Changes to Classic Stories Are Not Always Welcome

Spherex • Apr 11, 2023

The films have not been released, and the cultural critiques have already begun 

Media is abuzz about the pending release of two films featuring characters children have known for generations. The first is about the doll, "Barbie," and the second is a reimagining of Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tale, "The Little Mermaid."


The lead characters of both films are beloved by young children, having inspired them for generations. "The Little Mermaid" debuted 186 years ago in 1837. Barbie first hit store shelves 64 years ago in 1959.


These characters and the stories behind them share a common history that provides a lesson for anyone producing content for wide release: No matter how old, cherished, or well-intentioned a new version of a story may be, even minor tweaks can attract unwarranted or undeserved criticism that can impact audience reach, brand reputation, and revenue.


The Little Mermaid

In the original fairy tale, a young mermaid falls in love with a human prince and longs to live on land. She makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her voice for legs but must make the prince fall in love with her in three days, or she will turn back into a mermaid. Despite her sacrifices, the prince ultimately chooses another woman, and the little mermaid sacrifices herself to save him, turning into sea foam and an ethereal spirit. Disney's 1989 animated feature offers a much happier ending — the little mermaid becomes human and marries the prince, sailing into the sunset. People unaware of Anderson's original story tend to believe Disney's is the only telling of the tale and judge subsequent versions accordingly.


The live-action film version coming to theaters in May contains changes to the 1989 story causing some to question why. For example, the little mermaid in the 1989 animated version is depicted as a white girl and voiced by Caucasian actress Jodi Benson. The lead in the 2023 live-action version is Black actress Halle Bailey. Her casting has caused outrage in the minds of some viewers.


Lyrics for two songs, "Kiss the Girl" and "Poor Unfortunate Souls," were changed to "reflect modern audiences." In "Kiss the Girl," the lyrics were updated to encourage boys to be sure their affections are welcome, and they have consent. In "Poor Unfortunate Souls," warn girls that there can be negative consequences for not "speaking out of turn." Critics consider all of these changes as "woke." None of these changes affects the overall story at all.

Barbie

Across decades of comic books, animated TV series, and movies, not much about Barbie's story has changed in 65 years. Yet, according to some, director Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" modern changes are not appreciated.


The film hits screens in July, and like "The Little Mermaid," the trailers have critics calling the unseen film "woke" and "gay" for several reasons. Barbies in the movie portray doctors, lawyers, the President, Nobel Prizes in Physics winners, mermaids, and diplomats, but not moms or wives. Like the toys, several multi-racial Barbies and Kens are in the film. Ken is "effeminate" and "emasculated." The fact that the director is "a girl," and the implication of "homosexuality," a "cross-dresser," and slang like "beach you off" has triggered additional negative attention — the film unseen.


Trailer Criticism Can Impact the Story

Trailers can help gauge public response and whether to consider changes. For example, the "Top Gun: Maverick" trailer revealed 'That Maverick's jacket was missing the Taiwanese flag. The reaction was immediate, negative, and heard clearly. Filmmakers restored the flag in the released film, and China banned it.


It is unknown whether the advance criticisms of "The Little Mermaid" or "Barbie" will influence the films' final ratings or release. Attacking trailers on racial, cultural, identity, or character grounds is common for those who want to adversely impact a title's success or make some emotional or political point.


While studio projects can more easily address complaints and withstand pressure from special interests or regulators, smaller productions may not. That's where Spherexratings™ and Spherexgreenlight™ AI can help identify scenes within a final cut or trailer that may cause cultural or regulatory issues.


Contact Spherex today to learn more.

Share this post

Share this post

Related Posts

By Spherex 03 May, 2024
As predicted in our blog post , the 2024 NAB show focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and their impact on the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry. The event showcased the transformative potential of AI across various aspects of content creation, production, and distribution. Focus on Content Over 130 companies exhibited AI products and services, while 80 panels and workshops explored AI's role in the M&E sector. These sessions demonstrated how AI revolutionizes workflows, enhances creativity, and enables stunning visual effects and ultra-high-resolution graphics. Attendees gained valuable insights into integrating AI across the entire content pipeline, from scriptwriting and video editing to post-production and distribution. AI in Multilingual Content Production Another key focus was the role of AI in facilitating multilingual content production on a global scale. Workshops and panels explored how AI is automating and refining transcription, translation, and re-voicing processes, ensuring accurate and localized content delivery to diverse audiences worldwide. Experts also shared their experiences and best practices in leveraging AI for content creation and programming, discussing the balance between harnessing AI's potential and maintaining human oversight to address ethical concerns. AI's Impact on Content Policy Panels also delved into the critical policy issues related to AI adoption. For example, the future of AI-driven personalization in content delivery, the importance of responsible AI implementation in fostering diversity and inclusion, and the potential of generative AI to transform the media and entertainment landscape. AI Expands into Business Operations AI's reach in the industry increases daily and into products and services many people have not considered. For example, several AI-based back-office products were introduced that handle rights management, finance and royalties, market targeting and analytics, and advisory services. AI-based content management, security, and distribution systems ensure production assets are safe throughout the entire product chain; in-house AI development hardware reduces development and production costs; AI chips in consumer TV sets control screen pixels to eliminate glare and enhance image quality and enhance advertising and marketing tools to connected TVs are now coming to market. There can be no doubt that AI will, in some way, become part of every aspect of M&E for generations to come. Here to Stay Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming integral to the mindset of the media and entertainment industry. From AI-assisted scriptwriting and intelligent video editing tools to automated localization services and personalized content recommendations, the technology empowers companies to unleash their creative potential, streamline workflows, and connect with audiences on a deeper level. With a wide array of AI-powered solutions now available, such as Spherex AI ™, the industry is poised to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth, shaping the future of storytelling and delivering unparalleled experiences to viewers worldwide.
By Spherex 16 Apr, 2024
"The only way you can predict the future is to build it." - Alan Kay
By Spherex 08 Apr, 2024
Technology continues to drive change and opportunity.
By Spherex 27 Mar, 2024
Santa Clara, CA (March 27, 2024 ) — Spherex , a global technology and data company serving the Media and Entertainment industry, will showcase Spherex AI ™, its pioneering AI platform for video content compliance and analysis, at NAB 2024 in Las Vegas from April 13 to 17. The Spherex AI ™ platform empowers content owners to adapt their narratives for the broadest international audience while avoiding regulatory restrictions and censorship barriers. Spherex will be exhibiting at Booth W2217 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Spherex AI ™ drastically reduces the time and resources required for video content localization, mitigates the risk of cultural insensitivity or noncompliance, and enables creators to accelerate expansion and reach the right audience faster, cost-effectively, and without brand risk. The platform scans film, TV, or advertising content quickly and affordably, making it the ideal solution for verifying the suitability of any video content for any global market. “Today, content providers and streaming platforms must navigate complex regulations and cultural norms to operate successfully in different markets,” said Teresa Phillips, Co-founder and CEO of Spherex. “By seamlessly integrating sophisticated AI with cultural and regulatory insights, Spherex helps content creators, studios, distributors, and platforms unlock new markets, broaden their audiences, and increase revenue.” At the heart of Spherex AI ’s™ innovation is its proprietary AI technology, based on a decade of meticulous research and analysis of laws, regulations, and film/TV classifications in over 100 countries, as well as the screening of millions of film and TV clips for training and validation. Unlike conventional methods that employ AI and Machine Learning (ML) to identify objectionable content in a scene, Spherex uses advanced techniques to interpret the cultural context surrounding classifiable elements such as drugs, violence, sexuality, and profanity. Understanding the context is crucial because it's not just about the events happening in a video or who is involved; it's about comprehending the setting, characters, impact, and consequences. These factors are essential in determining local age ratings and cultural suitability for worldwide markets. To book a meeting with Spherex at NAB, contact Davinder Lu thra here . About Spherex Spherex is a global technology and data company transforming how media and entertainment enterprises create, adapt, and deliver film and television to audiences worldwide through AI and machine learning. With unmatched expertise in culture and regulatory compliance, Spherex works with the world's largest media companies, movie studios, networks, distributors, and streamers to build larger audiences, speed up content discovery, drive more video views, and generate higher revenue. Learn more at www.spherex.com .
05 Mar, 2024
Three Criteria to Consider When Adding Generative AI to Your Work
By Spherex 15 Feb, 2024
Discover how AI innovation is combating inappropriate content online. Explore effective strategies and advancements in countering harmful material.
By Spherex 30 Jan, 2024
Examine the tension between creative freedom and compliance in Malaysia's film industry, through the legal challenges faced by the creator "Mentega Terbang" for allegedly violating laws protecting religious sentiments.
By Spherex 12 Dec, 2023
Understand significant differences between film and TV ratings, emphasizing the complexities content creators face in preparing titles for television due to regulatory and market concerns such as commercial breaks, run-time, and cultural variations.
The complexity of ad placement today being evaluated on screen
By Spherex 20 Nov, 2023
Navigate the complexity of ad placement today with precision and insight. Unlock strategies for effective targeting and maximizing your ROI!
Show More
Share by: