The document analyzes three soap opera posters. It summarizes key design elements of each poster that are effective at promoting the shows and intriguing audiences. These include using dominant images of central characters to hint at storylines, short taglines that leave viewers wanting more, and incorporating titles and air times in memorable ways. Color schemes and repetition of successful techniques across posters are discussed. The analysis provides recommendations for how future posters could apply similar principles to captivate audiences.

1. Soap Opera Genre –
Ancillary Product
Analysis
Name: Emma Walker
Candidate Number: 1252
Center Name: St. Andrew’s Catholic School
Center Number: 64135
OCR Media Studies – A2 Level
Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio

2. The main image on the poster is the focal point of
the poster. The fact that the main image is of the
character ‘Lucy’ connotes the idea that the current
plot of the show will be based around her. The
picture has a dull and dark theme of colours, this
suggests that the storyline may also be quite
sinister.
The tagline on the poster is in all
capital letters, this signifies urgency
and danger. Also, the use of short
sentences and full stops in the tagline
reveal an element of shock and
surprise, it almost leaves it at a
cliffhanger for the audience.
The studio logo is located in the bottom
left hand corner, this lets the audience
know what channel its on whilst promoting
their company also. However, the logo is
only small and therefore does not interrupt
the main image.
The title of the program is located
in the bottom right hand corner,
this also does interrupt the main
focus of the poster. The title is
presented with a hashtag, this
indicates that the soap has a
social media page. This element
will appeal to younger members
of the target audience and
encourage them to engage in
interaction and news with the
show outside of the viewing
times. This will therefore draw
them into becoming fans of the
program more as they can
interact and engage on an even
more personal level.

3. Analysis of EastEnders Poster
• I would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980) the element
of using the colour scheme to connote the mood
and emotion of the plot. I feel that this would
reveal the mood of the plot further to the
audience and will captivate them.
• I would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980) the element
of using a short tagline as I feel this captivates the
audience as it leaves it on a cliff hanger.

4. The main image is the main focus of the poster, it has clearly
been manipulated which makes it stand out a lot more and
become much more eye catching. Having the image as the focal
point of the poster gives an element of mystery as the audience
do not know the exact plot or what is going to happen in the
upcoming episodes.
The tagline is effective as it leaves it on a cliff-hanger. It does not
reveal too much about the plot, this element keeps the
audience thinking and leaves them intrigued.
The text
overlapping the
image adds an
element of
depth to the
poster.
The title is
incorporated
within the
tagline rather
than being
separate on
the poster.

5. Analysis of Hollyoaks Poster
• I would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980) the use of the text
overlapping the image. This adds an element of depth to
the poster and almost ties in the imagery and text together.
• I would also ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980) the idea of
incorporating the title into the tagline. This is because it
makes the audience focus more on what the program is
called therefore making it more likely they will remember
it. However, you could argue that this does not stand out to
the audience so they may not know the name of the soap. I
could overcome this problem by maybe changing the
colour of the title within the tagline to a different colour to
the rest of the tagline.

6. The showing times are shown in the bottom right hand corner of the
poster. This means the audience are likely to watch the show as they
know exactly when its showing.
The reoccurring
theme of red
connotes the idea
of danger and
death. This hints
towards the plot
and storyline.
The use of the ratings
promotes the show
as it gives the
audience the idea
that it is good which
will make them want
to watch it.
The social media links in the bottom right hand
corner of the page allow the audience to know
there is another media level in which they can
connect with the show and characters more
personally.
The slogan has
been made in big
font in order to
catch the eye of
the audience and
it also ties in with
the theme of the
colour red.
The channel that the soap is being
shown on is displayed in the bottom
right hand corner of the film, this means
the audience will know exactly where
they can watch the show if they are
interested in it.

7. Analysis of Surrey Downs Poster
• I would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980) the use of a
colour which has a meaning behind it. For example in
this poster they have stuck to minimal colours with
black, white and red, leaving the red to stand out more
and signify maybe blood or danger. This hints towards
to the theme and storyline of the soap.
• I would also ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980) the use of
ratings from popular newspapers and magazines. I feel
that this adds an element of safety for the viewers as
they already trust the newspapers from having read
them previously. Also, it gives the show a good
reputation already as they have good ratings from the
popular newspapers and magazines.