The Art of Navigating Damage Control
In life, we encounter situations that require damage control, and this holds true for the entertainment industry as well. When negative press surfaces or events are misinterpreted, our instinct may be to either hide or launch into a defensive mode. There's another way to handle these moments. Take a breath, pause, and let's explore the art of navigating damage control in the entertainment business.
Reflecting on Your Truth:
In the midst of a potential media storm, the first step is to resist the urge to respond immediately. Instead, allow yourself the time to carefully consider your response. Think about the situation from your own perspective, what occurred, and what issues may arise in future interviews. Bring it all to the surface of your consciousness and take a moment to sit with it.
Discovering Your Truth:
What is your truth amidst the chaos? Seek the facts and understand your genuine emotions surrounding the situation. Consider who else may be affected and whether acknowledgment is necessary. Remember, you have the power to choose how you would like to address these challenges.
Collaboration and Crafting a Clear Message:
While finding your truth, it's also crucial to engage with the studio, filmmakers, and your team. Collect their thoughts and insights on the matter. Armed with this information and the clarity you've gained, you can articulate a clear message that aligns with your own values. This will enable you to stand behind your response with honesty and conviction, empowering you to move forward confidently.
Prioritizing Self-Care:
Let's make one thing clear: you don't owe anyone in the press an immediate response. Your well-being should always come first. By responding thoughtfully and mindfully, you can relieve yourself of the fear and uncertainty that may arise during red carpet events, panels, interviews, or book tours. At this point, their timing won't matter because you'll be armed with a prepared, well-crafted response that you and your team can feel confident about, no surprises, a clear response, end of story… you move on and the press can do as they please. It won’t matter at this point because you have said all you wanted to say, you are good.
Facing the Messiness:
Life itself is messy, and the entertainment business is no exception. Making films and TV shows involves a myriad of complexities, from creative decisions to financial considerations, from artistic collaboration to the unpredictable elements of production. Remember, there are real lives beyond what happens on set. It's a lot to handle. Embrace the inherent messiness, for it's part of the nature and beauty of both life and the entertainment industry.
Embracing Growth and New Material:
You'll not only survive these challenges and you may just find inspiration for your future work. In many ways, these experiences can shape and influence your creative journey. Think of them as a wellspring of new material, ripe with possibilities and opportunities for growth.
So, as you navigate the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, remember the “art of damage control”. Take time to reflect, discover your truth, and collaborate with your team to craft YOUR message. Prioritize self-care and respond thoughtfully, confidently facing any situation that comes your way. Embrace the beautiful messiness of life and let it fuel your growth and future endeavors. You've got this!
— Suzanne
