Key Takeaways
- A new study by HarrisX researchers has identified the top 10 faith-related TV and movie scenes that resonate most powerfully with audiences.
- The study found that audiences want to see faith portrayed on screen more naturally, more accurately, and without stereotyping.
- The top 10 scenes are from award-winning and high-grossing shows and movies, including "The Pitt," "Young Sheldon," and "Hacksaw Ridge."
- The study provides a roadmap for writers, directors, and producers to create more balanced and authentic portrayals of faith in entertainment.
- Audiences respond to faith when it shows up in everyday moments, such as doubt, love, grief, and courage.
Introduction to the Study
Even with a microphone, Variety Magazine’s co-editor struggled to start the Spirituality and Entertainment brunch in a Park City restaurant filling up with Sundance Film Festivalgoers. The event was held to release a new study that used science-based audience research to identify the top 10 faith-related TV and movie scenes that resonate most powerfully with audiences. The study also created a roadmap for writers, directors, and producers to create more balanced and authentic portrayals of faith in entertainment. The top 10 scenes are from award-winning and high-grossing shows and movies, including "The Pitt," which won five Emmys last fall.
The Top 10 Scenes
The top 10 scenes were identified through a survey of over 12,000 interviews conducted last fall. The scenes were evaluated based on their ability to resonate with audiences and portray faith in a natural and authentic way. The number one scene, from "The Pitt," shows a supervisor thanking an intern for supporting him during a panic attack, and is described as feeling natural, normal, and authentic. The study found that audiences want to see portrayals of faith in real people facing real stakes, and that these scenes can be very valuable from a commercial perspective.
The Study’s Findings
The study found that 92% of audiences believe that faith has a role to play in modern entertainment, and 77% believe that it can have broad appeal. The study also identified common themes that resonate with audiences, including family, love, and respectful humor. The researchers found that audiences don’t want shows and movies to be sermons, but rather to see everyday moments that include faith. The study also found that atheists and agnostics want to see more authentic and nuanced portrayals of faith in entertainment.
The Roadmap for Creators
The study provides a roadmap for writers, directors, and producers to create more balanced and authentic portrayals of faith in entertainment. The researchers identified several key elements that resonate with audiences, including authentic emotion, relatable characters, and respectful humor. The study also found that audiences want to see faith portrayed in a way that is easy to understand, entertaining, and avoids clichés or overused tropes. By following these guidelines, creators can win commercially, creatively, and with audiences.
The Importance of Authentic Portrayals
The study highlights the importance of authentic portrayals of faith in entertainment. The researchers found that audiences respond to faith when it shows up in everyday moments, such as doubt, love, grief, and courage. The study also found that audiences want to see faith portrayed in a way that is nuanced and complex, rather than stereotypical or preachy. By portraying faith in a more authentic and nuanced way, creators can create more engaging and relatable stories that resonate with audiences.
The Future of Faith in Entertainment
The study suggests that the future of faith in entertainment is bright. With 92% of audiences believing that faith has a role to play in modern entertainment, and 77% believing that it can have broad appeal, there is a clear demand for more authentic and nuanced portrayals of faith. The study provides a roadmap for creators to meet this demand, and to create more balanced and authentic portrayals of faith in entertainment. By following these guidelines, creators can win commercially, creatively, and with audiences, and help to bring more authentic and nuanced portrayals of faith to the screen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study provides a valuable insight into the role of faith in entertainment and the ways in which audiences respond to it. The top 10 scenes identified in the study provide a roadmap for creators to follow, and the guidelines identified in the study provide a framework for creating more balanced and authentic portrayals of faith. By portraying faith in a more authentic and nuanced way, creators can create more engaging and relatable stories that resonate with audiences, and help to bring more faith-based content to the screen.
