Eseel Borlasa – Publicist

If you work in Asian American media, then you most likely have dealt with the very accommodating publicist to the stars Eseel Borlasa, from David Magdael and Associates. She has emerged as a preeminent communications talent specializing in entertainment, corporate communications and public affairs. Her client’s range from artists, film productions and broadcast networks to international businesses and non-profit organizations.

Asiance just had to speak to her to find out how to break into the publicity business!

ASIANCE: What is your background and education?

Eseel: I went to CSULB (California State University, Long Beach), hoping to become a film major. Switched gears, and segued into Journalism (Public Relations), with the intent to take it to Music Promotions.

ASIANCE: How did you know you wanted to get into Public Relations?

Eseel: I found that I grew into this role. I met my current boss while I was in college. We had met at a FilAm community event. I put in some intern hours at his office and assisted him project by project. From there, I continued my path on to 2 music labels. I eventually realized that I missed the Community & Social action that often comes with indie films –specifically documentary film. I returned to David Magdael & Associates in 2004, and have been on the team ever since!

ASIANCE: Tell us about a memorable good and not so good experience you had, dealing with someone at your job.

Eseel: For me, this is a great opportunity to work with these artists who capture the unique stories out there in the world. So every campaign is actually rather special and memorable for me.

ASIANCE: And your most memorable?

Eseel: My most recent memorable moment would be working Comic Con for a Morgan Spurlock project. It was 3 days straight of interview after interview after interview, lots of coordinating with talent & entourages. And all in the middle of Comic Con 2010. It was a lot of hard work, but it was a blast!

ASIANCE: What about your not so good experience?

Eseel: I think my not so good memories would be from doing events. Once in a while, I’ll catch someone trying to sneak into a press only / VIP area and I’ll have to kindly re-direct them. Some offenders go quietly and some say nasty things. C’est la vie. I just have to keep cool and keep the event on schedule. The nasty comments tend to be the funny story of the night, anyway.

ASIANCE: Who is an up and coming, not yet celebrity that we should look out for?

Eseel: Brent Anbe is a filmmaker out of Hawaii. This year his short narrative AJUMMA! ARE YOU KRAZY??? charmed the festival audiences all over the nation. The film is fresh, punchy, and so uniquely Asian American. I love it. He’s definitely a storyteller to look out for. (http://ajummamovie.com)

There’s also the hip-hop MC, Bambu. Those who follow the Asian American music scene may already know him. He just did a collaboration with DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill) that should ignite his crossover appeal. The man is amazing on the mic. You should check him out! (http://beatrockmusic.com/)

ASIANCE: Who are some of your faves that you represent?

Eseel: Every year our office coordinates press for the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. I actually started out volunteering with them back in 2000. My heart is there, and will always be; so they’re my #1.

My other faves include: Last Train Home (directed by Lixin Fan), Trouble The Water (directed by Tia Lessin & Carl Deal), Planet B-Boy (directed by Benson Lee), Finishing The Game (directed by Justin Lin), and Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock.

ASIANCE: Who would you LIKE to represent yet haven’t already?

Eseel: BJ Penn. I’m very drawn to his political voice. Go on, BJ!

ASIANCE: What are some events that you are working on?

Eseel: We’ve got the ID FILM FEST. The festival, founded by Quentin Lee and Koji Sakai, aims to showcase Asian / Asian American works that haven’t yet screened for a large audience in Los Angeles. (http://www.marginfilms.com/idff/2010/)

We’re also working on some community events for ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE, an intimate documentary of one man’s search for the truth behind the ‘The Killing Fields’ of Cambodia. (http://enemiesofthepeople.com/)

ASIANCE: What do you like to do in your free time?

Eseel: If it has been a rough day, I’ll go home and cook. Or I’ll watch a movie. I also love listening to music, so when we have time my boyfriend and I like to catch a live dj set. I love a good dancefloor!

ASIANCE: How can other girls get into the PR business? What career advice do you have for them on where they should start and move up?

Eseel: I recommend taking writing classes and to write often. Blog. If you can, blog with a partner that can edit and help you fine tune your writing. You should also take up reading magazines & newspapers on a regular basis. It’s good to understand the content & style in each publication. Find out which writers/magazines/websites cover a particular beat. Stay relevant, stay fresh, and stay true to yourself; clients and companies will recognize your value, and soon you’ll be going places.