Soap Opera Genre ndash

Independent Textual Analysis

Name Nikita Da SilvaCandidate Number 6627Center Name St Paulrsquos Catholic CollegeCenter Number 64770

OCR Media Studies ndash A2 Level

Unit G324 Advanced Portfolio

Trailer 1 ndash Kat and Alfie ndash EastEnders

Verbal Codes ndash Throughout this extract the verbal code of dialogue (diegetic-sound) of the characters specifically between Kat and Alfie at the end of the trailer emphasizes that there has been a past relationship between the two characters The non-diegetic sound track that plays through put the trailer is parallel sound as it fits with the lsquowild westrsquo theme of the trailer and shows the build up of tension Moreover the sound of Kat walking in boots emphasizes (diegetic sound) the build up of tension as we await to see the arrival of a new character to the square The voice over (non-diegetic sound) at the end of the clip ldquoItrsquos all kicking off in the squarerdquo connotes that there is conflict and a disequilibrium (Todorov) is going to occur between the two characters as the colloquial tone implies familiarity and a sense of impending conflict

Non-Verbal Codes ndashThere is shown destruction within the the non-verbal code of setting throughout the clip with the first scene of the abandoned pub and the broken sign which connotes Kat as bringing conflict to the soap between family and friends which will have an impact on lsquoFamilyrsquo (Hartley) and an audience who feel that they can personal identification to the inference of the situation (Katz) The paper rolling across the screen at the beginning of the trailer signifies (De Sassaure) lsquocalm before the stormrsquo and that Kat is going to bring about this disequilibrium (Todorov) Their costumes represent them to be cowboys in lsquowild westrsquo theme which signifies (De Sassaure) Alfie as an outlaw and Kat as a sheriff to represent that there is to be a face off or conflict between these two characters (Propp) The close up of the face and the eyes to show the facial expressions emphasizes the tension between the two characters which will create a diversion (Katz) from everyday life for the audience The non-verbal code of lighting on Alfiersquos face shows him to be mysterious and therefore leads the audience to believe there has been a past relationship between these two characters There is repetitive a western theme which is shown through the use of props with Patrick straightening his hat to show he has been disturbed this genre amongst the audience signifies (De Sassaure) conflict between characters and will entice them to watch the series as a diversion (Katz) to escape from everyday life

Technical Codes ndashThe technical code of a long-shot to show the setting of the Queen Victoria Pub signifies (De Sassaure) destruction that Kat has brought to the square Another technical code of an over the shoulder shot signifies Kats power over different figures as Janines face shows worry The upward pan movement to reveal a mid-shot of Kat brings tension to the reveal of who will be a significant character and will reveal who brought around this destruction and conflict within the square The aerial shot to show the face off between Kat and Alfie in a western theme show that there is to be arguments and a disequilibrium (Todorovrsquos) between these two characters and their shadows behind them signify (De Sassaure) that they have a past The Eastenders and BBC One logo is used to promote it An effective technical code of a cowboy shot is used to signify (De Sassaure) that there will be arguments and conflict between these two characters and has once again focused on the western theme of the trailer as symbolism

Trailer 1 ndash Kat and Alfie ndash EastEnders

Verbal Codes ndash Throughout this extract the verbal code of dialogue (diegetic-sound) of the characters specifically between Kat and Alfie at the end of the trailer emphasizes that there has been a past relationship between the two characters The non-diegetic sound track that plays through put the trailer is parallel sound as it fits with the lsquowild westrsquo theme of the trailer and shows the build up of tension Moreover the sound of Kat walking in boots emphasizes (diegetic sound) the build up of tension as we await to see the arrival of a new character to the square The voice over (non-diegetic sound) at the end of the clip ldquoItrsquos all kicking off in the squarerdquo connotes that there is conflict and a disequilibrium (Todorov) is going to occur between the two characters as the colloquial tone implies familiarity and a sense of impending conflict

Non-Verbal Codes ndashThere is shown destruction within the the non-verbal code of setting throughout the clip with the first scene of the abandoned pub and the broken sign which connotes Kat as bringing conflict to the soap between family and friends which will have an impact on lsquoFamilyrsquo (Hartley) and an audience who feel that they can personal identification to the inference of the situation (Katz) The paper rolling across the screen at the beginning of the trailer signifies (De Sassaure) lsquocalm before the stormrsquo and that Kat is going to bring about this disequilibrium (Todorov) Their costumes represent them to be cowboys in lsquowild westrsquo theme which signifies (De Sassaure) Alfie as an outlaw and Kat as a sheriff to represent that there is to be a face off or conflict between these two characters (Propp) The close up of the face and the eyes to show the facial expressions emphasizes the tension between the two characters which will create a diversion (Katz) from everyday life for the audience The non-verbal code of lighting on Alfiersquos face shows him to be mysterious and therefore leads the audience to believe there has been a past relationship between these two characters There is repetitive a western theme which is shown through the use of props with Patrick straightening his hat to show he has been disturbed this genre amongst the audience signifies (De Sassaure) conflict between characters and will entice them to watch the series as a diversion (Katz) to escape from everyday life

Technical Codes ndashThe technical code of a long-shot to show the setting of the Queen Victoria Pub signifies (De Sassaure) destruction that Kat has brought to the square Another technical code of an over the shoulder shot signifies Kats power over different figures as Janines face shows worry The upward pan movement to reveal a mid-shot of Kat brings tension to the reveal of who will be a significant character and will reveal who brought around this destruction and conflict within the square The aerial shot to show the face off between Kat and Alfie in a western theme show that there is to be arguments and a disequilibrium (Todorovrsquos) between these two characters and their shadows behind them signify (De Sassaure) that they have a past The Eastenders and BBC One logo is used to promote it An effective technical code of a cowboy shot is used to signify (De Sassaure) that there will be arguments and conflict between these two characters and has once again focused on the western theme of the trailer as symbolism

Trailer 2 ndash Emmerdale -Judgment Day

Verbal Codes ndash This trailer utilises parallel sound as Cain walks down the street each stride matches the beat (diegetic sound) soundtrack with lyrics that say lsquowhat a wicked game wersquore playing to make me feel this wayrsquo connotes that Cain may be feeling judged As he walks past different characters and they look up and make eye contact there is a lsquoswooshrsquo sound effect which puts emphasis on the tension Cain is feeling The serious tone of the voice over at the end of the trailer entices the audience to watch the soap as it says ldquoEmmerdale next week on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HDrdquo (diegetic sound) This also informs and educates the audience (Katz) as to when to tune in and watch this episode The verbal code of non-diegetic sound of crackling like trying to tune in a radio may signify that Cain needs to lsquotune intorsquo or listen to what people that care about him are saying to try and help And the characters around him are muted out to signify he does not want to listen Non-Verbal Codes ndash Dark lighting in the trailer signifies mystery and disequilibrium (Todorov) As Cain walks down this long road to his judgment there will be danger at the end of the road With different characters looking up and a focus on facial expression as Cain walks down the street a sense of tension is created and gives the audience a diversion (Katz) from their everyday life As Cain walks down the street the other characters are shown to be looking over or down at him which connotes that he is feeling judged ndash which fits to the name of the episode as ldquoJudgement Dayrdquo and therefore the audience are drawn to the soap as they wish to see what Cain has done to be so judged The pub sign lsquoThe wool packrsquo is great symbolism of the soap and signifies the sense of community and Family (Hartley) which is shown swinging and connotes that there might be destruction within the community in the near future Moreover all the characters are wearing dark or black clothing to signify (De Sassaure) that Cain is keeping secrets bottled up and hidden from the outside world due to fear of judgment This therefore creates anticipation amongst the audience as they want this mystery to be revealed

Technical Codes ndash There is an aerial shot over Cain walking which is followed by a pan to look at the dark setting in which signifies mystery to the audience A tracking shot follows Cain as he walks down the road signifies that the storyline is focused around him This is furthermore shown through a shot-reverse shot which always goes back to Cain and therefore shows that there is tension between Cain and these characters The slow movement emphasizes the tension and to show that Cain is being watched over and therefore making him feel judged And in accordance with Maslows hierarchy care givers may feel sympathy and will want to make sure Cain doesnrsquot feel isolated and against the rest of the world The high angle shot over Cain showing his shadow connotes that he is being followed and this foreshadows the end of the scene where Cain is being followed and a shadow appears behind him A shot reverse shot always going back to Cain is used in order to show Cain as the key individual in this storylinescene causing the audience to think and debate about what may happen in this upcoming episode and therefore creating suspense

Trailer 3 ndash Meadows end

Verbal codes- The opening scene in this extract features diegetic sound of swinging swings which sound eerie and mysterious and therefore connotes that the storyline contains mystery which therefore entices the audience into further watching of the trailer Non-diegetic sound in the background of the soundtrack lsquoWildest dreamsrsquo is parallel to the storyline and is used to symbolize where your dreams become reality The non-diegetic sound of the heart beat in the background builds tension and signifies (De Sassaure) the intensity of the scene as well as foreshadows disequilibrium (Todorov) The non-diegetic voice over at the end ldquoMeadows End coming soon to BBC 2 and BBC 2 HDrdquo informs and educates (Katz) the audience as to when this episode will be on and therefore will create increased popularity of the soap Non-Verbal codes- This extract uses dark lighting as well as faded colours to represent that it is out of reality and in someonersquos dreams which relates to the title where dreams become reality and creates diversion (Katz) for audiences as they are able to take a step put of reality and into a dream This also connotes that there is a disequilibrium (Todorov) The dark clothing and hooded figure shows them as someone who is hiding their identity and do not wish for people to know their secrets as they are hiding from the rest of the world This may be seen to be a mysterious person with much focus There is a focus on the facial expressions on the couple as they get married showing them to be happy which in accordance with Maslowrsquos hierarchy conveys love and belonging and will therefore appeal to families Through the use of props such as a knife it signifies (De Sassaure) danger to the audience and that there is to be conflict amongst characters this is effectively used to captivate the audienceTechnical codes- Long shots through out this extract are used to show scenery such as the long shot of the pub which is shown to be a community setting and therefore in accordance to Hartleyrsquos 7 subjectivities will attract families The is a close up of hands on the steering wheel tapping to suggest that they are waiting for someone and suggest they are to do something bad There is a pan shot following the girl showing her to be a focus in the storyline as it is seen from his point of view as if he is watching her The over the shoulder shot then shows that he is following her and therefore signifies (De Sassaure) that he is in a position of power over her The technical code of point of view makes the audience feel as if they are apart of the scene and creates a diversion (Katz) for the audience as they can now indulge themselves in this scene

Trailer 4 ndash Skins series 5

Verbal codes- The verbal code of the non-diegetic soundtrack in the background ndash Arcade fire lsquoReady to startrsquo The lyrics that go ldquostep out into the darkrdquo signify that there may be troubles in their journey into the future The non-diegetic parallel sound to the sound track is slow at the beginning as the characters fall slowly and then as the characters start to fall faster the music starts to build up speed The diegetic sound of sound effects such as the belt tightening clothes being put on wind blowing all makes the audience feel as if they are apart of the scene which gives them a diversion (Katz) from their everyday lives as they escape reality and become apart of the scene The last verbal code of a voice over educates and informs (Katz) the audience ldquoSkins brand new series coming soonrdquo The sound of the doll as it hits the ground and breaks signifies that the characters are close to breaking point and the audience may be able to relate (Katz) with the familiar situations that characters are inNon-Verbal codes- The non-verbal code of costumes in this extract is very symbolic as the characters are initially shown nude and unclothed to signify innocence and nothing to hide as they bare all However on their journey into adulthood they become clothed as they fall to cover up and hide insecurities and troubles Another non-verbal code of dark lighting connotes that there is darkness which signifies troubles in their life This may signify that the characters have fallen in too deep to their troubles that they are unable to pull themselves back out of that darkness The characters are then shown in bright lighting to show them to be a focus of the scene in contrast to the dark background (standout) From this the audience may connote that there may a light at the end of all their troubles and so will reassure Maslowrsquos caregivers that the characters will make it through Through the non-verbal code of facial expressions characters convey fear as they fall signifying that they fear what lies ahead in their journey and the troubles they may face The significant use of props within this trailer with a doll smashing which is used in order to signify (De Sassaure) destruction as the characters fall and break to show that the situations will break them Technical codes- The technical code of close ups focus on facial expressions to show the emotion and fear of the characters and may signify that as they fall further into the darkness they are unable to escape their troubles A wide shot has also been used to show the setting of the scene which shows them falling in order to signify they are on a journey The use of a high angle shot puts the audience in a position as if they are looking down on the action and apart of the wider picture and therefore creates a diversion (Katz) which lets them escape from reality The slow motion falling of the characters is parallel with the music shows a less excessive force as the characters fall signifies (De Sassaure) that they may not be able to control situations in their life

Evaluation of Textual Analysis ndash Compare and Contrast

Trailer 1) ndash Areas of Strength and what you would lsquorepeatrsquo (Steve Neale)In this trailer there has been a series of technical codes that has been effectively used in order to represent what a character may bring into the soap such as the over the shoulder shot to signify Kats power in the square It is definitely an area of strength so I would repeat (Steve Neale) in my own soap opera trailer This trailer focuses on the symbolism of a wild west theme through the use of verbal non-verbal and technical codes which greatly intrigues the audience I wish to repeat (Steve Neale) this convention of symbolism within my own trailer to make it creative As in accordance with the BBCrsquos values I wish to use the verbal code of a voice over in order to inform and educate (Katz) my audience Trailer 2) ndash Areas of Strength and what you would lsquorepeatrsquo (Steve Neale)In this trailer they have used music which is parallel to the scene and the lyrics go with the storyline and this is something I would repeat (Steve Neale) in my own soap opera The dark lighting and clothing that connotes disequilibrium (Todorov) and signifies mystery is a great effect to set an atmosphere to the audience and I feel would work well within my own trailer This effect of disequilibrium (Todorov) in accordance with Maslowrsquos Hierarchy will appeal to caregivers as they will want to be ensured that the characters are not in any harm And is therefore a convention I wish to repeatTrailer 3)- Areas of Strength and what you would lsquorepeatrsquo (Steve Neale)Through looking at this exemplar trailer I can see it has effectively used non-verbal codes to symbolize that their trailer is out of reality and in a dream through the use of dark lighting and is therefore something I wish to repeat within my own trailer in order to create an effect of Disequilibrium (Todorov) Moreover through the use of non-verbal codes of props they are able to entice the audience through signifying danger which I wish to fulfill in my own trailer This will allow the audience to take a step out of reality as a diversion (Katz) from everyday life

Trailer 4)- Areas of Strength and what you would lsquorepeatrsquo (Steve Neale)In this trailer the non-verbal codes of costume is effectively used to show symbolism in order to represent change into adulthood in which the target audience of teenagers can personally identify (Katz) with and this is something I wish to repeat (Steve Neale) in my own trailer as my trailer is also targeted at a younger audience ndash as skins is I have used this trailer to look at what in this trailer makes it so effective in appealing to an audience of a younger age despite it being a TV drama

• Slide 1
• Slide 2
• Slide 3
• Trailer 3 ndash Meadows end
• Trailer 4 ndash Skins series 5
• Slide 6