When most people think of publicists, they picture someone like Vincent Chase's fast-talking, cell phone-addicted, workaholic publicist, Shauna Roberts (expertly played by Debi Mazar) on HBO's "Entourage."
In reality, most of these traits are actually true of Hollywood publicists, who are on-call 24/7 for their A-list clients.
Whether they're crafting an actor's image, babysitting a hard-partying starlet, fielding phone calls from press, or helming a multi-million dollar movie campaign, publicists are an integral part of the showbiz machine.
And they're getting paid big bucks to do so. "The most basic services start at $4,500 a month and escalate toward what she calls 'the high six figures' annually for corporate clients," reports one top Hollywood publicist in a 2011 New York Times profile.
So we decided to rank them based on their power in the business.
Our picks are based on the wattage of their client roster, feats accomplished, the nominations we asked for in August, and by talking to industry insiders such as journalists and producers who work with publicists on a regular basis, to get a sense of who really holds the keys to Hollywood.
Between TV, film studio, and celebrity publicists, we couldn't possibly fit everyone on our list, so the following represents at least one in each category.
Although they often prefer to remain under the radar and let their clients soak up the spotlight, publicists know how important image can be. When we asked each of the 20 publicists on our list for further information, almost every single one replied: "Who else is on the list?"
20.) John Wentworth, Executive Vice President at CBS Television Distribution
Clients: "Dr. Phil," "The Doctors," "Rachel Ray," "Entertainment Tonight," "The Insider," "Inside Edition," "Excused," "Judge Judy," "Judge Joe Brown," "Wheel of Fortune," "Jeopardy!" and "Swift Justice With Nancy Grace."
Memorable moment: Launching such long-running shows.
Why he makes the list: In addition to helping launch a long list of successful TV shows, Wentworth oversees the publicity of 12 syndicated shows. Before his current position at CBS, Wentworth was EVP of Marketing and Communications for 11 years at Paramount Network Television.
19.) Nicole Perna, BWR
Clients: Jessica Chastain, Chloe Moretz, Sharon Osbourne, Jenna Dewan, Lucy Hale, Johnny Galecki, Ryan Phillippe, Diane Kruger, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz.
Memorable moment: Perna reportedly lost her temper after an Australia morning show teased an interview with her client Nicole Richie by showing video of the star's troubled past.
Why she makes the list: Perna, who has been at BWR since 2002, was promoted in June to help develop new strategies to support talent in a changing digital landscape. In an announcement, BWR partner Nanci Ryder said Perna has "shown tremendous skill in client development over the years ... With [her] leadership and insight we see the opportunity for continued growth and diversification of this company.”
18.) Jill Fritzo, Publicist at PMK*BNC
Clients: Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Brooke Shields, Shannen Doherty, Denise Richards, Kristin Chenoweth, Vanessa Hudgens, Michael Strahan.
Memorable moment: "I have had so many memorable career moments. I love my job and every day it is exciting to be a part of what the clients are doing and what they are passionate about. I feel very lucky to have this job and be able to be a part of some very cool things! Memorable career moments are getting to work with some people who I idolized growing up."
Why she makes the list: She reps all three of the Kardashian sisters. Last year alone, the Kardashian empire pulled in roughly $65 million.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider