As an arts reporter at the National Post, I usually review a couple films per week — now that the film festival is about to start, I’ll probably be seeing at least three every day. At most press screenings, you walk up to the media sign-in desk first, say hello to the always cheery publicist and pick up a press kit, which can be anywhere from one to 20 pages.
It outlines the synopsis of the film, usually includes a statement from the director and/or comments from the cast, lists all the credits and generally makes the journalist’s job a lot easier when the time comes to write up the review (especially if the journalist accidentally falls asleep during the movie, which of course I’ve never done … OK, just once).
Some of the studios and distributors have begun releasing their press kits in electronic format only, which I think is the way to go. And to be honest, with websites like IMDb and other online sources, there isn’t much need for any more promotional material.
So from now on, I’m going to decline the paper press kits at screenings and make do with what I can get on the Interwebs.
Nice plan! When I am offered press kits by eco companies, I always check to see if they have a digital version that they can email me instead.
You’d think movie companies, etc. would be eager to get on the electronic/internet-only press kit thing so they don’t have to send out and produce a couple hundred CDs and cases or even worse those damn promo folders with all the paper! Why? Who reads all the production notes for Smokin’ Aces or something?