5 minute read
Sasha Stoltz
Q. Tell everyone who you are and where you’re from?
Advertisement
A. My name is Sasha Stoltz. I’m from
Toronto and I started Sasha Stoltz
Publicity over 12 years ago.
Q. What made you want to be a
Publicist?
A. It sort of snuck up on me. I always worked in my family’s businesses.
Then, I began working for The Reel
World Film Festival and Tonya Lee
Williams. I started from the bottom as they say and worked my way into more responsibilities under the wing of Tonya. Working long hours at whatever was asked of me over the years, from setting up for events, to handling media, directors, showing theirfilms in the best light, I got my stride and the rest is history. Having a family that instilled a strong work ethic was also a blessing.
Q. In your own words tell us what a
Publicist is?
A. A publicist by definition, is the person that brings media attention to their client. But for me, it’s a lot more. The duties of a publicist are many and vary with each client.
I do my research first and make sure I know my client. We have a meeting sometimes a few and talk about theirexpectations. Unless it’s something unrealistic I don’t put up roadblocks, most importantly, I listen. They usually know my track record before we meet, so, this is about theirvision. I’m there to offer guidance, but at the end of the day, this is their show. I am very serious when it comes to my clients and work hard at making their public life free as I can from drama.
Q. What is one of the biggest challenges you have being a Publicist?
A. When representing a client that is new to the media, obviously excited about theirproject and anxious for results, you have to make them aware that it takes time. You have to be able to keep theirconfidence up. They are obviously close to their work and take it very personally. My job is to get their name out there as quickly as I can. That’s where a publicist’s reputation is important.
Over the years you build up relationships with platforms and people that work with you and your clients.
Q. What is one thing you think Publicist do not get enough credit on?
A. Good question, but I really don’t think on those terms. Don’t get me wrong, we all have days where we feel a little underappreciated, but I
don’t get weighed down by that. There is no time in my job to feel sorry for yourself. The job is not about you. I deal with the details, they concentrate on their current poject & their future ones. My reputation is, “that I stay calm in the storm.” I’ve been very blessed with clients who know, I am always there for them and they count on that.
Q. What is one fun fact about you that people do not know?
A. Hmmm. Well, as much as I’m usually on the go, I love to plan “spur of the moment” get together with my closest friends. I enjoy thinking of ideas for the table setting & menu. I have had the same close friends for many years, and
I think it’s important to keep each other close. To let them know how important they are to you. Especially with the times as they are, being in quarantine, I check in with all of them at least once a week to make sure they are OK.
Q. If you can go anywhere in the world where would you go?
A. LA. It has been my home away from home since I was born.
Q. What are some of your other hobbies?
A. I often readlate atnightto relax, butI don’t really have time for hobbies. My work takes up most of my days. I am also an executive produceratourfamily company, Have Faith Productions.
We completed the movie, “Sons 2 The
Grave” and have a series, “Hudson” and three movies on our slate. My mother is author, screen writer & producer Lynne
Stoltz. We make a greatteam. Anda busy one.
Q. What do you love about being a
Publicist?
A. I love the “pace” I guess that’s why it never seems overwhelming. I love working the Red Carpets. It’s very fast paced, and you have to be able to navigate your client towards the right interviews and ready forthe next. It’s a little different ifyourclient isn’t as well known in the media world as some of your clients. In this case you have to maneuver the carpet and be alert as it moves fast. It helps having a repour with the media. Being aggressive is a must but always respectful. It’s a fine line. Remember, you got your client on the Red Carpet, not always easy, now make the most of it. With more notable, seasoned clients, it’s important to remember to stay back and let the media have their time. I have the trust of my clients and know when to gently move them down the carpet. Again, it’s about you being the calming factor for your client. I always hope that comes across. Maybe one of the most humbling moments for myself, was being approached by a representative for a major actor, asking if I would return to the start afterI was finished with my client and walk theirs down. Of course, I acknowledged the complement but declined and returned my full attention to my client. It all happened within a minute’s time, but it made me think, I must be doing something right, in the job I love.” There are parties and events after every Red Carpet, you will know which ones your client wants to attend and the ones they have to make an appearance at. A publicist is on duty 24/7. My clients know that of me.
Q. What are you working on right now?
A. My schedule is constantly changing. I have a roster of clients on the go at the moment in various genres. With everyone being off performing and “shut in” during the pandemic, we had to get creative. Many of my clients have new music coming out. It’s a busy time right now. Have Faith Productions has a couple of projects related to “the times we live in” that are coming to fruition that we are very excited about. I am blessed…
