The document provides a textual analysis of two soap opera trailers - EastEnders and Skins. For EastEnders, the analysis highlights the use of dialogue to convey character and plot, as well as setting, lighting, costumes and facial expressions to establish a western theme. Technical elements like shots and camerawork are also discussed. For Skins, the analysis focuses on the dark setting and costumes, lack of dialogue, use of sound effects and soundtrack. Strengths of both trailers are identified, with the recommendation to repeat certain successful elements in future trailers.

1. Soap Opera Genre –
Independent Textual
Analysis
Name: Joseph Ellison
Candidate Number: 6636
Center Name: St. Paul’s Catholic College
Center Number: 64770
OCR Media Studies – A2 Level
Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio

2. Trailer 1 – EastEnders
Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Dialogue, Voiceover, Sound Effects or Soundtrack
Throughout the trailer, the image or connotation of the trailer is that Alfie and Kat are going to bring mayhem to the square. The introduction of
Alfie and Kat can also link with Richard Dyer ‘Star Image’. Alfie and Kat are reoccurring characters in the soap and their return acts as a star appeal to
the long term Eastenders fans who missed the characters and are eager to see them back. The first indication of this, was the use of dialogue used
by Ian. Ian is shown to us opening the blinds of a window saying “flipping heck”. This is the first sense of fear being shown by the outside characters
apart from Alfie and Kat. The use of dialogue between Alfie and Kat can link back to personal identification, characters can also identify themselves
in the dialogue that Kat uses. Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, comes into place, using his level of esteem, consumers that can identify themselves
within Kat can gain confidence and self-esteem from the image she portrays in the trailer The voice over in the trailer is the information given to the
audience about the channel, date and time EastEnders will be shown. This demonstrates Steve Neale theory of ‘Repeat’ as this is a common feature
in a large number of soap drama trailers. It also informs the audience about when and where the show will be broadcasted allow the audience to
tune in. A sound effect used in the trailer when Kat clicks her mirror, it sounds similar to that of a gun click, this may suggest that her appearance is
her weapon. Lastly, the soundtrack is the EastEnders theme song played at the end of the trailer. Again, using the theory developed by Steve Neale
which is ‘Repeat’, adding the original soundtrack of EastEnders is common in soap opera trailers and will also allow the audience to recognise the
soundtrack and become aware of the show.
Non-Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Setting, Lighting, Costumes, Facial Expressions and Characters
The setting or the theme of the trailer is very noticeable. The theme of the trailer is western and the EastEnders trailer portrayed that very successfully. At
the very beginning of the trailer the setting shows a run down Albert Square. The Queen Vic is burned down following a previous disaster. In this sequence
of the trailer, a paper crosses across the camera, this is similar to that of tumbleweed in the Western films. This also implies a sense of calm before storm.
This means something tragic is coming to the square, it is also the connotation that Alfie and Kat are going to bring action to the square. The broken sign
which is hanging off its hinges also suggests that a disaster has already taken place. This theme of destruction is repeated throughout the trailer. On the
part of the trailer where Alfie is shown to the audience. The lighting is dark therefore covers his face, leaving the audience unaware of his identity. When he
steps into the light the audience is giving a sense of suspense as they are left shocked to see Alfie is back in the square. The costumes go with the Western
theme, using Maslow’s hierachy of needs and his level of esteem, the audience can develop a likeliness towards Kat and if they find similarities between
themselves and the character Kat, they can personally identify themselves which will attract them to the trailer. The facial expressions vary throughout the
trailer. In the beginning, Ian and Jane are shown to have scared facial expressions at the sight of Kat returning. Max, Janine and Pat are shown to stop what
they are doing. Max stops drinking and Janine and Pat stop laughing, at this point their facial expressions turn serious once they realise Kat is back in the
square.
Technical Codes – Comment on the use of Camera Angles, Shot Types and Camera Movement
A high angle shot is shown to display the two characters, show them in a stand off position to show that there may be a feud of some
sorts in the upcoming episodes of EastEnders. Close ups are used to show the facial expressions of the characters as they are introduced
the coming up Kat. A long shot is used to show the audience the after effects of The Queen Vic’s fire. It shows us that a bad event has
occurred. A long shot is used to show the character Roxy running away as soon as she realises Kat is in the square. Her action of running
away suggests Kat is bringing trouble and that trouble should be avoided. A tracking shot and upward pan is used to unveil Kat to the
audience. An over the shoulder shot is used to show Kats dominance and power within this trailer and as the EastEnders soundtrack is
used a shot-reverse-shot is used to show the tension between Kat and Alfie.

3. Trailer 2 – Skins
Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Dialogue, Voiceover, Sound Effects or Soundtrack
There is no use of dialogue in the trailer. A voiceover is used at the end of the trailer to introduce the channel that
Skins will premier on. This supports Steve Neale theory of ‘Repeat’ as they commonly use this feature in most soap
opera trailer to inform the audience of when and where to tune in, this also is use of Katz theory, Uses and
Gratification, the audience has gathered information of when and where the show will run. The sound effects of
thunder are used to add drama and suspense to the trailer and also allow the audience to understand that the
trailer is dark and in the upcoming series a tragic event may take place. A non – diegetic soundtrack is used in the
background of the trailer and throughout the trailer. This can be used to add more feeling to the trailer by making
the soundtrack match the pace of the trailer.
Non-Verbal Codes – Comment on the use of Setting, Lighting, Costumes, Facial Expressions and Characters
The setting of the trailer is rather dark. The background is black with the characters in a brighter lighting in contrast
to the characters. The dark background which may signify De Saussure, which is any meanings towards the target
audience. This connotes that there is darkness within there lives and normal teenagers may be able to relate to this.
At the beginning of the trailer they are nude, going back to Adam and Eve times, being nude symbolised innocence,
however in this case clothes begin to appear on the characters which could imply the characters have something to
hide. Laura Mulvey’s idea of ‘Male Gaze’ also comes into place, the fact the female characters are nude, will
stimulate a male audience and make them more intrigued and vise versa as there are also nude male characters
which will intrigue a female audience. All facial expressions convey fear or an dark calmness. This could suggest a
upcoming event could be approaching and this event will cause harm or fear and this will attract the audience as
they will want to know what is going on in the upcoming series.
Technical Codes – Comment on the use of Camera Angles, Shot Types and Camera Movement
A high angle shot is used to show characters falling. A low angle shot is used to demonstrate the characters falling in
slow motion. Close ups are used show the characters, so we can see their facial expressions. Wide shot shows the
surroundings. The darkness around the characters can symbolise an everlasting darkness or characters are the only
light in the darkness.

4. Evaluation of Textual Analysis –
Compare and Contrast
Trailer 1) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale)
In trailer 1, the strengths are the clear portrayal of the run down Albert Square. They clearly demonstrated that a past
event occurred where destruction took place. The burned down Queen Vic and signs hanging off its hinges allowed the
audience to understand that a tragic event has happened, therefore reminding them of the past episodes and
accessing there memory, also making them more intrigued to know what happens next.
The way Alfie and Kat are portrayed in the trailer is also a major strength, the Western theme is used successfully and
showed the dominance and power difference between the main characters in that trailer and the outside characters.
Using Steve Neale’s theory of ‘Repeat’ I would use different themes for soap trailers. Soap dramas are extremely
realistic, therefore making the trailers different from the soap drama itself can add an affect which will make the
audience more interested in the soap franchise. For instance, the Western theme will appeal to Western fans, making
them interested and willing to tune in into the real episode of the soap opera itself.
Trailer 2) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale)
In trailer 2, the non-diegetic soundtrack played throughout the trailer is very fitting. It matches the pace of the trailer
and also goes well with the theme of the trailer. Taking this account, I would ‘Repeat’ the use of a appropriate
soundtrack for another trailer.
Another feature of the trailer which I found was very strong was the breaking of the doll, this ‘signifies’ that future
events involve a tragic event and this is conveyed throughout the trailer with the dark theme and soundtrack to go
with it.