Local Publicist Retires

“After four decades in Bay Area film publicity, Karen Larsen steps back; and the work goes on,” stated the press release, which went on to explain that Potrero Hill’s indefatigable publicist and community activist had closed her boutique firm. Her longtime colleague, Tim Buckwalter, would continue the business under a new name, Larsen Associated. 

“My work has been important to me,” Larsen said. “But I’m not going to miss the day to day: sending out screeners, filing tear sheets, writing reports…”  

Larsen wasn’t a passive publicist, actively engaging in all her projects. Now she’ll have more time for consulting. 

“Any way I can be helpful, with whatever I know,” she said. “I need to start charging for that.” 

Inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2018, Larsen acknowledged the perks included invitations to special screenings and parties. She maintains close friendships with many of the people she’s worked with over the years. 

“My dream was to turn the business over to someone. I wouldn’t let it go. My heart was set on it, even if it was unrealistic. Tim had worked with me years ago, then went away, then came back, this time showing more interest. When I asked him, he responded, ‘Let me think about it.’ I don’t know if my higher power stepped in, or what. 

Since Buckwalter didn’t want her 360 Ritch Street office she has to clear out the space, the former site of Ritch Street Baths. She’s figuring out what to do with the furniture, including a table she inherited from Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s City Lights Bookstore. There are eighteen cabinets filled with files on people, tributes, festivals, films, including such promotional materials as posters, DVDs, and VHS tapes. 

Asked about changes she’s noticed Larsen responded, “the whole scene is different.”

With Netflix’s rise, demise of video stores, closure of theatres like Embarcadero Cinema, it’s harder to get films shown.
The Covid pandemic didn’t help. 

“Young people got used to watching movies at home. Everybody still needs publicity. Is there a formula? Absolutely not! You have to make it your business to know who likes what. You have to know how to get the word out.” 

Larsen has nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, soon to be four. One due “any minute;” another in June. In addition to family engagements, she’s coordinating a reunion of the “Over Easy” veterans, to take place at the Bay View Boat Club in October. She worked as a researcher on the popular KQED show about healthy aging, which aired twice a day from 1977 to 1982. She’ll continue promoting ­— pro bono — Potrero Hill History Night, hosted by the Potrero Hill Archives Project, as well as the Potrero Hill Festival. She encourages people to shop locally, citing The Good Life, Farley’s and Thinkers cafes. 

“I love the library! I’m not going anywhere. You’re still going to see me!”