipy as my others but I thought it was important to discuss an event like the Oscars.

The ‘Other’ Hilton February 14, 2008

 

We all know about Nikki Hilton, and God knows we have heard endless gossip about Paris- but what about Barron Hilton, their younger brother?

Barron Hilton, 18, was arrested this week for suspicion of drunk driving. He is eighteen years old, I know in Hollywood that is old to be drinking, but to me it’s young! The mere fact that he is drinking is against the law, much less driving drunk. I have always been someone with zero tolerance for drunk driving, so socialite stories such as this are particularly disturbing to me! For someone’s family who has as much money as anyone – why not hire a driver, why take the risk of ruining your life or ending someone else’s?

Barron Hilton was driving his black Mercedes SUV on the Pacific Coast Highway when he was pulled over. Guess it runs in the family? If in some magical way you have forgotten, Paris Hilton was arrested last year for driving under the influence as well. His blood alcohol level was 0.14 percent while the legal level is .08 in California! The twist on this particular celebrity socialite child gone crazy is his parents did not run to his rescue to bail him out of jail – and they wouldn’t let his sister run to his rescue either. Apparently they wanted him to learn his lesson and suffer a little bit. His father released the following statement to the media and press:

“I haven’t been contacted yet by either my son or the police. If what I have heard is true, it is very disturbing and I will have a lot to say- but it will be to my son not the media.”

Hmm… So how do you handle this twist as a publicist? I’m sure they were flooded with phone calls and emails concerning why the Hilton’s did not immediately respond to their son in jail. In my opinion, the statement is kind of an awkward statement, and sounds a little unsure. I agree in the sense that he will be talking to his son and not the media – but has he tried to contact his son? I do not agree with the slightly denial / unsure / dumb act he is putting on. If I was the Hilton family publicist I definitely would have addressed this situation differently. I would have had the family wait until Barron had spoken to his parents and then develop a plan of action. I honestly cannot imagine what it is like to be the Hilton family publicist, they deal with more drama, problems, and gossip than most publicists do in a life time but I still feel this situation could have been handled slightly differently.

Just My Thoughts,

B.

In Memory Of Heath Ledger February 7, 2008

I know this is something we have talked about in class, but I wanted to voice my opinion on ‘My Blog’ so you can read my opinion too!

Heath Ledger died in his New York City apartment on January 22, 2008. Ledger possessed an amazing talent and will be missed by many who knew him and many who didn’t. Unfortunately, like many celebrities deaths their families are not able to mourn in privacy but instead on the cover of magazines, on Perez Hilton’s blog, and in this case “Entertainment Tonight” Television.

I’m sure his publicist’s world spun into a realm they were not expecting – while they were thinking they would be promoting his upcoming movies they were suddenly releasing statements from his family about his death. What a job! Recently they had a huge job in front of them, to attempt to stop ‘ET’ Television from airing a video of Heath Ledger at a party and around drugs and alcohol. His public relations firm was able to get this video pulled from actually airing!

What I don’t understand is why is this a big deal? Why not just let his family grieve and remember Heath for the man, father, and son he was? This is probably one news story I will never understand; I cannot comprehend the idea of using the media to exploit someone’s deaths. In my opinion, everyone should let Heath be remembered and not fuel the fire to try and get personal information out about his death.

In Memory of Heath Ledger.

Just My Thoughts…
Bria