Interview with Rosalind “Roz” Stevenson After more than 20 years as a studio publicist for Universal, MGM and proprietor of her own firm RSPR, film publicist Rosalind “Roz” Stevenson has at long last made her final pitch. Affectionately referred to as the “grand dame” of film publicity by a very long list of clients, media, stars, producers and directors with whom she’s work with through the years, Roz has closed up shop in favor of tranquil pursuits with her husband, Robert and family. Never at a lost to inspire and share knowledge about her craft to others, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), is proud to shine the spotlight on this entertainment industry legend in celebration of her long and exceptional career.

What motivated you to get into film publicity?

I previously worked in TV production for Norman Lear's Good Times. When I went to work at MGM in 1980, I was looking for a job as a production coordinator, hoping to eventually become a production manager. However, I had to temp on the lot before I could apply for a permanent position. I ended up temping in the Publicity Dept. and it was love at first sight. I had never considered the field of publicity, I simply didn't know that it existed. However, once I began working in the Publicity Department, I realized it was all that I was – a writer, an event planner, a people person, an organizer, etc. I loved entertainment, but I didn't know what my gift was. My mother always told me, "You do all you can and God will do the rest." That's what happened. What are the 3 most important things filmmakers should know about working with a studio publicist?

(1) What he or she can do to create awareness and boxoffice for your film.
(2) Based on the appeal of your film, define who you target audience is and how to best reach them.
(3) What he or she cannot do to sell your film. What it costs to market a film properly.

What are the 3 most important things for a journalist to know when dealing with a studio publicist?

(1) Statistics on you outlet-- your demographic, your effectiveness with your reader/viewer or listeners.
(2) They must know they can rely on you to deliver publicity in a timely manner.
(3) They must know they can count on you to conduct yourself professionally during press events.

Looking over your career, what are your fondest moments/accomplishments?

(1) Becoming a publicist in 1982.
(2) Starting my business.
(3) Implementing and carrying out the campaign for Ray was a career highlight. When I saw the film almost a year before it’s release I felt Jamie Foxx was going to get an Oscar. When he went all the way. Robert is a member of the Academy, so were at the ceremony. When Jamie won, I jumped up and screamed, “Yes!” It was just as I predicted long before.
(4) Creating great professional relationships at the studios executive and with the members of the press, both mainstream and African-American.

How can black actors, producers and directors form effective alliances with studio publicists?

Start at the top by meeting with the head of marketing, who will introduce you to his team. As everyone you meet how they can help you.

Very few African American publicists have succeeded in publicity at the studio level. What’s the secret to your success?

What will you miss most about your job?

The people. I will also miss learning about a great film before the world knows about it.

How do you plan to spend your retirement?

I am not retiring; I am transitioning into doing other ventures. My husband and I have been married 31 years, spending very little time together because of the demands of the industry. Now we want to spend time together, with our children and grandchildren, travel and enjoy life.

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Ava DuVernay | Ellene Miles
The DuVernay Agency
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THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION SELECTS
“THE GREAT DEBATERS” AS TOP FILM OF 2007

Charles Burnett Recognized With Special Achievement Honors

Los Angeles, CA (December 17, 2007) – The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has named The Great Debaters as Best Picture of 2007.  Written and directed by Denzel Washington, The Weinstein Company release from Harpo Productions captured a majority vote by the organization comprised of African-American media professionals from across the nation. 

Don Cheadle was selected as Best Actor 2007 for Talk To Me, with Marion Cotillard earning recognition as Best Actress 2007 for La Vie En Rose.  “Mr. Cheadle’s work in 2007, from Reign Over Me to Ocean’s Thirteen, continually challenges and entertains us.  But, it was his portrayal of Ralph 'Petey' Greene in Talk To Me that cinched the honor this year,” notes AAFCA President Gil Robertson, IV.  “Although our organization gives specific consideration to work by artists of African descent, Ms. Cotillard’s astonishing portrayal of Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose is a standout performance worthy of recognition.”

AAFCA honored Ruby Dee of American Gangster as Best Supporting Actress and Chiwetel Ejiofor of “Talk to Me” as Best Supporting Actor of 2007.  Filmmaker Kasi Lemmons was named Best Director 2007 for Talk To Me.  Charles Burnett is recognized with the AAFCA Special Achievement Honor 2007, a year which saw the release of his seminal classic “Killer of Sheep” more than 30 years after its making. 

Films in the AAFCA Top Ten include Sweeney Todd, No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood.  “2007 embodied a year of powerful, personal filmmaking by high-profile directors who elevated the craft to create what we believe are future classics,” says AAFCA Vice President, Wilson Morales, editor of Blackfilm.com.

The African-American Film Critics Association’s Top Ten Films of 2007 are as follows in order of distinction:

1.        Great Debaters
2.        American Gangster
3.        Talk To Me
4.        Gone Baby Gone
5.        No Country for Old Men
6.        Michael Clayton
7.        Juno
8.        Sweeney Todd
9.        Things We Lost in The Fire
10.       There Will Be Blood

ABOUT AAFCA
Founded in 2003, The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) honors excellence in cinema by creating awareness for films with universal appeal to black communities, while emphasizing film about the black experience and those written, directed, produced and starring performers of African descent. The Association actively reviews the quality and standard of black talent, content and media coverage.  AAFCA also supports the development of future black film critics and filmmakers.  The organization is based in Los Angeles.

1. Great Debaters (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) /The Weinstein Company)

2. American Gangster(Universal Pictures)

3. Talk To Me(Focus Features)

4. Gone Baby Gone (Miramax)

5. No Country for Old Men(Miramax)

6. Michael Clayton (Warner Brothers)

7. Juno (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Warner Brothers / Dreamworks )

9. Things We Lost in the Fire (Dreamworks)

10. There Will Be Blood (Miramax)

Best Director: Kasi Lemmons for "Talk to Me"

Best Actor: Don Cheadle for his performance in "Talk to Me"

Best Actress: Marion Cotillard for her performance in "La Vie en Rose"

Best Supporting Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor for his performance in "Talk to Me"

Best Supporting Actress: Ruby Dee for her performance in "The American Gangster"

Best Documentary: "Sicko"