What The Barbie Movie Can Teach You About Video Production and Filmmaking
by Kevin Myers
“Barbie”, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, is a hit among critics and audiences alike. The film, which follows Barbie and Ken on a journey of self-discovery after an existential crisis, is a clever and subversive take on the iconic fashion doll. But what can filmmakers and videographers learn from this movie?
Here are some tips and insights our video production team in Washington DC gathered based on the film’s success.
Be Meta Humorous
One of the most striking aspects of the Barbie Movie is its meta humor, also referred to as self-referential humor. The film constantly breaks the fourth wall and references its own source material, such as the various Barbie dolls, accessories, and careers. The film also pokes fun at the stereotypes and expectations associated with Barbie, such as her perfect body, her endless wardrobe, and her idealized lifestyle. By being meta, the film creates a sense of self-awareness and irony that appeals to modern audiences.
Advertisers can use meta humor to spice up their content and engage their viewers. For example, you can acknowledge the tropes and clichés of contemporary advertising, make jokes about the manipulative tactics you employ to convince consumers to buy your product or service.
Be Subversive
Another key element of the Barbie Movie is its subversive storytelling. The film challenges the norms and conventions of Barbieland, a matriarchal society where all women are successful and independent, while all men are relegated to recreational activities at the beach. The film explores themes such as gender roles, identity, mortality, and happiness through the lens of Barbie’s existential crisis. The film also subverts the expectations of a typical romantic comedy by focusing on Barbie’s personal growth rather than her relationship with Ken.
Advertisers can use subversive storytelling to surprise and intrigue their viewers. For example, you can twist or invert the common tropes of advertising in ways that may be engaging or even make the viewer forget they’re watching an ad.
Be Dazzling
Finally, the Barbie Movie is a visually dazzling comedy that showcases the colorful and diverse world of Barbie. The film uses stunning cinematography, production design, costume design, and visual effects to create a vibrant and immersive experience for the viewers. The film also uses music by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt to enhance the mood and tone of each scene. The film is a feast for the eyes and ears that captivates the viewers from start to finish.
Advertisers can use dazzling visuals and sounds to attract and retain their viewers. For example, you can use high-quality cameras, lighting, and editing tools to create crisp and clear images, use props, sets, and locations to create interesting and realistic environments, use costumes, makeup, and accessories to create distinctive and memorable characters, or use music, sound effects, and voiceovers to create atmosphere and emotion.
If some of these are beyond your skill level you can also seek help of a professional video production company to help you achieve your vision. Dazzling visuals and sounds can also be a way to showcase one’s skills and talents as a creator.
The Final Verdict
The Barbie Movie is a brilliant example of how to produce successful and entertaining video content that appeals to a wide range of audiences. By being meta humorous, subversive, and dazzling, the film demonstrates how all video creators can use humor, storytelling, and aesthetics to create engaging and memorable content.
