To Get Published In Variety, you need more than a press release—you need a compelling story, strong industry relevance, and a strategic media approach. Variety is one of the most influential entertainment publications in the world, covering film, television, music, and digital media. Earning a feature here can significantly elevate your visibility, credibility, and industry authority.
In this guide, you’ll learn how Variety selects stories, what makes a pitch stand out, and the exact steps you can take to improve your chances of landing a feature.
Why Getting Published in Variety Matters
Variety is a trusted source for entertainment professionals, studios, producers, executives, artists, and media insiders. A feature in this publication offers:
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Increased industry credibility
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Enhanced brand or personal reputation
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Greater visibility among decision-makers
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Opportunities for partnerships, funding, and collaborations
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Long-term authority within the entertainment space
Being published in Variety positions you as a serious player in your industry.
Who Variety Typically Covers
Variety focuses on stories that impact the entertainment and media industries. You’re more likely to be considered if you are:
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A filmmaker, producer, or director
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A musician, artist, or record label executive
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A studio executive or media entrepreneur
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A tech innovator disrupting entertainment
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A publicist, agent, or manager with notable clients
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A company launching a major project, acquisition, or platform
That said, emerging talent with a strong story and measurable impact can also earn coverage.
How Variety Chooses What to Publish
Understanding Variety’s editorial standards is essential if you want to get published successfully.
Key Criteria Variety Looks For
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Newsworthiness
Your story must be timely and relevant—such as a major release, acquisition, funding round, festival premiere, or industry shift.
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Industry Impact
Variety prioritizes stories that influence the entertainment business or shape trends.
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Credibility
You should have verifiable credentials, achievements, or data to support your story.
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Audience Value
The story should educate, inform, or inspire entertainment professionals—not simply promote a product or service.
How to Get Published in Variety: Step-by-Step
1. Build a Strong Industry Profile
Before pitching Variety, ensure your professional presence reflects authority and credibility:
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Maintain a polished website or press page
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Secure past media mentions and features
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Highlight awards, recognitions, or notable projects
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Establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche
Journalists often research sources before considering a story.
2. Identify the Right Variety Journalist or Editor
Variety has writers who specialize in film, television, music, streaming, gaming, and business. To improve your success rate:
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Search for recent articles related to your field
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Identify journalists who cover similar stories
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Study their writing style and audience focus
Pitching the right person increases your chances significantly.
3. Craft a Compelling Pitch
Your pitch should be concise, relevant, and focused on value—not promotion.
A strong pitch includes:
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A clear, newsworthy subject line
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A brief background on you or your company
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Your unique angle or insight
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Why the story matters to the entertainment industry
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Why it’s timely right now
Avoid generic language. Make your pitch specific and impactful.
4. Highlight Data, Milestones, and Impact
Journalists rely on facts. Include measurable achievements such as:
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Box office results
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Streaming numbers
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Audience growth
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Funding rounds or acquisitions
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Awards, nominations, or festival selections
These details strengthen your credibility and make your story more attractive.
5. Consider Professional PR Support
Many individuals and brands work with experienced PR agencies to improve their chances of success. A skilled PR team:
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Knows how to position your story
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Has relationships with entertainment journalists
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Crafts high-impact pitches
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Handles media outreach professionally
While PR doesn’t guarantee placement, it significantly improves your chances when done ethically and strategically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overly Promotional Pitches
Variety prioritizes editorial value over advertising. Avoid sales-driven language.
Lack of Newsworthiness
Generic business updates without industry relevance are unlikely to be considered.
Poor Timing
Pitching too early or too late in your project cycle can reduce your chances.
Ignoring Editorial Fit
Pitching a music story to a film reporter lowers your success rate.
What to Do After You Get Published
Once you secure coverage, maximize its impact:
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Share the article on your website and social media
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Include it in investor decks, media kits, and email signatures
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Use it as credibility in future media outreach
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Reference it in speaking engagements and partnerships
A Variety feature is a long-term asset, not just a one-time win.
How Long Does It Take to Get Published?
There’s no guaranteed timeline. Some individuals secure coverage within weeks, while others take months. Success depends on:
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The strength of your story
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Your industry relevance
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Timing and market conditions
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Outreach strategy and persistence
Consistency and patience are key.
Final Thoughts
To get published in Variety, you must combine credibility, strategy, storytelling, and persistence. It’s not about chasing publicity—it’s about offering real value, insight, and impact to one of the most influential audiences in entertainment. Whether you’re launching a project, building a brand, or shaping industry conversations, a Variety feature can elevate your authority and open doors to new opportunities. Start by refining your story, building your profile, and approaching the right journalists with purpose and professionalism.
