Storytelling Tips to Evolve the Representation of Boys and Men
Download the tip sheet and use it to start a conversation in writer’s rooms, executive offices or even around the dinner table.
Child development research shows that boys and girls benefit from representations of themselves that give them permission to embrace all facets of their identities. Leveraging the power of media to support positive youth development means thinking deeply about the messaging we send boys about who society expects them to be.
To kick start this conversation, we created a research-based Boys’ Tip Sheet, available for free, that features ten actionable recommendations for content creators, along with a checklist for shaping onscreen characters. The tip sheet is the result of a year-long review of scientific research in collaboration with child development experts and entertainment industry professionals.
It’s time to flip the script on male representation in the media.
Our Supporters
Jameela Jamil & I Weigh
Benj Pasek
Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
Glen Mazzara
Damon Lindelof
THE REPRESENTATION PROJECT
Talk to Jess
PROMUNDO
Jim Uhls
Cara Natterson
Anthony Carrigan
Peggy Orenstein
Many great organizations are doing work to support boys and men and to include more voices in front and behind the camera. We hope you will take the time to check out their work.
Check out the episode of The Scholars & Storytellers Podcast about the Representation of Boys and Men in Media with Dr. Caroline Heldman, Executive Director of the Representation Project, Professor at Occidental College, and Senior Research Advisor for the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, and Sascha Paladino, Emmy-nominated showrunner and writer, executive producer of Disney’s “Mira, Royal Detective,” and creator of Disney’s “Miles From Tomorrowland.”