PR Primer: Three Goofy Comedies That Teach Us PR Lessons

While most people think that cheesy comedies are only for mindless entertainment, sometimes we can learn PR lessons from them as well! Check out these three messages that are found in these goofy comedies.

“Billy Madison” – Be original

Let’s start with “Billy Madison” starring Adam Sandler. It’s debatably one of the funniest films in the history of cinema. Billy is set to inherit all of his father’s wealth if he can go back and complete all 12 grades of school. In an effort to impress his father, Billy tries to change his personality to become more “normal.” By the end of the movie, Billy realizes that he must keep a commitment to himself and his ethics. He doesn’t compromise himself or try to hide his sometimes overbearing personality.

Being original in the PR field is important because we are competing for attention from consumers, businesses and publications. To set yourself and your clients apart, make sure to infuse some of your own personality into your writing. This will make your work stand out compared to others.

Photo credit: Mike Dillaquila

“Talladega Nights” – Be prepared and media train your clients.

One of my favorite goofy comedies is “Talladega Nights” starring Will Ferrell as Ricky Bobby, a self-centered NASCAR driver. Ricky has always been the number one driver in the U.S., until Sacha Baron Cohen as Jean Girard gives Ricky a run for his money.

Ricky Bobby wasn’t always the best driver; he had to start from the beginning. He was just a normal guy until he won his first race. And of course with winning a NASCAR race, comes a lot of media coverage! After his first win, he is interviewed by a television reporter, but he mumbles incoherent sentences and even says, “I don’t know what to do with my hands.”

Although we are continually pitching clients for publications in hopes of receiving placement, we must remember that our clients need guidance and direction when there are unfamiliar media channels. We need to be aware of the importance of media training to ensure that the coverage will result in success.

Photo credit: SlowDownSavor.com

 “Dumb and Dumber” – Never give up.

Lastly, the goofiest film of them all is “Dumb & Dumber.” Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels play Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, two unintelligent friends who go on an adventure to return a missing briefcase.

In the field of public relations, rejection is part of the job. Quite often, you will be told the word “no,” but it’s essential to stay optimistic. It’s important to remember that no idea is a bad idea. One of my favorite parts about this movie is Lloyd’s persistent pursuit of his dream girl, Mary Swanson. Mary tells Lloyd that there is a million-to-one chance they will ever be together to which Lloyd responds, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance.”

In this industry, it is important to remember that nothing is unachievable. Think big and accomplish big. Don’t limit your ideas so that you have just the bare minimum. We want the best for our clients and sometimes that means never giving up.

Photo credit: Blu-ray.com