Shut up please, we are very busy and important…
In this week’s blog, we’re discussing portrayals of PR in film and television. Whether it’s the uber glamorous shenanigans of Samantha Jones in Sex and the City, or potty-mouthed Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It - the likelihood is you’ve already come across characters on the big and small screens who work in PR, and formed your own perceptions of the industry as a result. Sound about right? This week, we’re asking Clearbox - is there any truth to the depictions of public relations that have been popularised by the media?
Glitz, glam and photoshoots?
One of the most prevailing misconceptions about a career in public relations is the idea that it is all glitz, glam, photoshoots and faffing about in tiny skirts à la Bridget Jones. Let us be the first to burst your bubble - PR is not all about photoshoots and free stuff. Or at least not only… we are guilty of enjoying the occasional carton of Oat milk - love you Oatly!
The reality of working in PR is often a lot more complex than this simplified, image-is-everything portrayal. Aesthetically pleasing visuals and novel PR photos are always helpful to launch a campaign, but without the strategy and meaningful message to back it up, no photoshoot or red carpet event is worth the hype. The same goes for attention-grabbing publicity stunts. Yes, you’ve got people’s attention, but now that you have it, what do you want to say? In real life, running a successful PR campaign can be more gruelling than glam, with an emphasis on research. Things don’t always work perfectly the first time round (we’re looking at you Emily in Paris), so the ability to adapt, rethink and redraft are essential. Strategy > skirts!
Fake news is fake news
Another pervasive stereotype that we often see in political dramas is the idea that PR is somehow unethical and dishonest. We partially blame Mad Men for this (though Don Draper works in ADVERTISING, not PR, which is an important distinction and a rant best saved for another day).
When faced with the threat of a crisis or Scandal, the notion that all a client needs is a snarky, cut-throat press officer or spin doctor to cover up any misdeeds like a magic bullet has, somewhat ironically, damaged the reputation of PR practitioners. We’re in the business of making the news, not faking the news. Is the world of comms competitive? Yes, absolutely. Are we all deceitful, lying dirtbags? No! In actuality, the best PR is rooted in honesty. The goal is always to put your best foot forward of course, but truly effective brand communications can and should always be as authentic as possible. More ‘managing the message’ than covering up the mess…💩
‘Your friends and family will never see you again’
The third media trope, and perhaps the most difficult to shake, is that public relations practitioners are constantly overwhelmed. (See our previous blog on how to maintain healthy work-life balance here). We’ve all seen it - the frazzled PR professional, bustling about on the phone 24/7, oftentimes turning to the bottle to cope (case and point, Absolutely Fabulous). For this one, we asked around the office, to see if our team consider themselves to be more frazzled or free-spirited…
Our Editorial Executive Lauren says: “There’s never nothing to do. I wouldn’t say it’s overwhelming as a job; I’m just someone who’s easily overwhelmed.“
Senior Client Executive Alana reckons it’s fast-paced, but manageable with the right people around you:
“I had a job interview years ago where the interviewer asked if my friends and family understood that I'd never see them... Wild. It's fast-paced for sure, and it should be - that's part of the appeal when people choose PR as a career. You want variety and the buzz, and busy is good! That said, if you're overwhelmed, it's a sign you need to use your team! You all work together and have the same goal, so you can share the load.” Wise words from a wise gal.
Our Client Executive Zoe agrees:
“PR is definitely a busy industry but that's part of what makes it so exciting. While it can feel overwhelming at times, it shouldn't be the norm. That's why having a strong team and a supportive culture is so important, so we can help each other manage workloads and avoid burnouts. After all, feeling constantly overwhelmed shouldn't be worn as a badge of honour!”
Influencer Manager Megan from soda. (The Clearbox Group’s brilliant, freshly launched social media agency) reckons a career in PR isn’t quite what the media think it is.
“We do have loads of big campaigns which are brilliant, but your day-to-day isn’t always as glamorous. It is definitely a fun job, but perhaps not running about Paris and/or Belfast levels of fun!”
Well, there you have it. Whether it’s luxury fashion lines or political campaigns, a job in PR and all its entails are a lot more nuanced than the media gives credit. Depending on your niche, client base, or where you’re located, working in PR can mean completely different things to different people. One thing is for sure - it ain’t always easy, but at the end of the day it is always worth it! You don’t see that in the movies…
