VERBATIM

For those used to reading, and thinking, in the clipped paragraphs of the press release, publicist Steven Jay Rubin has designed playing cards listing the rules of film flackery to tout his recent book, “Reel Exposure: How to Publicize and Promote Today’s Motion Pictures.” A revealing sample:

* The actor is always right. Never argue with an actor--and never in front of anyone.

* Despite how enthusiastic they appear, actors treat interviews like trips to the dentist.

* An unsupervised journalist on a movie set is an accident waiting to happen. A journalist should never go up to a director, producer or actor and ask for an interview.

* Never schedule an interview before lunch. Actors give better interviews when they’ve been fed.

* Never overestimate your own importance. If there aren’t enough lifeboats, the odds are you stay on the sinking ship.

* A lie to the media can destroy your reputation. Always tell the truth, unless instructed otherwise by your immediate superior.