By George Mc Quade
Sex dominates the TV, advertising and now the question
begs of PR pros, where do we draw the line?
How can "Desperate Housewives" or "Baywatch"
not be about more than seeing hot, good looking people in
extra-martial neighborhood affairs or the newest swim suits?
Las Vegas has made a big splash, dropping its family-fun
themes to play up topless waitresses and adult entertainment
at its new casinos, pools and spas. So this writer couldn't
resist asking Entertainment Publicists Professional Society
members at a summer mixer about their view of Las Vegas'
sexy image.
Julian Myers, left,
and Cynthia King
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"Who are we to draw the line when it comes
to sex sells in advertising or publicity," said Cynthia
King, of Cal-State Fullerton's Center for Entertainment
and Tourism Studies. "You have to look at community
standards to determine what's appropriate for what audience.
Las Vegas' family angle didn't work, given the historical
nature of the town. It appears Las Vegas is going back to
its roots."
"I wish I was there now, although we have a
pretty good substitute for Las Vegas here," said Julian
Myers, of Julian Myers PR, who also teaches entertainment
publicity at UCLA.
"Sex sells very well," said author Kim
Connet, who is promoting her book, Sex Secrets
of America in Asia. "The book's title really helps
sales."
Courtney Jackson and
Morgan Olson of Yves Castaldi. |
"It definitely works," said Molly
Capenella of MarketWire. "We live in a much
more visual PR and marketing culture than ever before. If
it has to be 'sex sells,' then I'm all for it."
"Our biggest headline is 'Mysterious Sexy'
so I think sex sells is a good thing," said Courtney
Jackson, publicist for fashion designer Yves Castaldi.
"We have incorporated sexy with classy, so there's
nothing trashy anymore, but rather mysterious, sleek and
elegant."
"I really do think that you're not going to appeal
to the younger pop generation without someone that looks
young and hot, someone they look up to," added Morgan
Olson, who also promotes the designer.
"Las Vegas is taking on more show-type, adult-type
of entertainment," said Ron
Carter, The Carter Agency in Pasadena. "Ten
or twenty years ago you wouldn't see Celine Dion, Prince
or Tony Braxton in Las Vegas, but now they're there.
Ron Carter
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"Las Vegas used to known for the 'has-beens' and the
few entertainers who meant anything to anybody. Because
the city has taken on a whole new persona, Las Vegas is
not the armpit of entertainment anymore.
"People should be able to take their kids to Vegas,
but that's not happening anymore. The city is growing so
fast, and has big developers that don't build kid-friendly
projects. They are putting up hotels for people who will
spend a lot of money."
"I think it is a positive direction for Las
Vegas," said Lucia
Singer, Berman Singer Public Relations. "People
always think sexy is cool, and they will also get people
to visit to see how they are trying to promote themselves
under the new sex appeals."
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George McQuade
is this website's West Coast bureau chief.
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