11 Reasons Emily in Paris is unrealistic for social media marketers
I watch Emily in Paris. I know, I know, it’s all fluff, the costumes are horrible, and it’s completely unrealistic. (I actually think the costumes are very fun.) I know all of these things and more, and yet I binge it like it’s going to win an Emmy. At least that would provide us with some fun assonance… An Emmy for Emilee in Paree.
A member of a Women in Marketing Facebook Group asked the thousands-strong membership what the most unrealistic parts of this show are, as it relates to marketing. The post had been published for one hour and already had more than 70 comments. It got me thinking… and then I snowballed.
It’s no secret that this show is unrealistic and has been widely criticized for that reason, as well as it’s American-centric nature (Emily does little to assimilate into her adopted culture) and lack of representation. Three years of blog posts and tweets tell us that while some people love Emily in Paris, some absolutely loathe it. And neither camps can stop watching.
Oui oui, we all know this show is unrealistic. But to social media marketers, it hits in a different way.
1. Clients having a budget but never talking about a budget
Budgets make the world go ‘round. They change, they shrink, they expand. Perhaps the worst kind of budget is nonexistent. But nevertheless they’re there and they should be discussed early and often in a marketing agency.
2. Sharing an idea you just had with no research in a pitch meeting
Emily consistently frustrates her coworkers by bringing a never-before-discussed idea to a meeting with a client. Thankfully, Julien has enough in Season 3 and we’re left wondering if he’ll really leave Agence Grateau. Perhaps his departure to a rival agency will show Emily that she has to work with her colleagues and not against them?
3. Never having an after-action meeting
After-actions are the best. I look forward to after-actions as a way to share ideas, what I’ve learned, and hear from other team members. In Emily’s world, when a campaign ends, it’s over. Without the crucial step of debriefing, you lose all the knowledge you could have gained.
4. Enjoying work events as a guest and not as a worker
For marketing events, it’s all hands on deck. Employees are expected to pitch in and work their assigned roles. Elaborate spreadsheets, timetables, and seating charts are usually involved.
5. Never trying to unionize your coworkers when your boss is horrible
Sylvie treated Emily pretty terribly in Season 1. Throughout Seasons 2 and 3, she’s still not the kind of boss I’d like to work for. Savoir was downright toxic and to be honest, I would’ve had a difficult time after realizing that I moved my entire life abroad to work for a boss who was so difficult to work with. A clash of personalities is one thing; mistreatment is quite another.
6. Going viral all the time and seeing a lot of engagement as soon as she posts
Perhaps this is the internet’s favorite love-to-hate-it element of the show. As a social media professional, I wish I lived in Emily’s Paris, where posts aren’t subject to wacky algorithms that seemingly change daily, billionaires don’t take down entire platforms for something to do, and it’s possible to exist as a woman on the internet without random commenters telling you you’re ugly. Merde, Emily’s Paris doesn’t even have Reels!
7. Having amazing ideas without brainstorming with other creatives
Yes, it’s possible to work alone and have great ideas. But working in an environment with other creative equals can yield better, more interesting results. Not to mention that it’s fun.
8. Clients accepting a pitch straight away and never having any edits
Clients should have edits. They know the history of past campaigns, possible missteps, and potential limitations. They know their brand and audience best and should have the final sign-off. In Emily’s reality, her clients give her the go-ahead after a short pitch with no time for questions. There’s never a situation in which a client expresses reservations or unhappiness. And as someone who has been on the receiving end of pitches, you’re bound to get a few lemons when working with an agency simply because an agency will not be as familiar with the brand as you are.
9. Constantly asking friends for professional connections and favors
While engaging with one’s network is good and necessary to maintain relationships and secure opportunities, I’m not sure I wouldn’t feel used if I were one of Emily’s friends. In real life, I would be much more conscious of which asks I’m making of whom, and then making sure to show appreciation for those who come through for me.
10. Confusing product development with marketing
Gotta be honest, I’d love to try Chamère, but her suggestion to bottle a Kir Royale wasn’t marketing. It was product development. Product development happens before getting to the marketing stage, not the other way around.
11. Finding a formal dress on Rent the Runway in your size at a moment’s notice
And finally… this is the most unrealistic for me. Seriously, I spent May and June last year stalking a strapless baby blue gown on RTR for a July wedding to no avail. The post-COVID wedding season crushed any possibility of getting that dress in my size.
