Pre production document, as part of my A2 media studies G324 coursework.

1. Soap Opera Genre –
Independent Textual
Analysis
Name: Lucas Kirkland
Candidate Number: 1159
Center Name: St. Andrew’s Catholic School
Center Number:
OCR Media Studies – A2 Level
Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio

2. Trailer 1 – Hurricane Sharon trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1v_2Xf7Xss
Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Dialogue, Voiceover, Sound Effects or Soundtrack
The Non Diegetic soundtrack that is present throughout this trailer, connotes a sinister feel during the set up of the text. Additionally the sound effect
of the ‘Queen Vic’s’ sign screeching back and fourth, ‘signifies’ (De Saussure) that the plot of this trailer is dark, dystopian and ominous. The verbal
code of the diegetic soundtrack “oh, a storm is threatening” suggests the eventual climax, of the intertwining plots within the soap opera. The verbal
code “Storm” further illustrates the atmospheric disturbance, which is manifested by the characters featured on screen. Additionally the verbal code
“gimme some shelter” within the soundtrack (‘Gimme Shelter’ The Rolling Stones 1969) demonstrates that some characters may be forced to hide
away from the storm which is about to occur. The lack of diegetic dialogue within this trailer connotes, perhaps the calm before the storm within the
plot. Additionally this lack of dialogue provides the audience with hook into the forthcoming episodes. The soundtrack itself is very reflective of the
themes and issues that could appear in the text, For example the verbal codes “Rape, Murder, War”. Ambient sound such as lightening, thunder and
rain also creates an eerie feel to the square.
Non-Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Setting, Lighting, Costumes, Facial Expressions and Characters
The setting for this trailer is a very familiar place for ‘Eastenders’ fans. Albert Square is the epicenter of all the drama and sub plots within the text.
Typically the square is pictured in high key normal lighting throughout typical episodes, however the setting is plunged into a low key dystopian setting
which shocks fans as their familiar setting is completely different. This connotes the shift in storylines that is about to occur. In addition, the non verbal
code of Kat’s purple dress has juxtaposition of the white wedding dress connoting purity and the dystopian setting ‘signifies’ (De Saussure) the uproar
the wedding may cause. Connotations of royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. This represents the female gender as standing strong and
proving all stereotypes wrong. The non verbal code of Sharon's wedding dress provides an enigma clue (Roland Barthes) to the main plot of the
upcoming episodes. ‘The Wedding’ (Propp’s narrative functions) is a key theme within the soap opera genre, which is stereotypically an event of
happiness, however the complete juxtaposition of the storm surrounding the wedding dress represents evil and pain.
Technical Codes – Comment on the use of Camera Angles, Shot Types and Camera Movement
Initially the trailer opens with the technical code of a slow zoom into the sign of the Queen Victoria. This provides the audience with a
setting they can ‘Personally identify’ (Katz) with. Additionally this could be suggesting that the multiple sub plots will revolve around this
key location in Eastenders. The technical code of fast paced cuts to match the action on screen represents the chaos which is unfolding.
Furthermore an establishing long shot of the whole square being attacked by a hurricane, connotes how the whole of albert square will
be affected by the drama which will unfold. The technical code of four close ups cutting to each different characters facial expressions,
represents the shock and horror of the events that will unfold. However the technical code of a high angle medium long shot of Kat
represents weakness in a very strong character. The closing shot is on Sharon, the returning character to the soap opera. The technical
code of a slow zoom in to a extreme close up as the character lifts up her Vail, provides the audience with a shock as this shot suggests
the chaos is revolving around Sharon.

3. Screenshots

4. Trailer 2 – Official Hollyoaks Trailer: Love Lies & Betrayal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BLcFyuJqdM
Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Dialogue, Voiceover, Sound Effects or Soundtrack
The set up of this trailer from the soap opera, ‘Hollyoaks’ opens with a foreboding non diegetic soundtrack which resembles the pulses of a beating heart. This
instantly creates tension for the audience. Anchored by the diegetic verbal of “we’re getting married” answered by the verbal code “I’d rather die than watch her
marry Jason” represents the first theme and issue within this trailer, love. The dialogue “ I’d rather die” has connotations of evil and lust for a woman who is
already tied to another man. This provides an enigma clue to perhaps the theme of adultery within the text. The non diegetic soundtrack transitions into a more
upbeat rock song as various other sub plots begin to be revealed in the trailer. This change to a more upbeat fast paced track, signifies the chaos as multiple plots
intertwine with each other. In addition the verbal code “Celebrating what? The fact that she’s got cancer” connotes another theme within the trailer, which is
death. This creates dark themes and issues In which audiences can be hooked into watching. At a key moment in the text the soundtrack stops synchronously with
the sound effect of a head hitting the floor. This signifies the death on screen as everything stops. The soundtrack kicks in again, this time even faster as the plots
all start to get chaotic and reach their climaxes. The scene ends with the verbal code “I'm just like everyone else I want to know who the killer is.” This provides the
audience with a returning character which hooks them into watching the latest episodes.
Non-Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Setting, Lighting, Costumes, Facial Expressions and Characters
The setting of this trailer features multiple areas within the Hollyoaks set. The fans of the show can ‘personally identify’ (Katz) with
these key areas shown in the trailer. Key areas featured include the police station, school and hospital. Certain characters are pictured
wearing clothes which match the drama on screen. For example the character Maxine is wearing a pink dressing gown. The color pink
represents the character as a ‘Princess’ (Propps character roles) which needs saving from the other characters. Additionally the
character who has fallen to the floor, is wearing black and red which connotes death and pain.
Technical Codes – Comment on the use of Camera Angles, Shot Types and Camera Movement
Throughout the course of the trailer there are title screens which feature heavily. Each title screen reads a key theme present in the
text. The technical code of the postproduction editing of the title screens “Love, Lies and Betrayal” plunge each white word into a
bloodied background. This connotes how purity can so easily be consumed by evil within the soap opera genre. Additionally the
technical code of a close up of a character in deep focus looking shocked and terrified, with a plaque in shallow focus reading “In loving
memory of Patrick Blake”. Could be an enigma clue to the murderer of this character. Furthermore the technical code of a low angle
long shot of a character at the top of a building with an ecstatic facial expression, connotes that there is some happiness within the
themes and issues within the soap opera. The technical code of an eye line match between two characters involved in the adultery
plot, connotes the betrayal that will unfold. This is anchored by a close up zooming into the characters kissing. The technical code of a
quick tilt upwards from a medium close up of a baby monitor to a shocked expression of a character, connotes the shock and horror
the voice gives the character. The scene ends with a slow zoom into a returning character which provides a hook for audiences.

5. Screenshots

6. Evaluation of Textual Analysis –
Compare and Contrast
Trailer 1) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) or “exploit” (Abercrombie –
1995)
After analyzing the ‘Hurricane Sharon’ trailer from ‘Eastenders’, there are multiple areas which I would
like to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980). For example I really likes the metaphorical aspects featured within
the trailer. Instead of reveling too much with actual clips from episodes the trailer explored the use of a
Hurricane to signify the dynamic change in storyline. Additionally by plunging the setting all Eastenders
fans know and love into utter chaos, hooks the spectator and keeps them guessing as to what the plot
will entail. Areas in which I could ‘exploit’ (Abercrombie – 1995) are the lack of dialogue. I feel featuring
some dialogue acts as a subtle hook into the storyline. I feel that the simplistic, stylistic approach hooks
the audience well and I will strive to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale - 1980) this in my own trailer.
Trailer 2) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) or “exploit” (Abercrombie –
1995)
After analyzing the ‘love, lies and betrayal’ trailer from Hollyoaks. There areas in which I would like to
‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) in my own trailer. For example the use of editing within the trailer reinforced the
key themes that are present in the upcoming episodes. To perhaps “exploit” (Abercrombie – 1995) This
feature even more in my own trailer I could think of a way to connote the themes and issues using a
more creative technical feature. Additionally the use of lots of different story lines provides a hook for
fans of the show, however for new fans this can be overwhelming and confusing, I will as a result make
sure this does not happen in my own trailer by keeping the storylines simple.

7. Evaluation of Textual Analysis –
Compare and Contrast
Trailer 1) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) or “exploit” (Abercrombie –
1995)
After analyzing the ‘Hurricane Sharon’ trailer from ‘Eastenders’, there are multiple areas which I would
like to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale – 1980). For example I really likes the metaphorical aspects featured within
the trailer. Instead of reveling too much with actual clips from episodes the trailer explored the use of a
Hurricane to signify the dynamic change in storyline. Additionally by plunging the setting all Eastenders
fans know and love into utter chaos, hooks the spectator and keeps them guessing as to what the plot
will entail. Areas in which I could ‘exploit’ (Abercrombie – 1995) are the lack of dialogue. I feel featuring
some dialogue acts as a subtle hook into the storyline. I feel that the simplistic, stylistic approach hooks
the audience well and I will strive to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale - 1980) this in my own trailer.
Trailer 2) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) or “exploit” (Abercrombie –
1995)
After analyzing the ‘love, lies and betrayal’ trailer from Hollyoaks. There areas in which I would like to
‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) in my own trailer. For example the use of editing within the trailer reinforced the
key themes that are present in the upcoming episodes. To perhaps “exploit” (Abercrombie – 1995) This
feature even more in my own trailer I could think of a way to connote the themes and issues using a
more creative technical feature. Additionally the use of lots of different story lines provides a hook for
fans of the show, however for new fans this can be overwhelming and confusing, I will as a result make
sure this does not happen in my own trailer by keeping the storylines simple.