Our PR team share the TV and film moments that have got them thinking differently about their campaigns
We’re always on the lookout for fresh ideas to inspire our PR campaigns. While brainstorming sessions and strategy sessions are a great place to start, sometimes inspiration strikes in unexpected places – like watching TV or enjoying a good film.
From drama-filled portrayals of the PR world to documentaries that delve into personal branding, there’s plenty to learn from our small and big screens. In the second of our two blog series (check out the first here), our PR team are sharing the surprising insights they’ve drawn from their favourite shows and films.
Keep reading to discover top PR tips that will transform your next campaign.
1. Positive relationships begin with professionalism
Name: Julianna Permitin, PR Account Director
Film/series title: Flack
I remember jumping on my weekly catch-up call with a client. Instead of talking about the weather, he opened the call by stating that he had just been watching a drama series, Flack, which is centred around a London PR agency for high-profile celebrities and political members. Emphasis on ‘drama’.
“Wow, PR sounds like rock-n-roll parties and borderline law-breaking – is it really like that?”
Once 5.30 pm hit, I ran home and binge-watched the show. Short answer: “Wow, this show is amazing. But this representation of PR cannot be more wrong!”
The synopsis of the show? A publicist struggles to keep her life from falling apart while ensuring her clients’ images stay perfect in the public eye.
It got me thinking. What are some myths that surround our line of work and PR as a whole?
- Any publicity is good publicity. The lead, Robyn, definitely preaches this across the entire season. Although she claims she gets her clients “out of bad situations”, she goes far and above to get her clients on national news – at a big, fake, crisis-driven cost. We know well that bad press comes at a large price. You want to build your brand reputation and sentiment, not destroy it at the cost of a headline and clicks.
- It’s about ‘schmoozing’ the press to get a story. I can comfortably say that Robyn uses shiny gifts (that she effortlessly – and illegally – steals from their designer showroom) to get what she wants from the media. In the real world, journalist relationships are above all, professional. We also have a common understanding that a story will only be covered if it is relevant, interesting and true!
- We don’t have a work-life balance. We can’t always claim that our job is 9-5, as it revolves around the ever-changing and living news agenda. However, Robyn’s lifestyle is completely extreme, and unrealistic – but makes for some great dramatic telly. We all have families, partners, and little ones and have our personal lives.
- Hire PR to cover up bad business ethics. You have to start eating healthy, to see results in your health. Similarly, PR can support in enhancing business perception, but we can’t cover up a bad situation – the media and people will always see through it.
2. Avoid jargon, balance egos
Name: Alison Clements, PR Copy Lead
Film/Series title: Twenty Twelve
PR often takes a battering in pop culture, where it’s painted as the dark art of spin.
The UK series Twenty Twelve is a masterclass in satirising PR’s worst stereotypes, set against the backdrop of organising the London Olympics. The show’s Head of Brand, Siobhan Sharpe, played brilliantly by Jessica Hynes, epitomises the “all sizzle, no sausage” approach to public relations. Serious situations are met with vague and unhelpful comments like: “We are where we are with this, and that’s never a good place to be.”
PR professionals can learn two vital lessons from Twenty Twelve’s hilarious send-up of the craft.
First, avoid the trap of jargon overload. While terms like “legacy” and “synergy” might sound impressive in a brainstorm, they quickly alienate audiences if they lack substance. Clear, meaningful communication always beats a flashy soundbite that says nothing.
Another takeaway is the art of diplomacy when juggling multiple stakeholders within an organisation, all vying for airtime. The series amusingly underscores how internal politics can derail messaging, with every department believing their priorities are the most important. For PR professionals, the challenge is managing these competing interests without letting the overall strategy lose focus.
This requires tactful negotiation, ensuring every voice feels heard while steering the narrative toward the shared goals. By acting as a bridge-builder—balancing egos, clarifying priorities, and diplomatically aligning everyone behind a unified message—PR pros can transform internal chaos into cohesive, effective communication.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of a personal brand
Name: Tai Burke, PR Account Manager
Film/Series title: Beckham
The Beckham documentary offers a compelling look at personal branding, revealing how a brand’s value is determined, challenged, and rebuilt in the face of public scrutiny. David Beckham’s journey from footballing star to global icon provides valuable lessons in PR, storytelling, and resilience.
His journey underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience in PR. Whether managing a personal or corporate brand, PR teams must be prepared to navigate crises, leverage opportunities, and maintain consistent, authentic storytelling. Would Beckham’s brand have survived today’s cancel culture? How would your PR team handle a similar situation?
Beckham’s immense talent, good looks, and marriage to a pop icon gave him a solid brand foundation, but his value was ultimately decided by the public. The 1998 World Cup red card incident saw his reputation plummet as he was vilified as the scapegoat for England’s loss. This demonstrates how quickly crises can alter a brand’s value.
His redemption arc—from being vilified to becoming a celebrated hero—was not just a result of time but also carefully executed PR strategies, strong partnerships and a relentless focus on his long-term goals. This reminds PR professionals that adversity can be a turning point, and we should help clients reframe crises as opportunities to redefine and strengthen their brand.
4. PR is about more than just publicity
Name: Georgina Welsh, PR Account Director
Film/Series title: The Crown
When it comes to managing difficult reputations, my thoughts immediately turn to the royal family. So, where better to look for a masterclass in PR than The Crown?
From crisis management to shaping public personas, the show reveals how media strategy controls the monarchy’s image and serves as their secret weapon. From Diana’s struggles to national tragedies, every royal move is carefully calculated.
It doesn’t really matter to me if it’s fact or fiction, I still think The Crown is a fantastic example of how PR isn’t just about publicity. For some people, it’s truly about exuding power, maintaining influence, and protecting legacies.
Missed the first part of this series? Explore more insights, including what Succession, Emily in Paris and The Bear can teach us about crisis comms and teamwork, here.
And if you’re ready to turn these insights into action, get in touch with our team today. We’d be more than happy to help you take your PR strategy to the next level. Contact us today to get started.
