Inside Hollywood PR: A Conversation with Simon Halls

Inside Hollywood PR: A Conversation with Simon Halls

From PR Future, the USC Center for Public Relations Podcast by USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations, Fred Cook, University of Southern California

December 1, 2025 · 43 min · Season 7 · Episode 4

About this episode

Fred Cook interviews entertainment PR legend Simon Halls about his career and the evolution of public relations in Hollywood.

In this special audio-only bonus episode, Fred Cook sits down with entertainment PR legend Simon Halls — USC alum, co-founder of Apex Public Relations, and the strategist behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic careers and Oscar campaigns. From launching the first McDonald’s in Russia, to representing stars like George Clooney and Gwenyth Paltrow, to navigating today's polarized and fast-moving media environment, Simon shares candid reflections on craft, relationships, career longevity, and the future of entertainment PR. For students, young professionals, and industry insiders, this episode offers a masterclass in how the business has changed, and what it takes to thrive in it now.

People in this episode

Host: Fred Cook

Guest: Simon Halls

Topics covered

  • entertainment PR
  • Hollywood
  • career longevity
  • media environment
  • Oscar campaigns
  • public relations

Keywords

  • Simon Halls
  • entertainment PR
  • Hollywood careers
  • Oscar campaigns
  • public relations strategies
  • media landscape
  • career advice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Apex Public Relations

Places: Russia

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