Here's how this incredible series has tipped its hat to public relations (heads up, there are
spoilers in your midst).
media update's Robyn du Preez takes a squiz at The Witcher and its acknowledgements to PR:
1. Partnering with the 'underdog' is a good idea
The series always focuses on a 'lowly' character or someone who has lost their way and sees them become something of a legend. Think about Yennifer's initial 'value' of four marks, or Jaskier's first seen performance — I mean, his meal of the day was
thrown at him following somewhat poor entertainment.
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The same is seen in
Blood Origins, which follows seven outcasts. But these guys land up changing the world through the first conjunction of the spheres.
What gives them all the opportunity for greatness is the chance to partner, collaborate and
work with others — especially when they
themselves come across as underwhelming at first.
Fjall, the first 'witcher', is an excellent example of this. After being exiled from his clan, he partners with a former enemy and becomes the very first witcher … of sorts.
While many have seen public relations in a similar low light, Sarah Tourville — the founder of Media Frenzy Global — says that
PR is no longer the 'underdog'. Rather, it is now "the golden child".
Partnering with a PR is the collaboration that many brands now
cannot afford to move ahead without — underdog or not.
PR should be seen for the valuable tool that it is — the opportunity to grow into something legendary — like a particular witcher in a particular bard's songs.
Who
wouldn't want that coin toss?
2. Monsters come in all shapes and forms
We can all agree that the conjunction of the spheres can stay
far away from our reality — and all of its monsters too.
However, this doesn't take away from a chilling fact that the very first episodes of the series highlight: Humans can be monsters too.
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Whether it's a troll on social media, a competitor with a grudge, or a black hat hacker with a piece of blackmail, everyday people can become something of a fearsome entity to confront.
The point is this: Do
not think that your brand is immune to attacks, or that there is no need to be prepared for one. They
will come.
Richard Bailey, editor at the PR Academy, says, "This shouty, argumentative public sphere, full of untruths and propaganda, is where we are today … it's the very reason
public relations is needed more than ever."
Our monsters may look different in this reality, but they
are there all the same.
3. Fight monster with monster
Knowing that there are PR monsters lurking about, the solution is quite simple: Find the best and most efficient way to fight your respective monsters.
How, you ask? Seek a witcher for hire! (aka your PR specialist down the road). The everyday person is
definitely not equipped to deal with the public, the crisis, the reps and the nitty gritty of public relations.
So why risk your reputational life and fight all these different monsters on your own? Trust the witcher — and all of his experience, potions and signs — to do it properly instead.
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Looking over to the PR pros, Antonella Scimemi, senior account manager at PR agency W, says, "I consider myself a PR professional and not just because I have a master's degree in PR but because over the years I have developed a
very specific skill set that is unique to the PR role."
"The PR industry has undergone huge change over the past decade, with the role
increasingly one of critical, even bottom-line importance to businesses," Scimemi adds.
Witchers are for monsters and PRs for the public. Every field needs its specialist!
4. Even Geralt needed a bard for an image revamp
We have all come to love Henry Cavill's take on the protagonist of the books, games and initial series. Despite this, it's prominently brought up in the canon that witchers are not very popular within their own world.
Why? Well, they aren't human, or natural. They are dangerous and are said to have no emotions. Savage, scary and siloed … yup, not wanted around unless they are needed.
But the plotline is good to Geralt and gives him Jaskier. This bard is responsible for him meeting Yennefir and him going to Cintra in the first place. It is Jaskier who actually sets him up for all the good stuff.
It's the bard who improves his image in the world and gets him going on the adventures that most significantly impact his life.
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What does this say about the impact of PR? Well, your public representative to the world will change your life. According to
top Agency, public relations is there to "create, maintain and protect reputation, enhance prestige and present a favourable image."
A good image, just on its own, sets one up for a successful path. Look at what Jaskier as a public lens did for Geralt — need we say more?
What other ways do you think this series acknowledges the importance of PR? Let us know in the comments!
For The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, nothing is ever too challenging. From divorce dramas to catfights, these ladies have some lessons to teach! If you’re wanting more quirky reads about the PR field, read the Four PR lessons to learn from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
*Image courtesy of Pixabay and Canva **Gifs courtesy of GIPHY