By Cari Goodrich
Public relations is *glitzy* work, or so shows like “Sex and the City” and MTV’s “The Hills” would have you believe. Each show profiles PR execs who are successful beyond anyone’s wildest dreams - Samantha Jones works with Absolut to secure her boyfriend as the Absolut Hunk, while Heidi, from “The Hills,” who has no college degree, lands a PR gig hosting parties filled with A-list celebrities at some of L.A.’s hottest nightclubs. Viewers of these shows are treated to a glimpse of the glamorous lifestyles working in PR affords you. Or does it?
Having worked in tech PR for almost two years, I don’t believe the occupation is being represented correctly at all. Where’s the show that details the glitz, glamour, and non-stop partying of silicon chips, data storage units, and service provider networks? Perhaps I’ll pitch my own show to MTV that represents what it’s REALLY like to work in PR (at least tech PR).
- The premise – The Valley is a reality show that follows the high-energy world of Tech PR (the name derives from Silicon Valley, where most tech agencies exist).
- The people – Agency employees who range from early-20s to mid-50s. Our star, or protagonist, should be someone who has been working in the industry for 2-3 years and is an AE level employee. The supporting cast can range from interns to CEOs. Media and analysts will provide cameos. Should the story line allow, we may bring in a couple of reporters on a regular basis to help build the necessary drama needed in reality TV - a budding romance perhaps?
- The tone/dialogue/narration – Each episode will begin with a “Previously on “The Valley”…” recap. Our protagonist narration for the first couple of minutes will bring viewers up to speed on things like upcoming media opportunities, tradeshow and award deadlines, client interaction, and other dramatic events at the agency.
Okay, maybe we’ll throw in a bit of extra fun and hilarity for sweeps week.
- The outcome – The season finale will have the protagonist rising to sudden fame for no apparent reason. (S)he will be invited to all the big product launches; receive his/her own spin-off show; begin dating someone of a higher class or of greater fame (a famous CEO, perhaps?) and make the switch from tech PR to consumer PR.
Think it’ll work? Sounds like a hit to me!
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