Breaking Into Entertainment Marketing: Your Guide to a Fast-Paced, Creative Career

Are you considering breaking into the marketing world but unsure where to start? The entertainment industry is one of the most exciting and fast-paced areas. If you're quick on your feet, creative, and have the expertise to drive revenue, you will do great in this field!

What is Entertainment Marketing?

Entertainment Marketing is promoting entertainment products or services to targeted audiences. Including, but is not limited to:

• Video Games
• Music Albums
• Concerts 
• Sporting Events
• Movies 

The goal is to get people talking, create a strong fanbase, and drive sales - ticket sales, product purchases, or streaming views.

Working in the entertainment industry involves a combination of both traditional and digital marketing strategies. (Think influencer partnerships + flyers/billboards)

A strong Entertainment Marketing professional can engage with their audience on an emotional level and evoke passion and thought through their content.

Key Elements of Entertainment Marketing:

• Audience Targeting - Ask Yourself: Who Are You Marketing to? Who is going to enjoy this content?
• Branding - How are you creating recognition and appeal? Your logos, taglines, banners, and promotional images should all be cohesive with the story you want to tell through your brand.
• Social Media & Digital Campaigns - Don't Just Post, Engage! Engaging with your fans is one of the most crucial things you can do to keep your audience returning for more.
• Partnerships & Sponsorships - You see this all the time on TikTok and Instagram. Collaborating with other brands and content creators/influencers will increase your brand's credibility and reach
• Public Relations & Press - Press Releases, Media Interviews, Red Carpet Premieres, Launch Events, and more. Generate as much media coverage as you can
• Promotions & Contests - Exclusive Merchandise and Meet & Greets to keep your fans loyal
• Experiential Marketing - Pop Up Events, Immersive Experiences, Influencer Events, and more allow your audience to connect with your brand sentimentally and memorably (if executed well)

Create A Solid Foundation in Entertainment Marketing

A degree is one of the most common ways to enter marketing. If you've already taken that step or are looking for other ways to break into the industry, try out some of these certification courses:

• Entertainment Marketing Certification (UCLA Extension)
• International Entertainment & Sports Marketing (Coursera)
• Entertainment Marketing & Media Management
• Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certification

Additional Relevant Skills

Digital Marketing & Social Media Expertise

Digital Marketing expertise is crucial. Learning how to manage social media platforms, create content, run paid ads, and analyze data is essential. Consider taking courses or certifications in:

• Google Ads
• Facebook/Instagram Advertising
• Social Media Marketing
• Content Marketing

Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube are major marketing channels for entertainment products and talent. Understanding how to create viral campaigns, engage with fans, and use analytics to measure success is key to succeeding in the industry.

Creative & Content Creation Skills

Creative Content drives the Entertainment Marketing industry. Learning how to craft compelling narratives, write engaging copy, and produce visual content (like videos, graphics, and social media posts) is essential. Consider gaining skills in:

• Copywriting
• Graphic Design
• Video Editing
• Storytelling

Familiarity with design tools like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro can help you create content that resonates with audiences.

Project Management

The fast-paced entertainment industry needs quick problem-solvers that quickly adapt to change. Strong project management skills ensure that marketing campaigns, promotions, and events run smoothly. Some ways to gain these skills include:

• Taking courses in project management or earning certifications like Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Using tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com to manage tasks and timelines effectively

Networking and Communication

The most valuable skill for highly effective marketing professionals is Networking. In this industry, your connections matter. Effective communication with people from various sectors, including public relations, media, talent, and production teams, is essential. Building a strong professional network will open doors and give you insight into industry trends and opportunities.

Events We Recommend Attending in the Entertainment Marketing Industry

1. Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
2. SXSW (South by Southwest)
3. The Entertainment Marketing Summit (EMS)
4. Content Marketing World Conference
5. MIPCOM

Entertainment Marketing Jobs 

Internships and entry-level jobs are always the right place to boost your resume. If you've ever wondered what you should be looking for - Here are some positions you can start searching on your favorite job boards or brand websites to make your mark in the entertainment industry:

• Event Marketing Assistant
• Marketing Coordinator
• Influencer Marketing Coordinator/Assistant
• Promotions Assistant 

Look for internships in:

• Film Studios
• Music Labels
• TV Networks
• Talent Agencies
• Event Management Companies
• Social Media Agencies
• Sports Teams

You can check out more role titles like these by searching for jobs on LinkedIn. Make sure you turn on notifications to receive the latest job postings directly in your email.

The entertainment marketing industry constantly evolves, with new platforms, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. Staying current is essential if you want to remain competitive. Here are some ways to keep up:

• Follow industry blogs, newsletters, and podcasts: Subscribe to resources like Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Adweek, and listen to entertainment marketing podcasts to stay informed.
• Attend industry events and conferences: The Cannes Film Festival, SXSW, or CES offer opportunities to network, learn about emerging trends, and meet potential collaborators or employers.
• Join professional associations: Organizations like the Entertainment Marketing Association (EMA) or the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) offer resources, networking opportunities, and certification programs that can help you stay ahead of industry trends.

Entertainment Marketing: Build Your Brand

In entertainment marketing, your brand Matters. Here are some ways you can build a strong reputation that will have everyone wanting to hire you:

• Creating a professional website or portfolio that showcases your marketing work.
• Building a LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements.
• Engaging with industry professionals on social media—Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are great platforms for connecting with marketers, publicists, agents, and other industry players.

We mentioned this earlier, but we'll repeat it…Networking is critical. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and join relevant groups or forums to expand your network.

Building relationships with influencers, publicists, event planners, and talent agents can lead to future opportunities in entertainment marketing.

✍️ Written by Tiana Whittington