My idea for this poster is to include a house from the area where our soap will be set belonging to one of the main characters. It reflects the wealth and glamorous lifestyle of the characters involved. It is simple yet effective as it will add a sense of mysteriousness and can entice people to want to watch the soap. I have included the soap name, channel and show times so it gives information to the audience as well. This poster is mostly visual.
My idea for this poster is to include the three bitchy girls from our soap posing against a nice background. It will give the potential viewer an insight into the types of characters they could expect to see in the soap. Also, how the characters would be dressed will show the glamorous and sophisticated theme of the soap opera. I have included a tag line at the bottom of the poster to make the audience question what they can expect to see in the soap and how problems still occur in high class lifestyles. The soap name, channel and show timings have also been included.
The masthead of the magazine is very different and would be eye catching on the shelves. It inlcudes all of the different things which a magazine needs. The layout of the magazine is simple which would make it clear to the reader from afar what the magazine includes.
Negatives
There isn't much down the left third of the magazine which could make it less effective. It could come across as too simple and not include enough about the soap on it.
Magazine 2
Positives
The masthead is very attractive and would allow the possible audience to know that it is a television magazine straigh away. It includes a lot of items down the left third and this will help it to stand out on the shelf. It includes a lot of imformation about the soap on it and it is spaced out and not cluttered.
Negatives
When we come to create the magazine the masthead may be too cartoon and make it look less professional. The price hasne been included on the left third which could affect selling costs. There might be too many images included and make it look busy.
As part of this project a poster also, needs to be created for our new soap. By researching different posters it has enabled me to gain knowledge and ideas for our own one. It also, shows how simple yet effective a poster can be.
I have analysed two magazine covers. This will help me to know what to include on my groups magazine cover and how to make it look realistic. Also, it will help generate ideas for possible designs and other cover lines to include.
Here is a mindmap of my initial ideas for our soap opera trailer. From this my group and I will come together and share our ideas to start planning our trailer.
This is a billboard poster for Hollyoaks which was shown in London underground tube stations. It is a very big, bold and intriguing poster, which intices the viewers as to what is going to happen. The characters are shown to be on fire which can suggest that maybe there will be a fire that they may get caught it. The colours of orange and red connote death and danger implying that something big is going to happen in the soap. A real sense of mystery has been used that would have attracted a new audience and kept its loyal audience in intrpedation of what is going to happen. The channel, soap name and timings have been added to the poster to inform the audience. It is a very simple and eye catching advert for the soap that is very effective towards the audience.
This is a soap opera trailer from previous media studies students of Chelmer Valley.
Analysis
There is non-digetic background music throughout the whole piece which adds drama and makes the trailer come together as one. The music fades out at the end and this is good as it comes to a nice finish and isn't abrupt. No digetic speech has been used between the characters, even though this isn't necessary it would help to understand and reinforce the plot a bit more.
The mise en scene is good as it helps with the setting of the soap. The sofa and coffee table shows that some of the soap will be based around a domestic setting which is very conventional within soap operas. The sofa is bright purple and this colour can connote wealth and upper class which could reflect the wealth of the characters. The main female character is also wearing purple and this colour can also connote homosexuality and this would reinforce her storyline. The setting of the car in the forest adds mystery and the alcohol bottles, shoes and phone show that something bad may have happened there. This helps to entice the audience into wanting to view the soap.
At the beginning of the trailer a two shot close up of the two female characters in the car show how they are going to be the main characters within the trailer and the soap opera. The close up helps to show the intimacy between the characters and helps to get their feelings across. A long shot is used to show the couple and it also shows their surroundings which reinforces the domestic setting. A high angle shot of the body is used near the end of the trailer and only the arm of the character is shown and not their face so, as an audience we do not know who they are and this adds mystery to the piece. A mid shot has been used to show the petrol scene, dark lighting has also been used in this scene and this makes it sinister and holds mystery over who the criminal is.
Many jump cuts have been used within the trailer and this helps to make it quick and exciting. However, sometimes they are too quick leaving the shots to be cut off. A fade to black has been used before introducing some of the titles, this works well as it comes just after the main female character so as, an audience it gives us the understanding that she will be the character who causes trouble. A fade to black has also been used at the end of the trailer which gives it a nice finish for the titles to follow. The titles within the piece help to understand the plot and at the end they give information about the soap. However, I feel that they could use a voice over to read them to add something to the piece.
Strengths:
This trailer is good as it gives the audience an insight into what story lines they can expect to see within the new soap. It shows multiple characters and possible relationships from the soap. The trailer uses mystery at the end to entice the audience when a character is shown to have collapsed , maybe due to drugs, but the audience do not see the face or know the circumstances to the situation. Also, they have followed the conventions of trailers by revealing the name of the soap and the timings information at the end of the trailer and music has been used throughout with only a bit of dialogue which is also, a key convention in soap opera trailers. A good range of shots have been used especially the two shot in the car. Also, when the character is on the floor the framing of the shot is good as they are not revealed to the audience.
Weaknesses:
As the trailer is for a new Soap Opera it could maybe show more characters and settings which, the audience can expect to see. The trailer shows a big storyline and as this is for a new soap it does entice the audience however, they could save this as a trailer to be shown a few weeks after the soap has started and focus more on showing the audience different characters, relationships, families and settings/locations.
Analysis
Within the trailer non digetic background music has been used throughout. A good choice of music has been used which adds drama to the piece. However, the music kept cutting out quite abruptly which interrupted its continuity maybe it could have been faded out o made quiet in the background. The digetic speech helped to understand the plot and characters but at times it was quiet against the background music so, the sound volumes could have been looked at more when creating this piece.
The couple have been shown in a domestic setting along with other characters and this is a generic convention of soap opera. Also, a pub has been shown which is another generic convention. It helps to show the types of locations which may be involved in the soap. The curtains are closed and the lighting is dim and dark in the photograph scene. This makes it come across as quite sinister and shows that maybe the character might be a baddy. This character is wearing dark clothing and this gives off the connotations of death and danger. These can be hints to a possible dramatic storyline.
Throughout the trailer titles are used showing single words which relate to the different plots within the trailer, this is good as it makes them extra clear to the audience. Also, at the end of the trailer titles have been used to show the name of the soap and informat
The trailer opens with a long shot of a couple in a living room. This is good as it shows a setting for the soap and we can see that the couple are together. It could also mean that as they are on their own they are central characters to the soap as a whole or the main storyline. In the next scene a close up has been used to show a photo of the main female character and from this we can see how the storyline is going to evolve. A mid shot has been used to show the three characters at a party and they are all holding alcohol which can show their ages or that they are going against the rules, they are all positioned close to each other so the audience can tell that they are all friends. A low angle has been used to show someone walking into the house part scene. We are not shown any other features of the character which leads to mystery of whom they may be and as this is a distinctive shot it can show that they are going to cause trouble. In the framing at the end of the piece the characters dads head gets cut out of the frame it would have been good to have seen the whole character.
Strengths
This trailer has involved a good use of different generic soap opera characters all with a different storyline. The titles which have been used to go along with the trailer match the story lines and show the audience the different themes they may expect to occur throughout the soap opera. The settings and locations used are good and follow the generic conventions of soap operas. The close up of the photograph is good as it lets us see that it is actually another character who is involved in the soap.
Weaknesses
This trailer involves quite a few jump cuts and at times it can make the trailer become a bit fragmented. Also, in some parts the framing cuts off the characters head. The lighting is quite dim which makes it unclear at times but it is good in some scenes. The background music used is good and fits with the soap opera however, sometimes when it stops it can come across as a bit abrupt. A lot of story lines have been shown within this trailer and maybe it would have been better to leave some mystery to the audience.
Here, I have noted down the timings when different soap opera trailers have been shown throughout the day. From this research I have gathered that the trailers are generally shown half an hour before the soap is aired, on the channel that the soap is on. The Hollyoaks trailers are shown much earlier than others and this can reflect the target audience. Many young people watch the programme and it would mark the prime time for teenagers/young adults to be watching the television. The other trailers are shown later in the evening on prime time TV which is between 7pm-9pm. The target audiences for Emmerdale, Eastenders and Coronation Street would be prime time television viewers approximately aged 25+ who are settling down after a long day of work and the older generation who enjoy watching the soaps. They will mainly want some easy watching television with exciting story lines. The time of the adverts correspond with the programme so the potential viewers will be able to see it before and after the actual soap is aired.
From this research we will have to apply the findings to our trailer. Depending on when the soap is going to be shown the trailer will be shown in the half hour time period before the soap is aired. As, we are wanting our soap to be targeted at a younger demographic audience we could also, show our trailer earlier as well, like when the Hollyoaks trailers are shown to make sure we grab the attention of our potential target audience as we know that many younger people view the TV at an earlier time.
Hollyoaks have used this trailer to introduce new characters that will be entering the soap shortly. By doing this they are able to attract new viewers and inform regular viewers of what is going to happen. It allows the audience a quick insight into the new characters personalities.
The trailer has been set in the studio, behind the scenes,where the actors would prepare for the soap. The characters appear to be getting ready for a photo shoot and have a very glamorous look about them which contrasts with the basic studio. This can show how they are wanting to impress the new characters. When the new characters enter they are also dressed to impress and the glamour of both new and old characters show how they are alike and will merge into the soap. By using a plain backdrop for the trailer it allows the characters costumes and personalities to really shine through.
The old characters appear to have been taken back by the new ones and how domineering they appear to be. The contrast of the new characters standing up and the old sitting down show levels of importance and how the new characters appear to have been given power. Low angle shots have been used to show the new characters and high angle shots have been used to show the present ones. This can reinforce how the new characters have already made their mark and how they are more dominant. This may give a hint of how this may also come across in the soap.
Male gaze theory has been used throughout the trailer. It shows how the male characters view the old characters in the same way as the new. This can show tension and how it may lead to jealousy within the soap. The shot reverse shots show how the new characters may become involved with the old characters. It can even show possible relationships through the reactions. A low angle long shot is used when the new characters enter and this has allowed the audience to see the look of the new characters and their styles. Also, it can show of how the new characters are looking up to them again reinforcing the new characters dominance.
An open narrative has been used for this trailer. It has been set up a bit like a stand off between the new and old characters. They have used the start of Todorov and how at the moment the characters are at equilibrium but how the new characters may cause a bit of disruption to the soap and with their new story lines and characters. At the end of the trailer it shows the characters posing together for a photo shoot and this shows how the old characters are accepting the new and how they will emerge into the soap.
Jump shots hace been used throughout the trailer. This makes the trailer quick like it should be and makes it exciting. By having the quick shots the audience get a quick snippet of all the charcaters involved. These quick shots cotrast with the final shot where all the characters have come together and are still for the photo.
Background music has been used throughout the trailer and stays the same all the way through even when the new characters appear showing how they are now becoming one team. At the end of the trailer there are titles that say 'Check out the new talent'. Here the producers are trying to engage regular and new viewers and also telling the audience the purpose of the trailer and how they are showing upcoming characters. Right at the very end of the trailer more titles have been used and the information of the show appears, telling the viewer the channel, the time and sponsors.
Coronation Street have used this trailer to show an exciting upcoming storyline that will have impact on the street. By doing this they have been able to attract new viewers and alert present viewers of what is going to be happening in the soap.
The trailer has used a mixture of interior and exterior settings including some of the main locations in the soap. These include the pub, cafe and factory which allows the audience to see how this storyline will have an impact throughout all of the street. Dark lighting has been used through the trailer which can connote that something mysterious and sinister is going to happen. The characters are dressed in colours which connote death. The villain is dressed in black, and the victims dressed in red and black. However, one of the victims is wearing green/blue which can connote hope. Revealing that there might be a twist in the story.
Digetic and non-digetic sound has been used in the trailer. Digetic snippets from the episodes have been used to piece together a small section of the storyline which, hints to the audience what is going to happen. There is a voice over at the end of the trailer which gives the themes of the special episodes and also tells the audience information about the show i.e when it will be shown and what channel. The titles also correspond with the voice over as a visual aid to the trailer.
Mid shots have been used throughout the trailer to show relationships which, may be ruined as a result of this event. A panning reveal shot of the Villain has been used to add mystery and makes the audience question if he is the villain. At the end of the trailer a close up has been used of each character who is involved in the situation one by one. The villain has been shown last and this shows that he is in the centre of the situation and is the one causing all of the chaos. By using close ups it allows the viewers to see the emotions that the characters are feeling.
Jump shots have been used throughout the trailer. After each different shot of the different characters it jumps back to the criminal. This shows how the villain will have an effect on each character.
An open narrative has been used for this trailer and some aspects of the theories of Todorov and Vladamir Propp have also been used. The disruption part from Todorov has been shown and mainly the villain has be shown from Propp's theory. From the trailer the audience can see that the return of an old character is going to cause chaos for the street.
Throughout the trailer the ITV1 logo is shown in the corner to remind the audience what channel the soap is shown on and then again at the end it appears along with the soap name and the times when the special episodes will be shown.
Eastenders have also used this trailer, like Coronation Street, to advertise an exciting upcoming storyline. From this they will be able to attract new viewers, keep regular viewers entertained and show what types of narratives that they have on offer.
This trailer has used interior settings including one of the most significant locations on the square, the Queen Vic. It is shown to be set on fire and reluctantly burn down. By doing this the producers have been able to let the audience ponder what effect that this major storyline is going to have on the soap as one of the main social points is going to be ruined. Having the Vic go on fire has been able to make it into a major storyline as it isn't just a general house fire. The lighting is dim and connotes danger and also doesn't make what is happening completely clear to the audience so, they have not given away the entire storyline.
Digetic and Non-digetic sound has been used. Many sounds have been used at the same time which adds to the chaotic atmosphere. The digetic screaming and arguing adds to the fragmented narrative and adds to the chaos. By making the trailer fragmented and chaotic it does not give away to the audience the complete storyline and keeps them in suspense of what is going to happen. Aspects from the theory of Todorov have been used which, is the equilibrium and then disruption part.
A mixture of shots have been used throughout the piece. The close-up shots show the pure emotions on the characters faces and their reactions to the chaos. The long shots show how the disruption escalates and reinforces the intensity of the scene. The Vic is the focal point of many of the shots and this can reinforce its importance and central point to the square.
At the beginning of the trailer many fade to blacks have been used between the different locations. As the story line builds up more jump shots are used which speed up the trailer and blds on the dramatic effect.
From analysing these episodes I have been able to see the types of characters, locations and plot lines used in a soap opera. This will enable my group and I to come together and discuss possible narrative ideas for our soap opera. We can also identify the generic conventions and combine them within or trailer.
Here I have watched a range of soap operas and noted down specific things from the piece. By doing this I am able to compare different soaps and look for similarities and differences. Many of the soaps include the same type of charcaters and very similar storylines. The soap Hollyoaks is slightly different to the other soaps because it is aimed at a younger audience however, it still includes the same conventions as the main soaps. By doing this task it has enabled me to see the variety of characters, settings and storylines included within a soap opera. From this it will help generate ideas for when we come to plan our actual trailer and the different things we can include. I am able to see what storylines and charcaters have already been used so, when it comes to the trailer as a group we can expand on the ideas or this can also help us to come up with an idea which has not already been covered.
The purpose of a trailer is to promote and advertise something before it is released. In this case, Soap Operas use trailers to promote and advertise exciting new storylines, new characters, old charcaters return and also to promote a new upcoming Soap. A trailer can inform the audience of these things and also, attract potential new viewers. By doing this the programme has created a marketing product for their soap which can create exciting interest that can intice new viewers. The Soap company will aim to show their trailers at prime time so that it will be seen by a large audience and have a bigger imapct on their viewers. This is in the evenings before the watershed. The demographic groupings of the sudience that would watch these trailers are people from the demographic groups B and below.
Eastenders have used this trailer to show the return of two characters. In this trailer they have not given away any storyline but just used an extremely creative and mysterious trailer. They have used the iconic Western theme to structure the trailer and by doing this they have emphaised that the charcaters will make a big impact on the soap and its creativeness will attract a wide audience.
Here, I have presented the specific knowledge that I have on the soap Hollyoaks. This soap is different to other soaps e.g. Eastenders and Corinations street, as it is targeted at a more select younger audience. It still includes the typical sterotypes for example, the bad boy and the busy body. The story lines include a much younger cast but it still includes many family situations and dilemmas.
Here is all the basic knowledge that I know about soap operas before I have began any further deatailed research into the media text. Throughout this unit I hope to widen my knowledge about Soap Operas and be able to create an effective new Soap Opera trailer. By completeing this task I have been able to make the conclusions that in every soap opera a pub appears to be a place of social interest and socialising. Also, they are very family orientated and each family portrays a stereotype of modern families.
