Representation in the media means how films, books, shows, etc include all types of genders, groups, sizes, beliefs, religions, and people of color. Lately, representation in the media is a tricky topic to deal with as it can affect the audience depending on what is shown. On this post, I will be talking about how two advertisements show different types of representation and how one can be better than another.

AD#1: Axe

This first advertisement is a montage of several woman with ideal bodies, from societies perspective, in revealing bikinis running to a man. Throughout the commercial, the woman are shown running to a happy guy who is spraying Axe around him. As the woman rush to the man, they push each other to the ground and climb through hills or swim in the ocean. This paints the image of woman being viewed only for their body and that they must compete for the male interest. Not only is this completely dehumanizing woman but it is also shows how, for ads to intrigue their target audience, they have to do insane shots like this.

As the target audience for this commercial is heterosexual males, it is understandable as to why an advertisement like this was produced to boost the sales of Axe. Although, the message behind it can be demeaning to many as it implies women need to fit societies standards to have a chance for male attention.

Yet, not only does this commercial display the image of woman acting like animals and only being viewed for their bodies, it also sets a societal standard that men also have to reach. A skinny, white male is shown to be the main character of this piece as he is being desired by all these women. This can have a negative effect on those who do not fit the standard.

AD#2: H&M

The second advertisement I watched was the "Close the Loop" H&M piece. This is the perfect example of a commercial that represents all different types of people in a positive light. There is representation of all groups here, signifying all color of people, sexualities, gender, sizes, ages, and even types of bodies images such as body hair, piercings and more. This commercial makes everyone feel included, it is an excellent spot and more pieces of media should be like this. This is a good type of advertisement that represents everyone positively, more media should be like this one.

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

From princesses to werewolves to wizards, fantasy films have it all. A fantasy film is one where the characters are set in a fictional universe, often inspired by real world mythes. This universe commonly revolves around a magical world with the supernatural and magical creatures. Other than being solely based on fictional beings, fantasy films can also be based on anything that has a magical aspect to it and can even be turned into a horror or science fiction film. These films are extremely popular with all ages ranges and leave the viewers filled with awe, wonder, and a sense of leaving the possible human bounds.

Ex: This is the original poster from the animated film, Cinderella, one of the most popular children's fantasy films. As shown, it has the magical aspect printed onto it with the pixie dust flowing around her from the talking creatures.

Content:

Several fantasy films content bases of the fictional world the characters are in. An excellent example of this is the Chronicles of Narnia. Following the storyline of the books, the films includes four characters who discover a magical world where time stops. Here, the true storyline of fantasy films are shown as there is character development as a whole, all types fictional creatures, and the happy ending everyone wants.

Fantasy films like to include lots of turning point and uplifting moments. Such as in the Chronicles of Narnia, after every movie they achieve their end goal or find some deeper meaning into their lives. They also meet tons of new characters and the viewers are brought into the movie with them. Several fantasy movies normally finish off with a happy ending, although; in some rare circumstances, it ends with a sad outcome. One example being Infinity war from the Avengers. This action packed film revolves around the fictional world with an American superhero team. Each character, either human or alien, exhibits a different power and the film is entirely based off a supernatural universe. Unlike most fantasy films, Infinity War ends with a saddening ending where the villain succeeds.

Each fantasy films normally includes one of a few things to develop their story; this being a magical system, a well developed setting, lots of unique characters, a conflict, or a powerful system of government. It would be almost impossible to find one without these features as most fantasy films from a fictional universe are normally showcased in a different landscape and develop their plot with some sort of conflict in their universe.

An example would be the Star Wars films. Specifically in the image above, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, exhibits scene from different planets and places far imaginable from the human bounds. The Star Wars universe itself has over a billion habitable location. From the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to Willy Wonka's Factory, fantasy films content range from all different types of locations, planets, or even universes.

Production Techniques:

In fantasy films, a common techniques used is a variety of shots to establish the setting or the relationship of characters. The production process involves several different types of shots such as establishing and wide to show the structure around the scene. As most fantasy films storyline portray a fictional environment of its own and the unique characters within it, the production process also includes lot fo filming in front of a green screen as the producers must create a world of its own.

An example fo this would be the Harry Potter series. As the film follows the story of a boy names Harry Potter and his adventures, the film develops fictional locations that are unreachable by muggles, human beings, and several unique creatures that intertwine with the storyline. Viewers are brought along on a journey as they discover new sites and people.

Marketing:

There is no specific audience for fantasy. As I mentioned before, it is popular with all age ranges although some are made specifically for some than others. A popular way to market fantasy films is through their trailers and posters. Almost every movie has a poster launch months before a film to give viewers sneak peeks and maybe even provide clues for the next film. Another creative way to market is by creating fantasy inspired products or games. For example, Build a Bear Workshop and several makeup companies created a Harry Potter series themed item to sell and several people bought their products.

Samples:

In Jumanji: The Next Level a group of teenagers, along with a previous character, get sucked in and become trapped in the game, Jumanji. They have to face several challenges as they try to save the world from a villain to be able to escape the game. This fantasy movies takes place in this alternate location which is inside the game of Jumanji. Actors Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and more appear in this film along with some of the actors from the previous movie. As the film follows along the plot, viewers are shown warlords, "Jumanji berries," pools of green flowing water, and several other fiction aspects that all contribute to the film, making it a fantasy movie. Not only this but the film revolves around them being sucked into the game, turning into the characters, and having to save the world by getting a magical necklace.

The Night at the Museum, a personal favorite, revolves around the story of a guy, Larry Daley, who works at the museum and discovers on his first night that everything comes to life. This fantasy film is one of a kind as the Daley has to deal with a Tyrannosaurus skeleton, a troublesome monkey, miniature cowboys, a wax figure of Theodore Roosevelt and much more. Like any other fantasy film, Delay encounters a problem and has to rush against the clock to save the day. The Night at the Museum is an entertaining fantasy movie to see for those interested in Easter Island Moai come alive.

Additional Fantasy Films:

Aladdin