This document provides an analysis of two trailers for soap opera television shows. For the first trailer of Kat and Alfie from Eastenders, the analysis discusses the technical codes of camera angles, shot types, and camera movement used to emphasize Kat's power and create a western theme. It also examines the non-verbal codes of setting, lighting, costumes, facial expressions to portray characters. Verbal codes of dialogue and soundtracks are discussed. For the second Hollyoaks trailer, a similar analysis is provided of the technical, non-verbal and verbal codes used to build intrigue through fast-paced cuts and ominous music. The document evaluates areas of strength for both trailers in their use of themes and varied camera angles

1. Soap Opera Genre –
Independent Textual
Analysis
OCR Media Studies – A2 Level; Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio
Name: Christie McVay
Candidate Number: 6699
Center Name: St. Paul’s Catholic College
Center Number: 64770

2. Trailer 1; Kat and Alfie (Eastenders)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p4xlLezos0
Technical Codes – Comment on the use of Camera Angles, Shot Types and Camera Movement
At the start of the trailer, the camera is being directed at Kat’s boots in a close up shot, the camera then follows the
movement of Kat’s walking like a pan, typically used in western films so we sense the theme of conflict coming through
already. After this is a shot from inside the Beale home of Jane looking out the window at Kat and then she closes the
blinds and has a look of fear on her face. This shot symbolizes what is going on outside and inside the home, one shot
shows 2 different places. Jane is at the left hand side of this scene whilst the center of attention and Kat is kept as the
main focus and central in the scene connoting her power. The camera then is at a central view and eye level at Kats
boots, but then gradually pans up and rises to her face. Throughout this shot it stays level and at a mid view of Kat
showing her costume, stance, and then finally her head. This has a more dramatic effect and a more exaggerated feel to
it rather than it being a simple full shot. These techniques make the trailer more effective by emphasizing Kats effect on
the characters around her. Following on from this we then have a series of cross cuts which cut sharply. This denotes Max
Branning and Patrick’s reaction to the return of Kat back to the square, portraying them as minor distractions in the
larger context of the scene. Max’s shot is of him with a cup of tea in his hand, again like Jane’s scene he is towards one
side of the shot as he is not the center of attention in this trailer and similarly with Patrick. In both these quick shots, the
camera angle is made so that these people are looking at her and the characters stop what they are doing to see her, the
camera does this in a way so that I looks to us at home that we are beside Max or Patrick, as if we are looking and
watching Kat’s every move along with the people in the scene. As Kat turns her head to Janine in a mid shot like Kat has
just stared her down, this shot looks intimidating as Janine is in the center of the screen almost like a ‘target’. Kat then is
shown on screen with her hand going into her pocket but the camera stays level at doesn’t tilt up or down. This is
something we would see repeated in a action film, very direct and simple. Following on from that when Alfie replies to
what she says, there is an over the shoulder shot behind Kat showing a rivalry or a show down which we see in westerns.
A controlled dolly shot into Alfie in a low angle shot facing upwards, this shows his power and dominance with regards
Kat. The only character shown to be able to control this this strong woman (Rebecca Feasey). The next shot is the camera
set between Kat’s Legs and then the view of the square and Alfie, again this connotes this rivalry and how Kat still has an
element of control over Alfie. Finally there are a series of shot-reverse-shots, demonstrating a rivalry between the two.
Kats strong woman's status has a big impact on this.

3. Non-Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Setting, Lighting, Costumes, Facial Expressions and Characters
First of all, the lighting for this scene has hint of orange colour to it and it makes the saturation of the clip
increase, the look is also not fully clear and can look at times quite cloudy which is all aspects of the lighting in
a western film. The opening scene is of the Queen Vic which is all closed up and the sign post are swinging in
the wind, demonstrates how the town is going down to nothing and there is issues and problems arising. When
Kat walks into the square we are zoomed in on her feet at first, this is a typical ‘western movie’ shot signifying
that there is a western theme to the trailer. Jane’s facial expression as Kat passes through the window connotes
she is in fear of this character and symbolizes to the audience, trouble is coming. As she drops her animal print
bag and the paper, it gives he feel of anticipation and a conflict is coming because this is the sort of acting we
would see from a western film and is calm before the storm. The animal print demonstrates quite a feisty, fiery
and scary character as these are traits an animal would own so it corresponds to the sort of personality of a
person who likes that style. Dropping the bag can demonstrate that Kat will drop a ton of bricks and cause
drama. Her costume is more like a toga which were worn in history and it connotes strength, bravery and
confidence connoting this is what Kat will bring. When Patrick repositions his hat, it reminds the audience of
something that a cowboy would do. It then cuts to Janine and Pat talking and laughing and then when Kat
turns and stares at them they look at her and stop as if Kat told them to but with her eyes. From this we can
see how much power and respect and even fear that people have. As Kat whips out her compact mirror it
connotes the way that a cowboy would whip out their gun, following the theme of the trailer. Her bold make
up says a lot about her and her personality, it is a very dark, dramatic, exaggerated, fierce look which describes
her character. Then Alfie makes a dramatic entrance into the clip as he steps into the scene, wearing all black,
hat and a tooth pic, as the camera rises the light shines onto his face and we can see him clearly, he has a very
calm, cool, collective look but we can see from Kats facial expression when he started talking that he is a
powerful character.
Trailer 1; Kat and Alfie (Eastenders) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p4xlLezos0

4. Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Dialogue, Voiceover, Sound Effects or Soundtrack
The verbal code of
To start the scene it has an eerie music, almost horror like connoting a mysterious feel to the square especially with
the sound of the road sign swinging in the wind, hanging of the bridge. The sound of the boots walking across the
gravel and then the boots making a clattering noise as it moves is like the noise the sound effects used in westerns
would be. As the camera rises up to Kats face, the music pace starts to change, it increases in speed and becomes
more action film like. When the shot is not focused on Kat the pace is consistent and calm but eerie but when the
shot is on her the pace increases again and gets more serious. When Kat whips out her mirror, the sound effect is
similar to the sound that we would hear if it was a loaded gun. The verbal code of “where do you get a drink round
here” demonstrates she is a bit of a tough guy and likes to drink. In western films that would be a quote used a lot
because of the amount of bar scenes there would be. Then Alfie says “I think your gonna need one” connotes that
there is a tense atmosphere and there is some sort of relationship between the two characters but from this short
clip we cannot tell whether it is a partnership or a rivalry. As Alfie gradually lifts his head up the music turns into
more of a macho music showing he is some sort of heartthrob. In the background the voice over says “its all kicking
off in the square” just tells us what we already know from what we have observed from the clip. Then the theme
tune kicks in as it draws to a close and the voice over says “Eastenders, all next week, BBC1”, informing and
educating the audience on the time and place that they can view the program.
Trailer 1; Kat and Alfie (Eastenders)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p4xlLezos0
Trailer 1) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale)
In this trailer I partially liked how they had a a theme behind the trailer. I think by having a theme it can add humor and entertainment especially a
western theme of cowboys. They used certain modern props to represent western props. Such as the newspaper going across the camera like a
barrel of hay would. Little conventions like this have a big impact because even the slightest prop can have a big effect on the trailer and make it
even more powerful then it already is.
Also, I particularly liked how there was a lot of close ups and eye contact and just in general dramatic, exaggerated facial expressions and camera
angles. The use of camera angles in this trailer were extremely diverse and they all fit well and had a certain purpose. If the camera angles weren't
as varied it wouldn’t be half as entertaining then it was. It also meant that I didn’t want to look away from the screen, because there was constantly
a new angle I meant that I didn’t get distracted and it was focused in watching it to see what else was going to happen.
Evaluation of Textual Analysis- Compare and Contrast

5. Trailer 2; Week Six: Six Weeks of Summer (Hollyoaks)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLAHMvcnHCA
Technical Codes – Comment on the use of Camera Angles, Shot Types and Camera Movement
The opening screen starts off with ‘Hollyoaks- six weeks of summer- week 6’ which is gradually zoomed in on
till it cuts to the following scene. From this we see straight away what the trailer will be advertising and also it
suggests that there are going to be 6 weeks of drama. It then moves onto a scene of Cindy who is towards the
left hand side of the screen facing towards us with an over the shoulder shot so that the audience can see who
is behind her and what is going on which also may tell us why she has a distressed facial expression. After this
we have a series of more fast pace cuts one after another showing different characters with different
storylines. Because there quick and constant it builds up suspense and makes the audience more intrigued to
find out more of the scene from that short take. These cuts are of close up’s of the characters showing what
look is on there face which instinctively makes us as an audience and fans want to know what it is there looking
at and the problems they are facing. The use of a close up makes the scenes look even more intense and
exaggerates the drama in that scene. We want to know why Freddie looks so scared we want to know why
George is smiling etc. The high angle shot looking down on Siena shows she is in a weak/powerless position
and she's got herself stuck in a mess which she cant get herself out of. Similarly with Cindy, she looks afraid and
weak in the high angle close up. Also, the low angle shot which looks up at Dr. Browning shows that he is an
intimidating, powerful and scary man who shouldn’t be crossed. As the trailer goes on the cuts increase in
speed and the camera angles get closer, more intense and the facial expressions get more worrying and
serious.

6. Non-Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Setting, Lighting, Costumes, Facial Expressions
and Characters
In the scenes for my trailer I have chosen due to the way it has been filmed with the close
ups, it is hard to see what costumes the characters are wearing so it is hard to comment on
this. Therefore I will only really address the setting, lighting and facial expressions. To start
the trailer, it has a scene of Cindy in the hospital, for this scene it has a very dull lighting
which signifies that the scene is a depressing one which also is represented from Cindy’s
tired/upset facial expression. The next cut is to outside the club and it includes a very
puzzled/annoyed Mercedes. She runs towards the camera connoting some sort of
panic/urgency which has been portrayed well through the setting/shot and expressions.
With the following cut, Dodger is tearing up and the whole atmosphere and lighting in the
setting he is in looks very distressed and mournful. This is effective as it emphasis's the
sadness of his situation and actually because of how its presented can even make us as an
audience very emotive towards this character. In Freddie’s short clip, he has a very
scared/wild look in his eyes, for the scene they have made it so that the lights are fairly
bright so that its quite a shock when it comes up which works well with the shocking look on
his face. Another scene which sticks out to me is Sienna’s, in this short cut it starts of like
black out and the scene fades in. however, this scene doesn’t get very bright and instead the
lighting stays fairly dark. This correlates to her facial expression which is very sinister and
serious. It connotes a serious issue is happening which could be fatal and Sienna doesn’t
look very impressed. Further along there is a scene where Dr. Browning is standing over
Cindy who is laying down, he looks very intimidating and scary, he comes across as a
character who has a lot of control and power over other characters. On the other hand,
Cindy looks very vulnerable and intimidated, this is demonstrated through her position is
this scene and her face. Also the lighting in this scene, as it is a very dark scene, this is
reflected in the lighting given out. If this scene did have a bright light it wouldn’t look half as
effective as it wouldn't’t signify that it’s a serious, dangerous scene.
Trailer 2; Week Six: Six Weeks of Summer (Hollyoaks)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLAHMvcnHCA

7. Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Dialogue, Voiceover, Sound Effects or Soundtrack
As soon as the trailer starts, there is a sound effect of something that I can only describe as a knife scratching against
a surface, to me this represents a murder or an evil character is arising and out for revenge. As the clip progresses
the theme tune behind it gets more and more horror film like and sinister like something is just waiting to explode.
From this the audience can see that because of the soundfx and music behind the clip that the tension is rising and
just waiting for something to happen. Also, when Dr. Browning said “I told you what would happen if you talked” and
then further in he says “I'm serious, I want her dead this time” signifies he has a big role in what ever is going to
happen and that he is someone who could potentially be very dangerous. This threat gives the audience a clue as to
what has happened and what is going to happen. Then when Freddie said “my family comes first’, Trevor replies
“that’s where your wrong, when you work for me, I come first” suggesting that Freddie has done something Trevor
doesn’t like and he will pay if he crosses him again. The use of this verbal code connotes that there is drama coming
for Freddie which makes us as an audience want to watch to see what happens next. The verbal code of “get out
while you still can” connotes that there is some sort of character who is waiting for its prey and it’s a warning to this
person to get out before they get hurt! As an audience we want to find out what is happening and who too. Making
us want to watch the episode to see what will happen next. As the clip comes to a close the music gets louder and
more dramatic and fast pace connoting
Trailer 2; Week Six: Six Weeks of Summer (Hollyoaks)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLAHMvcnHCA
Evaluation of Textual Analysis – Compare and Contrast
Trailer 2) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale)
In this trailer I partially liked how they had a lot of fast pace cuts, a theme behind the trailer. I think by having a theme it can add humor and
entertainment especially a western theme of cowboys. They used certain modern props to represent western props. Such as the newspaper going
across the camera like a barrel of hay would. Little conventions like this have a big impact because even the slightest prop can have a big effect on
the trailer and make it even more powerful then it already is. Also, I particularly liked how there was a lot of close ups and eye contact and just in
general dramatic, exaggerated facial expressions and camera angles. The use of camera angles in this trailer were extremely diverse and they all fit
well and had a certain purpose. If the camera angles weren't as varied it wouldn’t be half as entertaining then it was. It also meant that I didn’t want
to look away from the screen, because there was constantly a new angle I meant that I didn’t get distracted and it was focused in watching it to see
what else was going to happen