80% of worldwide audiences say it is necessary for the leisure business to enhance their portrayals of religion and make them extra correct

63% of audiences globally say leisure often perpetuates stereotypes about faith, is the least represented and most sensationalized id

Creating understanding between totally different teams and dispelling stereotypes are the highest causes shoppers need extra correct depictions of religion and spirituality 

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A primary-of-its-kind world research of leisure shoppers carried out by HarrisX in partnership with the non-profit, the Faith and Media Initiative, discovered an awesome majority of worldwide audiences consider the leisure business must actively enhance their portrayals of religion and faith, in addition to make them extra correct.

The Global Faith and Entertainment Study surveyed almost 10,000 leisure shoppers throughout 11 international locations. Consumers say they find out about different religions by way of leisure, and see the potential for faith-inclusive content material to create understanding and dialogue in society. Yet, respondents share that after they see their faith or religion – and others – included in mainstream leisure, they really feel it is usually sensationalized or that the portrayal leans on stereotypes. 

Global Audience Perspectives  
The main findings of the research uncover a set of addressable issues and alternatives: 

• 69% of American leisure shoppers – and 63% globally – say TV and flicks perpetuate non secular stereotypes.
• A majority of shoppers say non secular id is the least represented, but essentially the most sensationalized factor of id portrayed.
  • Respondents say they do not see their non secular id on display screen as a lot as their gender, race, or sexual orientation.
  • When they do see their non secular id portrayed, it is extra prone to be a sensational or stereotypical depiction. 
• 68% of worldwide viewers say you will need to have numerous non secular views in TV and flicks. 
• Most shoppers throughout religions say portrayals of their religion observe repeat storylines, moderately than cowl contemporary, numerous narratives.
• Creating understanding and dispelling stereotypes are cited as the highest the explanation why illustration is necessary.
  • 61% of worldwide shoppers assume TV and flicks can foster dialogue between individuals of various beliefs.
  • 59% of worldwide shoppers report studying one thing new about one other faith from a film or TV present. 
• A major majority of respondents – 80% – say it is necessary that the leisure business improves portrayals of religion to make them extra correct. 

As a part of the survey, shoppers recognized three potential methods for the leisure business to generate change: 

• write extra numerous characters and storylines;  
• rent writers and different expertise who share the identical faith as characters to make sure correct portrayals; 
• rent consultants to assist with non secular portrayals.  

Perspectives from inside Hollywood
In addition to the net survey of shoppers accomplished in summer season 2023, HarrisX additionally carried out 30 in-depth, off-the-record interviews with determination makers within the leisure business, together with administrators, producers, studio and platform executives, actors and writers spanning 7 international locations (U.S., Spain, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Honduras and Nigeria).

Industry insiders shared that leisure with religion storylines are sometimes seen as a distinct segment matter or doubtlessly controversial inside the leisure business. As such, regardless of the market potential, it’s usually sidelined in favor of different sorts of content material. Those interviewed acknowledged there may be an untapped marketplace for movies which have thought-provoking, numerous, and correct portrayals of characters’ religion and spirituality.

Reactions to the Findings 
Frank Patterson, CEO of Trilith Studios mentioned, “We know the crucial role media plays in shaping perceptions and fostering understanding. The findings of the Global Faith and Entertainment Study underscore an important responsibility we have in Hollywood – to authentically portray faith and spirituality in our productions. Doing so represents an opportunity to bridge cultural divides, challenge stereotypes, and tell stories that reflect the diverse spiritual experiences of our global audience. It’s not just about representation; it’s about making a positive impact on society through the stories we choose to tell.”

“This research shows there is an untapped market in entertainment media,” mentioned Brooke Zaugg, Executive Director of the Faith & Media Initiative. “Across the globe, consumers are looking for more accurate portrayals of faith and spirituality. This isn’t about creating faith content, rather adding faith fluency and diverse storylines to all types of TV and movies. We urge the entertainment industry to take notice of this enormous global audience; it’s not just good business but also a priceless opportunity to unify people when the world feels increasingly divided.”

“Good storytelling in TV and movies has historically educated, inspired and led to positive change in business and society,” mentioned Dritan Nesho, CEO of HarrisX. “The data shows clearly that addressing the concerns of audiences around the world about the lack of range, diversity, representation, depth, and accuracy when it comes to portrayals of viewers own religion, faith and spirituality – and that of other faiths they interact with – is both good business and leads to positive impact. Today entertainment is increasingly on demand and democratized therefore the needs of these massive swaths of consumers should not be ignored.” 

The full findings of this wide-reaching survey could be discovered here.

About the Faith & Media Initiative (FAMI)
The Faith & Media Initiative is a nonprofit devoted to making sure extra correct, balanced illustration of all faiths in leisure and information by offering assets and connections to a worldwide, numerous community of media members, content material creators, religion leaders, and neighborhood members.

About HarrisX
HarrisX is a number one world analysis consultancy that conducts main market analysis, public coverage polling and social science research in additional than 40 international locations world wide. It is a part of Stagwell Global and the sister firm of the Harris Poll, which has carried out public launch polling internationally since 1963.

SOURCE Faith & Media Initiative