Elevating Director Of Photography (DOP) profile for RAW Movie

Tapan Basu, a renowned cinematographer and a senior Director of Photography (DOP) in the Bollywood film industry, gained prominence with his work on the film “Kahaani-2.” His exceptional skills and dedication to the art of cinematography have made him a respected figure in the advertisement and film industries.

This case study explores the strategic public relations (PR) campaign executed to promote Tapan Basu’s role as a DOP in the movie “RAW” and achieve brand advocacy for his exceptional work.

Client:

Tapan Basu

Industry:

Movie & Entertainment

Category:
  • Media
  • Public Relations
  • Digital Marketing
01. Challenges

Public Relations (PR) for a Director of Photography (DOP) presents its own set of challenges due to the unique nature of the cinematography field. Here are some of the key challenges faced by DOPs when conducting PR activities:

    • Lack of Recognition: DOPs often work behind the scenes, and their contributions may go unnoticed by the general public. This lack of recognition can make it challenging to generate interest and engage with the media.
    • Complexity of the Role: Cinematography is a highly technical and artistic field. Explaining the intricacies of camera work, lighting, and composition to the media and the public can be challenging.
    • Limited Public Persona: Unlike actors or directors, DOPs typically have a lower public profile. Building a personal brand and connecting with the audience can be difficult.
    • Competing with Other Key Players: In the film industry, there are many stakeholders, such as directors, producers, and actors, who often receive more attention. PR efforts need to find ways to stand out and compete for media coverage.
    • Secrecy and Non-Disclosure: DOPs may work on projects that require a high degree of secrecy, especially in the case of big-budget films or TV series. This can limit the information they can share with the public and the media.
02. Brand Objectives

Our Consultants aimed to address these challenges through a comprehensive pr and digital marketing plan, which included the following objectives:

    • Introduce Tapan Basu Across Media: The primary objective was to introduce Tapan Basu and his outstanding work in the movie “RAW” across various media platforms.

    • Build Brand Awareness: Create brand awareness for Tapan’s latest work, garnering public support and recognition.

    • Brand & Personal Profiling: Seek opportunities to profile both Tapan Basu and the brand itself, highlighting his contributions and achievements.

    • Industry Story Participation: Secure opportunities for the brand to participate in industry stories, positioning it as a leader in the field.

      Position Tapan as an Industry Expert: Establish Tapan Basu as an expert and leader in the cinematography industry.

      Highlight Positive Brand Image: Showcase the positive image of the brand to attract investor interest.

      Hunt Strategic Alliances: Identify strategic alliances for the brand to create and build awareness.

03. Implementation
Information Gathering

In the initial phase, the PR team collected essential information about Tapan Basu’s background, previous successes, and unique selling points (USPs). This groundwork was crucial for crafting a compelling narrative.

Brand Familiarisation

The next step involved familiarising the brand with the media. The PR team strategically seeded information about Tapan Basu and his role in the movie “RAW” into selective media verticals. This created initial curiosity and anticipation surrounding his work.

Brand Recognition

In this critical phase, the PR team secured various profiling opportunities with leading newspapers, regional publications, and online portals that catered to the target audience. Tapan Basu was featured as a leading figure in the “RAW” movie, and the public’s response was overwhelmingly positive for his latest work.

Emailer and Telephonic Interviews

The PR team arranged interviews with top-tier journalists. During these interviews, Tapan Basu discussed the challenges he faced while shooting a RAW movie and explored the future scope for the cinematography industry. These interviews provided insights into his expertise and commitment.

Industry Story Participation

The brand actively participated in industry stories, positioning itself as an industry expert. By contributing valuable insights, Tapan Basu and the brand showcased their in-depth knowledge and experience.

Tips, Byline, and Interviews:

To maintain a continuous presence in the media, the PR team issued tips, byline articles, and interviews on a weekly and fortnightly basis. This consistent engagement allowed Tapan Basu to share his expertise and insights with the public and industry peers.

04. Results & Outcomes

The PR campaign successfully elevated Tapan Basu’s profile as a DOP for the movie “RAW.” Brand awareness increased significantly, and public support and recognition were gained. By securing numerous profiling opportunities and participating in industry stories, Tapan Basu and the brand were positioned as industry leaders. The positive image cultivated by the PR activities also attracted investor interest and potential strategic alliances.

In conclusion, the PR campaign not only achieved its primary objectives but also reinforced Tapan Basu’s reputation as a cinematography expert and promoted the brand effectively in the competitive film industry.

  • Extensive Brand Awareness & Promotion across India.
  • Received good response on social media channels like Instagram and Twitter.
  • Brand successfully positioned as a present leader in Cinematography.
  • Tapan established as an Expert.
  • Secured positive public reviews for the RAW movie.
  • Monitored & Gathered all the reviews of the movie through various publications & public reviews.
05. Conclusion​

Public Relations (PR) for a Director of Photography (DOP) involves a unique set of challenges due to the often behind-the-scenes nature of their work and the technical complexities of cinematography. Despite these challenges, it is possible to overcome them and successfully promote a DOP’s work and expertise.

In conclusion, while PR for DOPs comes with its unique challenges, it’s possible to overcome them through strategic planning, effective communication, and a commitment to raising awareness about the art and science of cinematography. Building a strong personal brand and leveraging available tools and resources are essential for success in promoting a DOP’s work and expertise.

06. Client Testimonial
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the outstanding work your team has done in promoting my role as a Director of Photography in the film "RAW." Your dedication and expertise in the field of Public Relations have significantly contributed to the success of our PR campaign. Your ability to understand the unique challenges of promoting a DOP in the film industry and to craft a tailored strategy to address those challenges has been impressive. I'm truly impressed with the way you've helped me gain recognition and build brand advocacy for my work.
Mr. Tapan Basu
DOP, Romeo Akbar Walter