Celebrating the Life of Chris Pula: The Hollywood Marketing Genius Who Transformed Movie Promotions

Film marketing maven Chris Pula was laid to rest this morning at a funeral held in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. A memorial for his Hollywood friends is being arranged by those who worked alongside him during his remarkable career at New Line Cinema. Pula, who passed away on New Year’s Eve, was known for his significant contributions to blockbuster films like Home Alone, Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, The Sixth Sense, and Se7en.

A Life in Motion

Whether one is directly part of Hollywood or orbiting it as a journalist, the industry can be all-consuming. Thom Biggert, Pula’s partner since graduate school, shared insights about Pula’s journey through his highs and lows at various studios, including Disney and Fox. After experiencing traumatic exits from these companies, Pula ultimately found solace in Provincetown, where he purchased a guest house, the Merry Meeting House.

A Character Larger Than Life

“Chris was a huge personality,” Biggert said. He was as content making beds in their guest house as he was in Hollywood. Pula had no regrets about his life choices, aside from perhaps his love for beer, which contributed to his health issues.

Pula was known for his playful nature and strong mentoring skills. He had an endearing habit of calling everyone “goofy,” a nickname he eventually changed to “honey” when he realized he couldn’t remember names.

Marketing Genius

Pula’s talent in marketing was highlighted by his ability to create impactful taglines. He famously insisted on including the line “I see dead people” in the marketing for The Sixth Sense, a decision that ultimately contributed to the film’s success. His knack for distilling a film’s appeal into a single image or concept was evident in his work on Home Alone, which he marketed as a Christmas movie, ensuring its lasting success.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

In his later years, Pula redirected his energy towards philanthropy. He and Biggert volunteered at the Soup Kitchen in Provincetown for over two decades, where Pula was known for his loud personality and spontaneous singing, bringing joy to those around him.

Chris Pula was a larger-than-life figure in Hollywood, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the film marketing industry. His unique blend of creativity, generosity, and unfiltered personality made him a beloved figure both in Hollywood and in his community.