PR Hits the Big Screen

                                                                   (source: imdb.com)

Like many others this past weekend, I went to the movie theater to see the next installment of The Hunger Games movies, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part One.

As someone who has read the books many times, I knew what to expect. However, what I had forgotten was how large of a role PR plays in novel.

The plot follows the citizens of an impoverished, post-apocalyptic America (known as Panem) as they start a revolution against the Capitol, a sector of Panem that controls most of the wealth in the land and forces children to fight to the death in the Hunger Games.

One of the challenges faced by the revolting citizens is recruitment of other citizens throughout the country. Desperate to recruit more individuals to fight against the oppressive Capitol, leaders of the rebellion enlist a team of “directors” to lead the campaign in recruitment by shooting propaganda videos and broadcasting them to the entirety of Panem.

As an aspiring public relations professional, I was excited to see a representation of our field in a movie that isn't set in a glamorous environment.

Unfortunately, when most people think of PR, they think of Samantha Jones from Sex in the City. The glamorous, beautiful, and successful character is rarely featured in a work crisis throughout the entire series, and most of the references to her job are through the amazing opportunities she gets through clients (special parties, play premieres, etc.).

For real PR folk, it is apparent that our lives will never be that of Samantha Jones, but with this new representation in cinema, things are looking up.

Of course, there hasn't been a revolution as large as the one in The Hunger Games series in our lifetime, however, there are smaller revolutions that take place every day in our country that need leaders to promote.

Whether this is a non-profit organization rallying for the end of smoking or a political party advocating for taxes on junk food, there is always a need for a public relations specialist to lead the fight for a new value in our country.

Have you been inspired by a movie or TV show’s representation of PR? Let us know in the comments!

“Samantha Jones” PR verses Real Public Relations

Brushing shoulders with only the elite, standing in your brand new Christian LouBoutin heels, while staring out at the New York City skyline, all in a nights work. You may ask yourself, “What kind of profession will lead to that scenario?”  Well ask Samantha Jones, public relations expert.  Her character, played by Kim Cattrall on the hit TV series Sex and the City, depicts the life as a PR agent to be the most laid back and glamorous profession. 

Personally, my interest in the field sparked from Ms. Jones’s life style.   Who wouldn’t want to be in control of the VIP lists for extravagant events?  However, anyone within this field knows that this type of PR is not typical. 

One major difference between Samantha Jones and a real PR professional is the perspective on work.  As Jones’ character put it during the TV show, “I don’t believe in the Republican party or the Democratic party.  I just believe in parties.”  A party to Jones is a well-planned event to PR professionals.  Every event put together by a PR professional requires numerous little details that people outside this career sometimes overlook.  Research, promoting, networking, and planning are all crucial for a successful outcome. 

Luckily for Jones, she not only gets into and throws the best parties; she also has a never-ending client list.  You will never catch her staying late at the office, working on different pitches for new clients. Original ideas and theories need to be tested with PR considering the field is always changing.  With change comes a fresh challenge; thus, Jones never altering her strategies when working with new clients creates an unrealistic persona for this career.  Facing the task of constant change is what makes public relations a round-the-clock job.

All play and no work may be Samantha Jones’ way of tackling the PR profession, but when it comes to reality, public relations always challenges.

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Brittany Barish.