Media Training for Scribblers?

Since the days of Orson Welles promoting “Citizen Kane,” media training has been essential for anyone who finds themselves in the spotlight.

I wish the studios, networks, and even the WGA offered lessons on the dos and don’ts of representing our projects to the world. I certainly could’ve used a heads-up before hitting the panels and floor of San Diego Comic-Con. But it’s never too late to learn. That’s what the internet’s for, right?

Here are some nuggets of wisdom I found on the subject —

Prepare Key Messages: Prior to any media interaction, know the three main points you want to get across.

Know Your Audience: Tailor your message depending on whether you speak to industry insiders or a general audience.

Stay on Message: Media interviews can be unpredictable. Regardless of the questions asked, find a way to steer the conversation back to your key messages.

Be Clear and Concise: Journalists often prefer soundbites. Make your points in a clear, concise manner to ensure they're easily understood and quotable.

Avoid Jargon: I’m well-versed in scriptwriting blather and game design terminology, but the general audience may not be. Speak in plain language whenever possible.

Be Engaging: Show enthusiasm and energy in your voice and body language to better engage with your audience.

Watch Your Nonverbals: Your body language, facial expressions, and tone should align with what you're saying. They communicate as much as your words do.

Handle Tough Questions Gracefully: If you're asked a difficult question, pause and think before answering. It's better to say, "Let me consider that for a moment," rather than rush into a potentially damaging statement.

Never Say "No Comment": This often makes you appear as though you have something to hide. Instead, explain why you can't discuss a certain topic at that time.

Follow-Up: After an interview, it’s polite to thank the interviewer. It’s also a good opportunity to clarify any points you think may not have come across clearly during the interview.

Wardrobe Matters: Stick with solid colors that complement your skin tone. Avoid stark whites, reds, or busy patterns that can distract or cause moire video issues on camera.

Keep It Professional: Dress slightly more formally than you think is necessary. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed. But make sure you're comfortable, as discomfort can show on camera.

Posing for Pictures: Stand (or sit) up straight. Good posture conveys confidence. Slightly angling your body can make you appear slimmer and add depth to the photo. Keep your hands relaxed and purposeful. Use them to emphasize points if appropriate, but avoid overdoing it.

Facial Expression: For most professional settings, a genuine smile is ideal. Practice in a mirror to find your most authentic, comfortable smile. A forced smile can look inauthentic. Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer or camera to show confidence and engagement.

Be Mindful of Tics: We all have nervous habits—playing with hair, touching the face, etc. Being aware of these can help you keep them in check.

React Appropriately: Your face should react in a way that's consistent with the conversation. This means showing concern, enthusiasm, or thoughtfulness at appropriate times. Each choice you make sends a message to your audience.

All of that sounds good. I wish I’d been able to Google it before the premiere of Eight-Legged Freaks. Did Google even exist back then? Did the internet? Oof.

I wonder if Orson Welles used those tips and strategies when promoting “Citizen Kane.” Did he get any tricky questions about the William Randolph Hearst controversy and the "War of the Worlds" incident? Did RKO give him a seasoned public relations handler to help him navigate the media?

Let’s fire up the way back machine and see for ourselves.

THIS EXAMPLE IS FICTIONAL NONSENSE

FADE IN:

PR HANDLER: Orson, we're getting ready to roll out the media blitz for "Citizen Kane," and I want to make sure we're prepared for all possible questions. You're a revolutionary in this industry, but that also makes you a target for probing or even rude questions.

ORSON WELLES: Understood, better to be prepared for all eventualities. What's on the docket?

PR HANDLER: First, let's discuss potential questions about your weight. Journalists can be merciless, and you know how people love to focus on the superficial.

ORSON WELLES: Ah, the relentless scrutiny of appearance over substance. So, how do we steer it back to what matters?

PR HANDLER: If you're asked about your weight, you might say something like, "I'd like to focus on the work and the revolutionary techniques we used in 'Citizen Kane,' which are the real story here." You could also use a sound bite like, "My size is not the dimension people should be interested in. Let's focus on the size of our ambition for cinema."

ORSON WELLES: Brilliant. It redirects the conversation while making them think twice about their priorities. What's next?

PR HANDLER: Next, there's the William Randolph Hearst angle. There's a lot of chatter that he's none too pleased with the film and could try to undermine us.

ORSON WELLES: Ah, yes. The giant in the room. Proceed.

PR HANDLER: If pushed about Hearst, consider saying, "It's true that there has been some speculation about the inspirations for Charles Foster Kane, but the character is a composite designed to explore broader themes about American life." Or use a sound bite like, "Mr. Hearst is certainly a fascinating figure, but 'Citizen Kane' is bigger than any one person. It's a study of power and how it shapes us."

ORSON WELLES: Excellent, we keep the focus on the art, not the controversy.

PR HANDLER: Precisely. Lastly, there's the lingering issue of the "War of the Worlds" broadcast. Some might ask about the panic it caused.

ORSON WELLES: That night will forever haunt me, I suppose.

PR HANDLER: The key is to address it without letting it overshadow "Citizen Kane." You could say, "The intent of the broadcast was to engage and entertain, never to incite panic. It was a dramatic performance, rooted in the tradition of radio theater." And maybe add, "The power of storytelling became very real to us that night, and it's a lesson I've carried into all my work, including 'Citizen Kane.'"

ORSON WELLES: Admirable advice. Acknowledge and pivot, all while keeping our eyes on the prize.

PR HANDLER: Exactly, Orson. Keep your composure, stick to these points, and let "Citizen Kane" shine as the groundbreaking work it is.

ORSON WELLES: Well, with your guidance, how could we possibly go astray? Let's make history.

FADE TO: BLACK

Wow. That was pretty cool. Sounds like Orson had a real handle on how to handle the spotlight. If he can do it, so can we, right? HA! Hang on a minute; I just found the Handler’s notes!

MORE TOTALLY FICTIONAL NONSENSE

FROM: RKO PUBLIC RELATIONS

TO: ORSON WELLES

As we begin the promotion of your new film, please keep the following top of mind —

Innovation in Storytelling: Emphasize how "Citizen Kane" has revolutionized film narrative with its non-linear timeline and deep-focus cinematography.

"Our non-linear storytelling isn't a gimmick; it's an invitation to engage deeply with Kane's life."

Character Complexity: Discuss the depth and moral ambiguity of Charles Foster Kane as a representation of the American Dream gone wrong.

"Kane is not a man to be simplified; he’s the embodiment of American complexity."

Technical Milestones: Highlight the innovative camera techniques and special effects used in the movie.

"We've pushed the boundaries of what's possible in cinema, from our camera work to our special effects."

A few more Sound Bites:

"If you're looking for easy answers, you won't find them in 'Citizen Kane.' What you'll find is a mirror held up to the complexities of human ambition."

"'Citizen Kane' isn't just a movie; it's an exploration of American aspiration and the steep price it can demand."

"We didn't make 'Citizen Kane' to tell you what to think. We made it to make you think."

And some Wardrobe Suggestions:

Given your penchant for classic, formal wear and larger-than-life personality, a well-tailored, dark suit would be appropriate. To add a pop of personality, consider incorporating a pocket square or a tie that complements your suit but isn't overly flashy. Black, polished leather shoes should complete the formal look and keep the media’s attention on your movie and persona. Given the importance of the occasion, keep accessories to a minimum—perhaps just a tasteful watch to maintain a classic and sophisticated appearance.

RKO Studios appreciates your cooperation with our Public Relations department as we work together to promote your new motion picture. All of us believe your film is good enough to sustain a twenty-week theatrical run.

See you at The Formosa!