How to Write a Press Release
A practical guide for actors building visibility before they hire a publicist
👋 Hey, I’m Christine. I’m an award-winning actress, industry consultant, and entertainment insider with decades of experience in global film, TV, and theater. My work has been featured by major networks like HBO, Disney, and Ubisoft, and I’ve built a career helping actors gain visibility, land roles, and position themselves for long-term success.
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A simple breakdown you can actually use to build your own
Most actors think press releases are only for people who already “made it.”
That’s wrong.
Press releases are not a reward for success. They are a tool for visibility, credibility, and positioning. Studios use them. Festivals use them. Brands use them. And working actors should use them too—especially if you don’t have a publicist.
A press release is not an announcement for your friends.
It’s not a caption.
It’s not a blog post.
And it’s definitely not a casual update.
A press release is a formal document written for the media, even if no journalist ever picks it up. Its real job is to train the industry on how to see you.
If you understand that, everything else clicks.
Before we go any further, something needs to be said plainly.
Having a publicist matters. A good one doesn’t just get you press—they shape narrative, open doors you can’t access alone, and elevate how the industry perceives you. At a certain stage, a publicist doesn’t just support your career—they accelerate it.
But most actors don’t start there.
When you’re early, emerging, or simply not in a financial position to hire a publicist yet, the reality is this: you still need visibility. You still need a paper trail. You still need to learn how media works—because no one else is doing it for you.
That’s where this article comes in.
This is not a replacement for a publicist. It’s a starting point. A way to understand the mechanics, language, and structure behind press releases so you can responsibly and professionally handle your own outreach until the moment you’re ready to hand it off.
Think of this as learning the system—so when you eventually bring a publicist on, you’re not passive. You’re informed.
Later in this article, I’ve also included an example of a real press release written by my publicist when promoting several of my projects. Seeing an actual press release can make the structure much clearer—especially if you’re an actor who is also building multiple ventures, creative projects, or products alongside your work.