Kanye west publicity stunt, masterminded by MTV to make their awards shows relevant around the world, worked like a charm. Not only is MTV back on the map, but everyone that was part of the publicity stunt has also been the most talked about around the world. Can you deny the popularity and interest of Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and even Pink has figured into the mix, with her twitters and post interviews.
USING THE RED CARPET:
In my article for buzzhollywood.com, I dissected how MTV pulled off the stunt, and how they used the red carpet press line for their own benefit. Usually an event promoter relies on the back wall of the press line for branding and sponsorship, which is seen in every photo and interview.
Rob Tencer PR has always coached his socialite and celebrity clients that the red carpet is far more important than the actual event, or to set up an entrance for gaining the focus of media and everyone invited. My books available at scribd.com posts on robtencerpr.com and this website are proof that I have been teaching these techniques for years.
USING PROPS FOR ATTENTION:
While women can use hand bags, and fashion for garnering attention, men must be more creative such as, walking with limps, talking funny or quietly, facial expressions and the use of male props. While rappers used chalices and grills and people like Mr. T used gold chains and Mohawks, drinking from a bottle of cognac works just as well, to get the point across that I will be out of control inside the event.
USING PEOPLE AS PROPS:
Black man attacks little white girl, center stage appears unrehearsed and spontaneous. The question is what is the purpose of this kind of publicity stunt?
- To increase MTV viewers for years to come
- To increase popularity for Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Pink
The backup for Pink, which she did not end up needing was a cirque DE Sollie performance and a grand entrance on a New York Fire Engine.
WRESTLING AS A LESSON:
creating a bad guy persona makes a person wildly more popular than as a good guy. The great Andy Kaufman learned this technique early in his life, and so did every other famous wrestler. Being the bad guy, fills arenas, creates audience interaction and makes them stand from their seats, chanting of boo's is like music to their ears. While the person who created the bad guy image, with help from the promoter and others who played victim must be a strong character. To go through the abuse and hatred that he or she will have caused might drive a weak person to drug addiction and alcoholism or if they become to weak from the pressure, they might commit suicide.
I hope Kanye West is strong enough to carry out his hoax as a bad guy, and that MTV acts as the safety net to catch him when he falls, otherwise we will be honoring his work posthumously.
Rob Tencer
