L3 l4 -textual analysis of 2 soap opera trailers

1. Soap Opera Genre –
Independent Textual
Analysis
OCR Media Studies – A2 Level
Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio
Name: Bethany Vaughan
Candidate Number: 4137
Center Name: St. Andrew’s Catholic School
Center Number: 64135

2. Trailer 1 – Coronation_Street_-_Tram_Crash_-_Promo
The upbeat non-diegetic jazz soundtrack playing throughout the trailer connotes happiness and a strong community spirit. It creates a
positive atmosphere and a sense of togetherness, which is stereotypical of soap operas.
Furthermore the verbal code of “on the street where you live” within the soundtrack reinforces feelings of community spirit and ‘signifies’
(De Saussure) a feeling of home and safety. In binary opposition (Strauss) the diegetic sirens and sounds of the emergency services suggests
chaos and disorder, foreshadowing that something bad is going to happen and shatter the peace and joy of the scene. The verbal code
which is part of the point of call “Four Funerals and a Wedding” is a clever twist on the film ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ (1994 – Dir. Mike
Newell) and highlights the sense of foreboding and danger signified through the presence of the emergency services as they represent the
endangerment of lives.
The anchoring high key lighting and high saturation of the trailer as well as the soft focus and lens flares in the joyous scenes cause it to
appear sunny connoting happiness, hope, warmth, and represents a friendly, community orientated atmosphere. The community
atmosphere is reinforced through the non diegetic soundtrack and the verbal code of the lyrics “I have often walked down this street
before” which connotes familiarity and feelings of happiness, suggesting that people know each other from also walking down the street
and highlighting a strong sense of community and friendship. This sense of community is admired by and is relatable to the working class so
they will be encouraged to watch. The non-verbal code of the setting is stereotypical of soap operas. This contrasts the low key lighting of
the emergency services, identified through mise-en-scene costume of uniforms, suggesting a sense of danger and panic. This causes the
happy scenes to be calm before the storm because of the stark contrast. The dominant colour of the trailer is gold/yellow, which connotes
happiness and joy, this contrasts the blue and grey of the emergency services scenes and connote strength, foreboding, and a serious
attitude. Establishing shots of the pub, streets, and the bus highlight to the audience the working class setting of the show which is typical of
many other soap operas and is relatable to a working class audience, therefore encouraging them to watch the show. The non-verbal
technical code of eye line match used and the friendly expression of the characters in the trailer along with the use of medium close ups and
mid shots creates a feeling of community, friendship, and togetherness within the trailer which is relatable to working class audiences so
would encourage them to watch.

3. Kat and Alfie Trailer - EastEnders - BBC One
The high pitched non-diegetic music and synths of the soundtrack and it’s ‘western shoot-out style’ creates tension and connotes a conflict
and argument between Kat and Alfie, which is immediately recognisable as being an example of ‘repetition’ (Steve Neale) from the genre.
The diegetic creak of the swinging sign is also typical of the shoot out style which the trailer is imitating and creates tension and connotes
drama and suspense.
The shoot out style of the trailer is further reinforced through the non-verbal codes of the western clothing worn by Kat and Alfie like the
boots and poncho worn by Kat, and the hat worn by Alfie, the diegetic sound effect of a gun being loaded used when Kat opens her mirror
also highlights the theme of the trailer as well as ‘signifying’ (De Saussure) that she uses her looks like a weapon and could connote that she
is dangerous and far removed from the ‘princess’ (Propp) stereotype usually associated to a gender who is more likely to ‘appear’ than ‘act’
(John Berger – 1972).
The verbal code of Alfie’s diegetic dialogue “I think you’re gonna need one” in response to Kat saying “where d’you get a drink around
here?” conforms to the conventions of the western/cowboy genre as it suggests the male is mysterious and menacing due to the verbal
code of a threat., which connotes that he is menacing and an antagonist who will cause drama as well as highlighting the conflict between
the pair which may encourage people to watch the show. The non diegetic voiceover of “It’s all kicking off in the square” highlights the
drama and connotes an imminent conflict which is attractive to an audience. Furthermore the familiarity of “the square” may encourage
people to tune in as it suggests that they already know the square due to the colloquial language so they will be interested in the outcome.
The non-verbal code of mise-en-scene setting highlighted through shots of the square is stereotypical of a soap opera. The establishing shot
of the boarded up pub and the market stalls in the background of shots is typical of a working class environment which is strongly associated
with soap operas and would be relatable to other working class people. The technical code of the pan up Kat’s body and the snap of her
mirror represents her to be powerful and feisty while Alfie stood in the shadows causes him to appear menacing and mysterious, which
‘signifies’ the conflict between the two characters and suggests that they are going to argue as both characters are represented to be
powerful and likely to cause trouble through the use of lighting and camera movement. The close up of the eyes at the end of the trailer and
the short duration shots cutting between Kat and Alfie’s eyes becoming closer each time and the asynchronous sound connotes tension and
that a big argument is about to happen and heightens the sense of an imminent conflict as well and further parodies the shoot out style of
the trailer as it is often used.

4. Evaluation of Textual Analysis –
Compare and Contrast
Trailer 1) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) or “exploit” (Abercrombie – 1995)
A strength which I would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) would be the deliberate choice of music with lyrics which add
meanings within the trailer. Another strength which I would ‘exploit’ (Abercrombie – 1995) would be the use of mise-en-
scene, in particular costume and location to give the audience a brief idea of the characters in the soap opera and
reveals information about the kind of area and class which the show will focus on.
Finally I would repeat the use of sounds to highlights a sense of danger. I would also repeat the use of colour to create
a meaning, for example use of gold's and blues to create a tone and meaning.
Trailer 2) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) or “exploit” (Abercrombie – 1995)
I would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) the use of long shots and lighting , for example the use of shadow to establish character
roles and suggest a mood, for example the long take and subsequent revelation of Alfie stood in the shadows which
could be symbolic of dark or hidden intentions.
Furthermore I would ‘exploit’ (Abercrombie – 1995) the strength of cuts which reveal peoples reactions and build a
sense of tension and suspense which is likely to encourage more viewers as people enjoy drama.
I would also repeat the use of significant lines to create tension in the trailer, in a similar way to Alfie’s line “I think
you’re gonna need one” as it is impactful.