1. Chelsea Howsin
Media: How is disability represented in Hollyoaks?
Terminology
Examples
Explanation/Analysis
When Warren is burning stuff,a sound bridge is used,the sound of a train is heard
which is carried into the next shot where a toy is seen.This mise-en-scene, the toy
trainmay symbolise Spencer’s child-like mentality. Displaying a stereotype of
disability, those less abled people are like children.
The use of composition, the levelling and spacingbetween Warren and Spencer when
they’re sitting in the living roomsuggests in some ways both are different to each
other. The idea that Warren is above Spencer suggests superiority and power, and
vice versa the idea that Spencer is below Warren suggests that he is inferior and has
no power or control.

2. Chelsea Howsin
Media: How is disability represented in Hollyoaks?
2 frames are used when Spencer is speaking.The first when his speaking about
wanting porridge and about his mum and Louise,his presented as very naive and not
aware of his surrounding as, as the audience we can see Warren getting wound up,
this is shown by usingthe camera technique, shot reverse shot. Through the use of
diegetic sound,Warren shouting is heard in the background whilst the camera is
focused on Spencer,the camera than zooms inshowing his reaction to Warren.
Theeffect of the zoomsuggests that Spencer is frightened and scared.
The use of non-diegetic sound of the fire alarm ringingand Spencer singing a
song,creates vulnerability, denoting the stereotype that less abled people are
vulnerable and weak.Additionally the very idea that he does not know how to act

3. Chelsea Howsin
Media: How is disability represented in Hollyoaks?
when the porridge sets on firesuggests that he is unable to carry out everyday
activities, again playing up the conventions of disability.
The use of diegetic soundof Warren shouting at Spencer when he sets fire to the
porridgecreates this superiority to him, which is juxtaposed against Spencer when he
just stands there frozen, unable to speak making him inferior to Warren.The use of
the juxtapositionhighlights Spencer’s disability and draws attention to it.The shot
than fades out unto the next shot,where the atmosphere is more calm and
collectiveas the diegetic sound of the ringing has stopped.Also through the use of
dialogue,“I can’t have you here anymore”undervalues Spencer.
Through the use of the 2 shot,it suggests the relationship between Warren and
Spencer, which I further developed through other micro elements.From the earlier
shot where compositionwas used, through the use of levels, where Warren was in
some distance above Spencer.In this shot, levels are used to suggest some
equality.As Warren comes down on to Spencer’s level.However a low angle shotis
used when Spencer stands upsuggesting that he has some control, on the other hand

4. Chelsea Howsin
Media: How is disability represented in Hollyoaks?
when Warren shouts Spencer than sits down where Warren than standssuggesting
again this superiority, control and power.