For our own soap opera trailer i think it is important to come up with an idea for a soap that is different from others and sets it apart. I think the story lines should be dramatic but realistic but most important i think the main focus should be the characters and their own stories and lives.
Character;
I think it is important for every soap to have a central family. this is something you find a lot in soaps and makes you feel like you know them more and you become a part of their family. It is important to create characters that are easy to relate to and people that audiences will like but also it is equally vital to create the villains that people are going to love to hate. The people that will feature in the trailer should be the character that have the major storyline and should be some of the central ones. To keep it interesting we will have to show someone causing a disruption to show audiences that something is going to happen and to make them not want to miss it. I think that focusing more on characters than anything else will benefit us as the characters are the ones that the audiences wither relate or feel hate towards. They are the people you have to watch so its vital that good actors are found to carry off different roles
Storyline;
I think keeping to typical soap story lines is something we should consider as it is what people are used to and they may not want to be diverted from what they are used to. However we should think of ways to make it different from the rest but still keep the basics. For the trailer to be interesting we will need to show an issue arising or some sort of conflict or crime. This provokes excitement and engages the audiences in the main plot of the soap making them want to watch it. The trailer will be showing the audience what the soap it like so its important for us to show a hard hitting storyline that's going to effect them. This could be done in a emotional way by creating a plot that makes audiences feel sympathy. Story lines like this could be ones like a loss in the family, an illness etc. I think for our trailer we need to show something more gripping that's going to set it off and make its mark and we could do this by focusing on the characters personal lives and discovering truths about them and finding out who they really are.
Setting;
It could be a good idea to set it around home life which would mean we could set it in a small town with a close community. This would give us chance to show off the characters and what they are about and the relationships between them. Another idea would be to have it set in different settings which is something not often done in soaps. These people would not have to live down the same street but could be linked in other ways apart from where they live. Another suggestion could be a city based setting and could focus around the characters working lives. A problem with this is that audiences may not be able to relate as much if they do not see as much of their personal lives but it could still be make interesting. Where ever it is set i think its important for the character to be linked in some way and the setting should come across and be shown clearly in the trailer to give the audiences an insight as to what their surroundings are like and will give them an idea as to twat the soap itself may be like.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Initial notes on soap opera poster
Soap opera posters are used to notify audiences of upcoming storylines or special episodes. They draw in audiences by making the poster stand out so people will want to watch the soap or that particular episode. In this case the poster of the soap Neighbours is making apparent that the soap is moving channel. It lets the audience know that the soap will still remain the same but it will just be on a different channel.
The slogan for this poster seems to be 'Same Ramsay Street, New Home'. This line is what makes it clear that they are not changing the soap but the channel it is on and notifies which channel that is.
The colours used draw in audiences as you get the feel that the mood is cheerful and that happy. The clothing of the characters all consists of bright colours which connote happiness and a sense of a new beginning, in this case on a different channel. It is set outside next to the street sign with houses in the background. This is to make it clear that they are still in the same Ramsay Street before and that is not what is going to change. The poster makes the change in channel look as though it is for the better as all the characters and smiling and are happy.
The slogan for this poster seems to be 'Same Ramsay Street, New Home'. This line is what makes it clear that they are not changing the soap but the channel it is on and notifies which channel that is.
The colours used draw in audiences as you get the feel that the mood is cheerful and that happy. The clothing of the characters all consists of bright colours which connote happiness and a sense of a new beginning, in this case on a different channel. It is set outside next to the street sign with houses in the background. This is to make it clear that they are still in the same Ramsay Street before and that is not what is going to change. The poster makes the change in channel look as though it is for the better as all the characters and smiling and are happy.
Initial notes on soap opera magazine
Soap opera magazines usually show a main story on the cover with a shocking headline which makes readers want to buy and read more. They give special insight to what is to come in soaps and give you sneak preview of images from the set of an episode that has not yet been shown.
On the front cover of the magazine 'We love telly' the part that stands out the most is the main headline of Alfie and Kat Moon from Eastenders. The way characters are shown on the front cover usually forecasts the mood between them whether they are happy or at war. In this one the two characters appear in love and happy as they are smiling and faces touching. The main word that stands out is 'PREGNANT!' which is written in bold capitals with an exclamation mark. This is the word that reader will see first and for people interested in those character it will appeal to them as they will want to find out more.
Other words that are used on this cover include ones like 'Shock' which lets you know that this was not something that was expected. Another part of the cover at the bottom shows a smaller image from Coronation Street. This image was taken from filming and it something that will be shown in the actual episode. It shows two males character, one being hit with a baseball bat and another who is the one doing it. This image makes readers want to see what happens to that character as the title is 'Corrie's Tyrone gets a beating' which is also in capitals. The urgency of the title makes you think it is serious and for readers they will want to look inside to see more as all you can see is that one image.
The colours used on the front are quite bright and stand out. Especially the main story or Kat and Alfie. They are wearing bright clothing which suggests their happiness. The sub titles are bright yellow which stands out a lot. This is to draw you into the heading and make you want to read it. Nearly all of the texts is in capitals and a lot of exclamation marks are used to make it all seem so shocking and like this is all urgent news that people should know about. This is what makes it seem so engaging and why people will want to buy it and read on.
On the front cover of the magazine 'We love telly' the part that stands out the most is the main headline of Alfie and Kat Moon from Eastenders. The way characters are shown on the front cover usually forecasts the mood between them whether they are happy or at war. In this one the two characters appear in love and happy as they are smiling and faces touching. The main word that stands out is 'PREGNANT!' which is written in bold capitals with an exclamation mark. This is the word that reader will see first and for people interested in those character it will appeal to them as they will want to find out more.
Other words that are used on this cover include ones like 'Shock' which lets you know that this was not something that was expected. Another part of the cover at the bottom shows a smaller image from Coronation Street. This image was taken from filming and it something that will be shown in the actual episode. It shows two males character, one being hit with a baseball bat and another who is the one doing it. This image makes readers want to see what happens to that character as the title is 'Corrie's Tyrone gets a beating' which is also in capitals. The urgency of the title makes you think it is serious and for readers they will want to look inside to see more as all you can see is that one image.
The colours used on the front are quite bright and stand out. Especially the main story or Kat and Alfie. They are wearing bright clothing which suggests their happiness. The sub titles are bright yellow which stands out a lot. This is to draw you into the heading and make you want to read it. Nearly all of the texts is in capitals and a lot of exclamation marks are used to make it all seem so shocking and like this is all urgent news that people should know about. This is what makes it seem so engaging and why people will want to buy it and read on.
Past students soap opera trailers
Avenue Springs
This is a soap opera trailer created by the media studies A2 students from two years ago.
Mise;
-The dark clothing worn by the two males connotes a disruption and suggests they are going to be characters that will not be liked and have a sense of danger about them.
- It begins with very dark lighting in a bedroom which immediately sets the mood as some that is quite eerie and mysterious.
- The props that are used also signify danger as in the beginning a still shot of some medication that has been left is shown which leaves you wondering why it is there and what it is for.
Sound;
- I think the non diegetic music that is played throughout the trailer sets the mood perfectly as you suspect something is going on and it makes you feel quite tense and on edge as it begins quite low pitch but gradually gets higher.
- A voice over is used to state the name of the soap and the time it is on. The voice does not disengage you and it matches the mood and reflects the kind of atmosphere you can expect from the soap.
- It ends with a female asking the question to someone on the phone 'Is it done?'. This makes the audience wonder that 'it' is and if she is up to something. It is a good way to leave it as a cliffhanger as this makes you want to find out what will happen next.
Titles;
I like the idea of the titles used in between shots that say 'What if?' etc. I think the way they appear could have been make to look slightly better to fit with the mood. I think if it gradually appeared or faded in the effect would have been better as sometimes continuity is lost as some titles appear at a quicker speed than others. However the way the title of the soap fades in is a lot better and the font used works well. It is also good that they show the time but they do not state the name of a channel which is something that is vital.
Camera Angles;
I think the low angle shot works well on the person entering the room at the beginning as the focus is on that person and what they are about to do. It makes them appear as trouble and the seem intimidating not only as he is covered by a hood but also the way the camera is positioned. also the close up of the girl in the car works well as even though its from the side and you can not really see her face you can still tell she is important as the camera is focused on her and not whats around her.
Editing;
The panning shot used to follow the car driving past as it shows that they are up to no good and that something is going on involving the car which is later revealed. I think the use of the transition fade to black if effective but is used quite a lot. I like the effect of wanting to know that is happening during the fade to black and think that the continuity between them matches well. The use it a lot when doing match on action which makes it appear more continuous as it runs smoother. I think the continuity is lost slightly at the beginning when the male is entering the room. it cuts back and forth 3 times and the third time it does not match as he appears further back than the time before but other than this it is done well.
Overall i think the way the built up an atmosphere in the trailer was really engaging as the darkness of it all made you feel on edge and the cliffhanger at the end leaves you wanting to see more which is something that is vital in soap trailers. Although some improvements could have been made to the titles and continuity i think the way they used a wide range of camera angels and the way they thought in depth about their mise paid off and it shows in the trailer.
Soap opera trailer analysis
Eastenders Christmas Trailer
Sound;
-For the first half of the trailer a happy traditional Christmas song is used to show the happiness of the families at Christmas opening presents and eating dinner all together as a family. The song is also used as a juxtaposition as after the happiness it shows the tragedy and unhappiness that is happening to the Mitchell's on Christmas. This now makes the initial non-diegetic soundtrack seem rather eerie.
- There is also the non-diegetic voice over of the narrator who puts the main focus on the line 'Whos the daddy?' to show that this is the current storyline.
- The typical Eastenders theme tune comes in at the end
- A dramatic silence after the intense question which changes the mood.
Narrative;
This trailer is an open narrative as it leaves it on a cliffhanger as you know that it will continue in the episode. It also uses Todorovs theory but only shows the first two stages of disruption but does not yet show the repair as it wants to leave the audience wondering whats going to happen before a state of equilibrium returns. It also used forking path and fractured narratives as it shows the happiness of other families and what they are doing at the same time but the difference in each of their days.
Titles;
-The titles 'BBC One' shown throughout the whole trailer to show what channel it was being shown on
- The name of the soap appears at the end of the trailer
Camera Angles;
In the trailer there are a lot of mid shots to show what the characters are doing and shows them sitting at the table together but when its starts to get more intense a close up is used. This shows the seriousness of the situation and reveals the destruction on the characters faces after the revelation. There are also 2 shots used that shows the closeness of the families and their friends but also used at the end to show things have turned around.
Mise;
- Dark clothing connotes a disruption ahead
- Lighting changes from being bright to then switching to a more dull contrast of black and white when Sean reveals the DNA results. This creates a sombre atmosphere.
- Christmas lights juxtapose with the distress happening around it.
- All the shots are interior nothing is shown outside. Inside usually represents safety but in this case they are still not protected from bad news
Emmerdale Trailer
Titles;
- The titles appear at the end of the trailer
- The name of the soap stands out the most as it is highlighted in white to stand out against the black background.
- ‘Judgment day is coming’ is placed underneath the name of the soap. This gives the audience a hint of what to expect in the upcoming plot.
Hollyoaks Trailer
Sound;
-For the first half of the trailer a happy traditional Christmas song is used to show the happiness of the families at Christmas opening presents and eating dinner all together as a family. The song is also used as a juxtaposition as after the happiness it shows the tragedy and unhappiness that is happening to the Mitchell's on Christmas. This now makes the initial non-diegetic soundtrack seem rather eerie.
- There is also the non-diegetic voice over of the narrator who puts the main focus on the line 'Whos the daddy?' to show that this is the current storyline.
- The typical Eastenders theme tune comes in at the end
- A dramatic silence after the intense question which changes the mood.
Narrative;
This trailer is an open narrative as it leaves it on a cliffhanger as you know that it will continue in the episode. It also uses Todorovs theory but only shows the first two stages of disruption but does not yet show the repair as it wants to leave the audience wondering whats going to happen before a state of equilibrium returns. It also used forking path and fractured narratives as it shows the happiness of other families and what they are doing at the same time but the difference in each of their days.
Titles;
-The titles 'BBC One' shown throughout the whole trailer to show what channel it was being shown on
- The name of the soap appears at the end of the trailer
Camera Angles;
In the trailer there are a lot of mid shots to show what the characters are doing and shows them sitting at the table together but when its starts to get more intense a close up is used. This shows the seriousness of the situation and reveals the destruction on the characters faces after the revelation. There are also 2 shots used that shows the closeness of the families and their friends but also used at the end to show things have turned around.
Mise;
- Dark clothing connotes a disruption ahead
- Lighting changes from being bright to then switching to a more dull contrast of black and white when Sean reveals the DNA results. This creates a sombre atmosphere.
- Christmas lights juxtapose with the distress happening around it.
- All the shots are interior nothing is shown outside. Inside usually represents safety but in this case they are still not protected from bad news
Emmerdale Trailer
Sound;
- Slow, dreary non-diegetic music is being played over the top of the whole trailer. This sets the mood immediately.
- There are no diegetic voices coming from any of the characters. Towards the end some are shouting but are doing it in a mime and you do not actually hear them. This makes the overall feel become more silent and mysterious.
- The only voice comes from the non diegetic voice over at the end that informs audiences of the soap name and channel.
- Slow, dreary non-diegetic music is being played over the top of the whole trailer. This sets the mood immediately.
- There are no diegetic voices coming from any of the characters. Towards the end some are shouting but are doing it in a mime and you do not actually hear them. This makes the overall feel become more silent and mysterious.
- The only voice comes from the non diegetic voice over at the end that informs audiences of the soap name and channel.
Narrative;
- This trailer is an open narrative that is left on a cliffhanger. This leaves the audiences wanted to see more, therefore wanting to watch the episode. Propps theory is also used in this trailer but more focus is on the villain. It is not as obvious as to who is the hero but it is clear that these characters fear the villain and want to stop him.
- This trailer is an open narrative that is left on a cliffhanger. This leaves the audiences wanted to see more, therefore wanting to watch the episode. Propps theory is also used in this trailer but more focus is on the villain. It is not as obvious as to who is the hero but it is clear that these characters fear the villain and want to stop him.
Titles;
- The titles appear at the end of the trailer
- The name of the soap stands out the most as it is highlighted in white to stand out against the black background.
- ‘Judgment day is coming’ is placed underneath the name of the soap. This gives the audience a hint of what to expect in the upcoming plot.
Camera Angles;
- A bird’s eye angle is used at the beginning to show the antagonist alone walking down the street.
- A lot of panning shots are used to capture the reactions of other characters to show what they think of the antagonist.
- A close up is used on the antagonists face to show him looking to the side. A jump cut is then used to also reveal a close up on a female’s face who looks distressed.
-The whole trailer is in slow motion to make each of their movements and body language significant. It especially slows down when their facial expressions re revealed when they see the antagonist. This shows he is trouble and that all the characters are weary of him.
- It ends with an over the shoulder shot showing another man behind the antagonist. This leaves the trailer on a cliffhanger leaving the audience wondering what happens next.
Mise;
- The lighting of the trailer is dark throughout. It is set at night which instantly gives it more of an uneasy edge. The use of shadows also has an impact. It begins showing the antagonist and you can also see his large shadow in front. This makes the trailer appear quite gothic and mysterious. Towards the end you also see the shadow of another person, making the audience feel on edge as you realise he is being followed.
- All characters are wearing dark clothing to connote disruption.
- All shots are exterior. The outside can connote danger and it is the most likely place for something bad to happen. It is proven in this trailer as you see that danger is ahead.
- The shot that shows him through a red phone booth connotes death or danger as the colour red stands out compared to the darkness and dark clothing.
- A bird’s eye angle is used at the beginning to show the antagonist alone walking down the street.
- A lot of panning shots are used to capture the reactions of other characters to show what they think of the antagonist.
- A close up is used on the antagonists face to show him looking to the side. A jump cut is then used to also reveal a close up on a female’s face who looks distressed.
-The whole trailer is in slow motion to make each of their movements and body language significant. It especially slows down when their facial expressions re revealed when they see the antagonist. This shows he is trouble and that all the characters are weary of him.
- It ends with an over the shoulder shot showing another man behind the antagonist. This leaves the trailer on a cliffhanger leaving the audience wondering what happens next.
Mise;
- The lighting of the trailer is dark throughout. It is set at night which instantly gives it more of an uneasy edge. The use of shadows also has an impact. It begins showing the antagonist and you can also see his large shadow in front. This makes the trailer appear quite gothic and mysterious. Towards the end you also see the shadow of another person, making the audience feel on edge as you realise he is being followed.
- All characters are wearing dark clothing to connote disruption.
- All shots are exterior. The outside can connote danger and it is the most likely place for something bad to happen. It is proven in this trailer as you see that danger is ahead.
- The shot that shows him through a red phone booth connotes death or danger as the colour red stands out compared to the darkness and dark clothing.
Hollyoaks Trailer
Sound;
- The non-diegetic music over the top sets the mood of a wedding but juxtaposes with the actual situation. The song speaks of a ‘White Wedding’ but what is actually being shown is an all black gothic type wedding.
- There are no diegetic voices used in the trailer. All the speaking is done through the body language and the use of eye contact. A non-diegetic voice over is used at the end which starts off saying ‘To love, honor and betray’. This reveals more of the storyline and how betrayal is a part of it.
Narrative;
- The trailer is an open narrative as the storyline is left open and will continue in the episode. Its left on a cliffhanger leaving the audiences wanting to know more about the plot.
Titles;
- The titles in this trailer appear at the end. It shows the name of the soap, when it will be on and the channel.
Camera Angles;
- The camera tracks the bride down the aisle to show her getting closer to the altar.
- On the way the camera pans across to show the guests. This reveals them to be smiling at the bride who juxtaposes with the actual mood of the wedding and how the bride appears sad.
- The close up of the baby bump makes apparent that this has something to do with the storyline and perhaps the word ‘betray’ is something to do with being pregnant.
- Another close up is used to shows a doll being dropped and smashing on the floor. This could be following on from the unborn baby and the fact that the doll smash shows that’s perhaps she is hiding something that involves the baby.
- A close up of the brides face towards the end makes it clear that she is upset as a black tear falls down her face.
Mise;
- All the guests and the bride and groom are all dressed in black. Black is typically worn at a funeral, not a wedding. This shows how they are perhaps mourning something that is unknown and also connotes disruption ahead.
- All the props and decoration are black which also follows on how it is gothic and purposely trying to make it obvious that it’s not going to be a straight forward, typical wedding. It highlights the fact that there may be some disturbances.
- The bride’s dark makeup and red lips also make it feel very gothic. The red lips stand out as everything else in the scene is black. The red connotes danger and the fact she follows on crying a black tear makes this even more apparent.
- The lighting is very dark and is in some part lit by candle lights. This makes it appear even more gothic and haunting as the only light is coming from candles.
Soap opera trailers
Soap operas produce trailers to show upcoming story lines and to engage audiences and new audiences into that storyline. They are always shown on the same channel that the soap itself is shown on. After watching television and recording the times of the appearance of trailers i also noticed they are mostly shown in the adverts of the soap or before or after.
Eastenders (BBC1) - Trailers for Eastenders are not often shown unless a big storyline is coming up. The trailer i saw was shown after an episode of eastenders was shown which was at 7:30. On other days i also noticed it was mostly shown in the evenings and again i saw it at 8:00 after another episode was shown.
Coronation Street (ITV1) - As coronation street has adverts half way through the episode there is a better opportunity to show a trailer as the audiences watching the soap can also see what is coming later on in a storyline. The trailer i saw was shown at 7:15 and another one at 7:30
Emmerdale (ITV1) - The trailer for Emmerdale was shown before the episode began at 7:00.
Hollyoaks (Channel 4) - Out of all the trailers for soaps the most frequently played one that i noticed was Hollyoaks. unlike the others i saw it come on during the Omnibus on E4 at 12:15. I also saw it on numerous occasions during the adverts of the episodes and before at 6:30 and 6:45
Eastenders (BBC1) - Trailers for Eastenders are not often shown unless a big storyline is coming up. The trailer i saw was shown after an episode of eastenders was shown which was at 7:30. On other days i also noticed it was mostly shown in the evenings and again i saw it at 8:00 after another episode was shown.
Coronation Street (ITV1) - As coronation street has adverts half way through the episode there is a better opportunity to show a trailer as the audiences watching the soap can also see what is coming later on in a storyline. The trailer i saw was shown at 7:15 and another one at 7:30
Emmerdale (ITV1) - The trailer for Emmerdale was shown before the episode began at 7:00.
Hollyoaks (Channel 4) - Out of all the trailers for soaps the most frequently played one that i noticed was Hollyoaks. unlike the others i saw it come on during the Omnibus on E4 at 12:15. I also saw it on numerous occasions during the adverts of the episodes and before at 6:30 and 6:45
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