This document contains an analysis of three soap opera trailers. Key points analyzed include verbal codes like dialogue, non-verbal codes like facial expressions, and technical codes like camera shots. For the first trailer, the author notes the effective use of non-verbal codes that connote destruction. They would repeat this to build suspense. Fast cuts between shots in the second trailer create anticipation, which the author wants to replicate. Clothing placed on characters in the third trailer is a metaphor the author aims to reproduce to achieve drama. Camera movement is also praised and wished to be imitated.

1. Soap Opera Genre –
Independent Textual
Analysis
Name: Jade Cook
Candidate Number: 6622
Center Name: St. Paul’s Catholic College
Center Number: 64770
OCR Media Studies – A2 Level
Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio

2. Trailer 1 – Eastenders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p4xlLezos0
Verbal Codes – The dialogue from the voiceover in this extract “it’s all kicking off in the square” connotes to the
audience that a disequilibrium (Todorov) is about to occur and that the two main characters in the trailer (Kat and
Alfie) are going to cause trouble. Also, at the beginning of the trailer you can hear the diegetic sound of the wind,
which emphasizes the idea of the ‘calm before the storm’ and gives the audience an enigma clue (Barthes) that
something bad is about to happen. The verbal code of the sound of Kat’s mirror when she opens it up connotes that
it is her weapon and fits in with the Western theme because it makes the sound of a gun. The soundtrack in the
background is also effective because it makes the trailer seem more dramatic as it starts off slow and builds up
throughout the trailer and gets louder towards the end, therefore building anticipation for the audience.
Non-Verbal Codes – The non-verbal code of the sign hanging off the bridge in this extract connotes ruin and
destruction which suggests to the audience that the characters Kat and Alfie are going to bring hurt and conflict to
the communities’ lives as the character Roxy, runs away behind the pub when she sees Kat in the square.
Additionally, at the end of the trailer, the non-verbal code of how Kat and Alfie are standing suggests that they are
about to go into a battle as they are standing opposite each other and their facial expressions connote that they are
both planning something. The non-verbal code of Patrick lifting his hat when he sees Kat connotes that she is
powerful as it is seen as a sign of respect and shows that she represents the ‘sheriff’ in the trailer as she is in charge.
The non-verbal code of Ian looking through the window to Kat connotes how she is someone to be feared and that
she is quite an intimidating character as he is hiding away from her.
Technical Codes – The technical code of an aerial shot at the end of the extract showing the characters from above
shows the conflict between them as the wild west theme suggests that they are about to fight. Also, a cowboy shot
is used the show Alfie through Kat’s legs which connotes to the audience that Kat is in control over Alfie the long
shot emphasizes him to be powerless and look small compared to Kat. The technical code of the long shot at the
beginning of the trailer shows the pub boarded up and deserted which connotes destruction and conflict which
creates a dramatic effect on the audience. The tracking shot used to follow Kat’s feet also builds anticipation and
makes the audience feel that they are walking with her.

3. Trailer 2 – Coronation Street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6RCp3-J-Fc
Verbal Codes – The repetition of the verbal code “destroyed” emphasizes the destruction of the character’s lives and
connotes that certain characters are going to be hurt. It also makes caregivers (Maslow) feel sympathy towards the
characters because they can see the heartbreak that they are going through and may be able to ‘personally identify’
(Katz) themselves with the character Tracy, if they have been in a similar situation. The verbal code of “everything’s
going wrong for me” emphasizes the struggles we go through in our everyday lives which some viewers may be able
to ‘personally relate’ (Katz) to. The verbal code of “I’m out of my depth” connotes how the character David is
struggling as he has a tone of desperation in his voice, which some viewers may be able to ‘personally identify’ (Katz)
themselves with if they have been through a situation involving heartbreak or trauma.
Non-Verbal Codes – The non-verbal code of the characters Carla and Tracy fighting in the factory focuses on the
theme of domestic tribulations and represents the conflict between the characters. Additionally, the non-verbal
code of the character Kylie crying on the stairs emphasizes the struggle families face which the audience may be able
to ‘personally identify’ (Katz) themselves with the characters. The non-verbal code of dystopian lighting gives a
dramatic tone to the trailer and emphasizes how the characters are going through dark times. Additionally, the non-
verbal code of the character Kal punching Gary connotes how they are in conflict which the audience may be able to
‘personally relate’ (Katz) to as well as caregivers (Maslow) may also feel sympathy towards Gary as he is made out to
look like the victim in the trailer.
Technical Codes – The use of the faded effect in the extract at the end of each cut creates suspense for the audience
as the fast speed of the cuts creates anticipation so the audience are on the edge of their seat and want to watch
more. Furthermore, the close-up of Carla at the beginning of the extract shows the distress on her face and gives the
audience an enigma clue (Barthes) that something terrible has happened. The mid-shot of Kylie crying on the stairs
is effective because it allows the audience to see the distress she is feeling and makes caregivers (Maslow)
sympathize with her. The use of the point of view shot when the character Sean is looking in the mirror is effective
because it makes the audience feel as if they are in the trailer.

4. Trailer 3 – Skins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToKa4dTAqE4
Verbal Codes – The verbal code of the sound effects of the clothes being put on the characters makes the viewer
feel as if they are in the trailer and creates a dramatic effect. In addition, these sound effects also create a diversion
for the audience which makes them escape reality as they feel that they are under water, like the characters. Also,
the verbal code of the soundtrack in the background creates a dramatic theme for the trailer which can represent
the serious situations expressed in the soap opera. This attracts the audience as it creates tension and intrigue
which brings excitement to the audience. The verbal code of the voiceover saying “coming soon” connotes to the
audience that something is coming to get them, as if they are also in the trailer with the characters.
Non-Verbal Codes – The non-verbal code of the clothes being put on the characters connotes the loss of innocence
and that they are covering up a secret, as they are ‘covering’ their bodies with clothes. This attracts the audience as
it could be an enigma clue that the characters are hiding something which creates suspense, making the audience
want to watch the trailer. The non-verbal code of the doll smashing at the end of the trailer connotes destruction
and damage. This appeals to the audience because some viewers may be able to ‘personally identify’ (Katz) with the
characters if they have been through a tough time in their life. The non-verbal code of the character’s facial
expressions displays a calmness of them falling which attracts the audience as it gives the idea that they could
possibly be in danger and that they are ‘diving into the unknown’. Also, the non-verbal code of the characters
showing different ethnicities shows how ‘Skins’ appeals to everyone and that all ethnicities are equal.
Technical Codes – The technical code of the long shot showing the characters falling connotes to the audience that
the characters are going to experience something bad that they can’t control, therefore them falling represents how
they are out of their depth and cannot stop what is going to happen. The technical code of the extreme close up on
the character’s faces denotes the characters emotions as it focuses on their facial expressions. The high angle shot
used in the trailer to show the characters falling appeals to the audience because the characters are seen as being
powerless. The technical code of the handycam movement of the camera demonstrates the fall of the characters
and suggests that they will be going on a ‘bumpy ride’ which represents the character’s journey.

5. Evaluation of Textual Analysis –
Compare and Contrast
Trailer 1) From this extract, a key area of strength would be the non-verbal codes used throughout the trailer, for
example the broken sign. This is a key area of strength because it connotes destruction and shows the audience that
something bad has happened. This is effective because it creates tension and suspense for the audience which makes
them want to watch the soap opera so they can have the reassurance that everything will be better in the end. I would
‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) the use of non-verbal codes from this extract because I feel that it keeps the audience on the
edge of their seat and this is something which I would like viewers to feel when watching my trailer.
Trailer 2) A key area of strength from this extract would be the technical code of the different cuts throughout the
trailer, as each shot only lasts a short amount of time. The fast speed of the cuts creates anticipation for the audience
as they are only able to see a small amount of events from the trailer, making them intrigued to watch the trailer to
know what happens next as it creates suspense. The idea of the fast paced cuts is something I wish to ‘repeat’ (Steve
Neale) in my soap opera trailer because I would like to create a similar effect on my audience and leave them on the
edge of their seats in suspense to make them interested in watching my trailer.
Trailer 3) From this extract, a key area of strength would be the non-verbal code of the clothes being put onto the
character’s bodies. This is because it is a metaphor for the message behind what the trailer is about, which is
something I plan to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) in my soap opera trailer because it creates a dramatic effect on the
audience. Another convention I would like to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) is the camera movement used, such as handycam,
as it creates a dramatic effect and makes the audience feel as if they are in the trailer which creates a diversion (Katz)
and a sense of escapism for the audience which is something that I would like to create in my trailer.