Soap Opera Genre –

Independent Textual Analysis

Name: Joseph EllisonCandidate Number: 6636Center Name: St. Paul’s Catholic CollegeCenter Number: 64770

OCR Media Studies – A2 Level

Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio

Trailer 1 – EastEnders

Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Dialogue, Voiceover, Sound Effects or SoundtrackThroughout the trailer, the image or connotation of the trailer is that Alfie and Kat are going to bring mayhem to the square. The introduction of Alfie and Kat can also link with Richard Dyer ‘Star Image’. Alfie and Kat are reoccurring characters in the soap and their return acts as a star appeal to the long term Eastenders fans who missed the characters and are eager to see them back. The first indication of this, was the use of dialogue used by Ian. Ian is shown to us opening the blinds of a window saying “flipping heck”. This is the first sense of fear being shown by the outside characters apart from Alfie and Kat. The use of dialogue between Alfie and Kat can link back to personal identification, characters can also identify themselves in the dialogue that Kat uses. Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, comes into place, using his level of esteem, consumers that can identify themselves within Kat can gain confidence and self-esteem from the image she portrays in the trailer The voice over in the trailer is the information given to the audience about the channel, date and time EastEnders will be shown. This demonstrates Steve Neale theory of ‘Repeat’ as this is a common feature in a large number of soap drama trailers. It also informs the audience about when and where the show will be broadcasted allow the audience to tune in. A sound effect used in the trailer when Kat clicks her mirror, it sounds similar to that of a gun click, this may suggest that her appearance is her weapon. Lastly, the soundtrack is the EastEnders theme song played at the end of the trailer. Again, using the theory developed by Steve Neale which is ‘Repeat’, adding the original soundtrack of EastEnders is common in soap opera trailers and will also allow the audience to recognise the soundtrack and become aware of the show.

Non-Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Setting, Lighting, Costumes, Facial Expressions and CharactersThe setting or the theme of the trailer is very noticeable. The theme of the trailer is western and the EastEnders trailer portrayed that very successfully. At the very beginning of the trailer the setting shows a run down Albert Square. The Queen Vic is burned down following a previous disaster. In this sequence of the trailer, a paper crosses across the camera, this is similar to that of tumbleweed in the Western films. This also implies a sense of calm before storm. This means something tragic is coming to the square, it is also the connotation that Alfie and Kat are going to bring action to the square. The broken sign which is hanging off its hinges also suggests that a disaster has already taken place. This theme of destruction is repeated throughout the trailer. On the part of the trailer where Alfie is shown to the audience. The lighting is dark therefore covers his face, leaving the audience unaware of his identity. When he steps into the light the audience is giving a sense of suspense as they are left shocked to see Alfie is back in the square. The costumes go with the Western theme, using Maslow’s hierachy of needs and his level of esteem, the audience can develop a likeliness towards Kat and if they find similarities between themselves and the character Kat, they can personally identify themselves which will attract them to the trailer. The facial expressions vary throughout the trailer. In the beginning, Ian and Jane are shown to have scared facial expressions at the sight of Kat returning. Max, Janine and Pat are shown to stop what they are doing. Max stops drinking and Janine and Pat stop laughing, at this point their facial expressions turn serious once they realise Kat is back in the square.

Technical Codes – Comment on the use of Camera Angles, Shot Types and Camera MovementA high angle shot is shown to display the two characters, show them in a stand off position to show that there may be a feud of some sorts in the upcoming episodes of EastEnders. Close ups are used to show the facial expressions of the characters as they are introduced the coming up Kat. A long shot is used to show the audience the after effects of The Queen Vic’s fire. It shows us that a bad event has occurred. A long shot is used to show the character Roxy running away as soon as she realises Kat is in the square. Her action of running away suggests Kat is bringing trouble and that trouble should be avoided. A tracking shot and upward pan is used to unveil Kat to the audience. An over the shoulder shot is used to show Kats dominance and power within this trailer and as the EastEnders soundtrack is used a shot-reverse-shot is used to show the tension between Kat and Alfie.

Trailer 2 – Skins

Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Dialogue, Voiceover, Sound Effects or SoundtrackThere is no use of dialogue in the trailer. A voiceover is used at the end of the trailer to introduce the channel that Skins will premier on. This supports Steve Neale theory of ‘Repeat’ as they commonly use this feature in most soap opera trailer to inform the audience of when and where to tune in, this also is use of Katz theory, Uses and Gratification, the audience has gathered information of when and where the show will run. The sound effects of thunder are used to add drama and suspense to the trailer and also allow the audience to understand that the trailer is dark and in the upcoming series a tragic event may take place. A non – diegetic soundtrack is used in the background of the trailer and throughout the trailer. This can be used to add more feeling to the trailer by making the soundtrack match the pace of the trailer.

Non-Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Setting, Lighting, Costumes, Facial Expressions and CharactersThe setting of the trailer is rather dark. The background is black with the characters in a brighter lighting in contrast to the characters. The dark background which may signify De Saussure, which is any meanings towards the target audience. This connotes that there is darkness within there lives and normal teenagers may be able to relate to this. At the beginning of the trailer they are nude, going back to Adam and Eve times, being nude symbolised innocence, however in this case clothes begin to appear on the characters which could imply the characters have something to hide. Laura Mulvey’s idea of ‘Male Gaze’ also comes into place, the fact the female characters are nude, will stimulate a male audience and make them more intrigued and vise versa as there are also nude male characters which will intrigue a female audience. All facial expressions convey fear or an dark calmness. This could suggest a upcoming event could be approaching and this event will cause harm or fear and this will attract the audience as they will want to know what is going on in the upcoming series.

Technical Codes – Comment on the use of Camera Angles, Shot Types and Camera MovementA high angle shot is used to show characters falling. A low angle shot is used to demonstrate the characters falling in slow motion. Close ups are used show the characters, so we can see their facial expressions. Wide shot shows the surroundings. The darkness around the characters can symbolise an everlasting darkness or characters are the only light in the darkness.

Evaluation of Textual Analysis – Compare and Contrast

Trailer 1) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale)In trailer 1, the strengths are the clear portrayal of the run down Albert Square. They clearly demonstrated that a past event occurred where destruction took place. The burned down Queen Vic and signs hanging off its hinges allowed the audience to understand that a tragic event has happened, therefore reminding them of the past episodes and accessing there memory, also making them more intrigued to know what happens next. The way Alfie and Kat are portrayed in the trailer is also a major strength, the Western theme is used successfully and showed the dominance and power difference between the main characters in that trailer and the outside characters. Using Steve Neale’s theory of ‘Repeat’ I would use different themes for soap trailers. Soap dramas are extremely realistic, therefore making the trailers different from the soap drama itself can add an affect which will make the audience more interested in the soap franchise. For instance, the Western theme will appeal to Western fans, making them interested and willing to tune in into the real episode of the soap opera itself.

Trailer 2) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale)In trailer 2, the non-diegetic soundtrack played throughout the trailer is very fitting. It matches the pace of the trailer and also goes well with the theme of the trailer. Taking this account, I would ‘Repeat’ the use of a appropriate soundtrack for another trailer. Another feature of the trailer which I found was very strong was the breaking of the doll, this ‘signifies’ that future events involve a tragic event and this is conveyed throughout the trailer with the dark theme and soundtrack to go with it.