This document discusses several sub-genres of soap operas including American fantasy, melodrama, Australian soap operas, scripted reality, and telenovelas. For each sub-genre, examples of conventions are provided such as wealthy characters, dramatic storylines, use of music and location. Codes like lighting, editing techniques, and camera shots commonly seen in each type of soap opera are also outlined. Overall, the document analyzes the defining features that differentiate various soap opera genres.

1. Names: Sub- genre: American Fantasy
Is the definition clear and easy to An extreme version of the bourfeoisies life styles, portrayed
understand? in its extremist form-involving money and appearance.
What soaps could fit into this sub- Dynasty, Dallas, Sunset beach
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Characters are wealthy, have property and are upper class.
codes and conventions, using Accessories such as watches, belts, jewellery. Play boy life
existing examples? styles. Men often looking after family. Expensive houses.
Lots of scenery shots. Blackmail, cat fights, business/ family
related are some of the main storylines.
Have they covered the use of: Long shots to show how much land they own and how big
Lighting the houses are.
Editing
Mise en Scene
Sound
Any extra information?
Questions?

2. Names: Sub- genre: Melodrama
Is the definition clear and easy to Dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting
understand? events.
What soaps could fit into this sub- Hollyoaks, Downton Abbey, Home and Away, Neighbours.
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Characters, the gossip, loveable rogue, the hunk, tart with a
codes and conventions, using heart, sweetheart, village bully, gangster. Catharsis,
existing examples? storylines are when the viewer goes through the same
emotions as the characters. The director wants you to feel
how the characters do. Escapism storylines, audience wants
to escape from everyday life so watches something that
wouldn’t usually happen. Realism storylines, characters
dressed in expensive clothes so that the viewers aspire to be
like them.
Have they covered the use of: Non diagetic sounds such as gun shots, slaps and explosions.
Lighting Diagetic sounds, doors slamming or glasses smashing.
Editing Lighting ranges from natural light to artificial light
Mise en Scene Camera shots usually fast paced and short, close up to show
Sound emotions. Each story starts with an establishing shot.
Any extra information?
Questions?

3. Names: Sub- genre: Australian Soap Operas.
Is the definition clear and easy to Similar convention to Hollyoaks, hybrid of melodrama and
understand? social realism. Range of middle-class characters with
locations such as houses, cafes, schools ect.
What soaps could fit into this sub- Neighbours, Home & Away.
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Uses non diegetic and diegetic music, uses cliff hangers and
codes and conventions, using stereotypical characters the patriarch, the rebel, the
existing examples? underdog, the girl next door, the housewife, the villain, the
good guy and the couple.
Have they covered the use of:
Lighting
Editing
Mise en Scene
Sound
Any extra information? First broadcast over the radio in the 1940s. Storylines entice
mother and daughter relationships so the themes are
usually family orientated.
Questions?

4. Names: Sub- genre: Scripted Reality.
Is the definition clear and easy to Television serious which includes real people who talk
understand? naturally but are put in situations to create drama. These
people are not professional actors and actresses.
What soaps could fit into this TOWIE, MIC. Keeping up with the Kardashians
sub- genre?
Have they given clear examples MIC: Uses London Bridge which is a iconic feature of
of codes and conventions, using London know where the show is set. Characters are rich
existing examples? have nothing to do so take up hobbies such as
skateboarding. Audience demographic as teenagers.
TOWIE: Designer clothes connote a rich lifestyle, well off
and extravagant life. All characters are extremely well
groomed, but go to normal places such as pubs.
Have they covered the use of: Generally in big cities with a renowned nightlife. Clothes
Lighting are expensive which allows the feel for materials goods
Editing from the viewer. Lighting used to set the set, always light
Mise en Scene and vibrate giving a positive up beat feel. Modern day
Sound music which targets the audience is played. Close up shots
used frequently in towie
Any extra information?
Questions?

5. Names: Sub- genre: Telenovellas
Is the definition clear and easy to Dramatic programme, Latin American and Spanish. Base
understand? story line on homosexuality urban violence and racism.
Represented an exaggerated idea of realism with outlandish
stories.
What soaps could fit into this sub- Canaveral de Pasiones, Betty La Fea, Las Pasiones de Betty.
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Features lots of women, sex which is a taboo subject, strong
codes and conventions, using family links,
existing examples?
Have they covered the use of: Extreme close ups, sound bridge allows the non-diegetic to
Lighting carry an establishing shot using panning. Simple jump shots
Editing used. Contrasting colours, the character sterotypes are all
Mise en Scene similar (antagonist, protagonist), Mexican upbeat
Sound soundtrack very low budget. Fast paced and overaggerated,
mainly close ups to show actors emotion.
Any extra information? Mainly female audience as they like to see sex and violence,
programme aimed at age ranges 25 – 54.
Questions?