After seeing the film Miss Representation, our PR and Digital Media Specialist, Erin, was left feeling inspired, conflicted and contemplating a break up with her newest guilty pleasure – the Kardashians.

miss representation – a film

Recently, our CEO Christine Day introduced a film at a local theatre called Miss Representation. The film, written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, explores the media’s misrepresentations of women and how those images impact women’s ability to achieve leadership positions. This, of course, sparked a ton of conversation around our office (an office that is, might I add, heavily influenced by females).

how do women show up in my life?

After watching the movie, I was inspired to critically evaluate my own media consumption habits. How are women showing up in my favourite television shows, movies and magazines? Are they being represented in a way that is consistent with my core values? If not, should I reconsider what I watch and read? …AKA do I have to give up my fascination with reality TV in order to be an authentic stand for women in media?

finding a happy-medium

My list of questions grew longer after each conversation I had and I became more and more conflicted. What I did discover, was that I am more inspired by authentic images of woman accomplishing amazing things – like a headstand or PB – than I am by too-thin runway models. There’s a difference between the people I choose to look up to versus what I’m entertained by. Making this simple distinction helped me define where I stood.

representin’ the miss

I realized that as long as I’m educated about the fact that the portrayal of women in the media can be a far cry from reality, than indulging in my guilty pleasures (like an US Weekly for example) isn’t the worst thing I can do. My biggest takeaway: educate and inspire the people around me to be able to make these same types of distinctions.

Interested in seeing the film? Find a screening near you! Side note: some of us here at the Store Support Centre are headed to see Friends With Kids (written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt) tomorrow night. Good company, movie popcorn and a female writer/director – we like it.

The more the merrier – join us! Friday March 23 2012 | Cineplex Odeon, Vancouver, BC | 5:20PM

After running numerous sprints at different speeds for the director with 21 girls auditioning and acting out a scenario, I was one of three chosen to film a running scene with Reese. Before I knew it, I was in a van on my way to the wardrobe trailer, and then hair and make-up. I spent the morning on the set, watching them film another scene on the National Mall.

In the afternoon it was time to film the scene that I was in. There were numerous takes and lots of running. Reese had a body double in case she got tired, but she didn't use her once. She wanted to do all of the running scenes herself. She was having a great time! And so was I. What could be more fun than being paid to run...on a movie set? It was also incredible to have the opportunity to meet her and work with her. She is extremely nice and down to earth.

I spotted plenty of lululemon on the set. In my scene I am wearing Run:Ultra shorts. One of the actresses in the scene is wearing Wonder Under Crops, and I also spotted plenty of Velocity socks.

Perhaps, what struck me most about my experience was observing the cast and crew. They were so passionate about what they were doing. It wasn't just a job to them, they were their jobs. Having a strong sense of passion for something is most important. As of late, I have really let my sense of passion for running guide me, and it has led me to some pretty cool places!