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What does a press agent really do? Who works behind the scenes to shape the image of actors, promote films and series, organize red carpets, and secure the perfect media coverage? In his latest book, “Professione Press Agent: Manuale di sopravvivenza. Comunicare cinema, fiction e star tra errori, aneddoti e successi”, veteran publicist Pierluigi Manzo pulls back the curtain on one of the entertainment industry's most crucial — and misunderstood — professions.

Published by Les Flâneurs Edizioni, the book is the first of its kind in Italy to focus entirely on the profession of press agents in the world of cinema and television. With a mix of personal memories, case studies, and real-life examples, Manzo offers a smart, humorous, and pragmatic look at how to navigate the high-pressure world of showbiz PR.

From writing effective press releases to managing interviews, handling red carpets, press junkets, and building lasting media relationships, Professione Press Agent is both a technical handbook and a lively memoir. Manzo shares the unwritten rules of the trade, how to handle crises and unpredictable personalities, and what it takes to survive and thrive in a world where fiction and reality constantly collide — the “dream factory,” as he calls it.

With over two decades of experience, Pierluigi Manzo began his career in Rome at Studio Universal, later transitioning to freelance work. He has handled press and communication for more than 200 cinema and TV titles, collaborating with major production companies, distributors, and broadcasters. He's been in charge of press PR at top film festivals and has managed the public image of both Italian and international stars during their promotional tours in Italy. Today, he is also a professor of press relations at the 24ORE Business School and co-founder of the PR agency ManzoPiccirillo, together with Alessio Piccirillo and later joined by Antonino Scalzo.