Ridgeway Evaluation

Name: Ridgeway Mazviamavi
Candidate Number: 6811
Center Name: St. Paul’s Catholic College
Center Number: 64770
A2 Media Studies
Unit G324: Advanced Production Portfolio
& Evaluation

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and
conventions of real media products?
Both my trailer and magazine front cover that I produced for „Thorn Lane‟ denote „elements of repetition and difference‟ (Steve Neale) from the conventional
Soap Opera genre in order to attract the target audience of young adults (18-25 years old).
„Thorn Lane‟ Trailer
Before we produced my trailer we researched and analysed current soap opera‟s trailers, to gain an insight and a better understanding on how they attract
their audience, specifically „Hollyoaks – The Wedding‟ trailer was our main inspiration for the trailer. Therefore in my trailer I ensured it denotes „elements of
repetition‟ (Steve Neale), for example my trailer builds up to a cliffhanger that suggests „disequilibrium‟ (Todorov) is going to take place. This a conventional
technique used in the soap opera genre, which was seen at 0:50- 1:12 the second non-diegetic soundtrack („Up in the air‟ by 30 Seconds From Mars) from
0:50 until the end of the trailer gives an enigma clue (Roland Barthes) of disequilibrium. The second soundtrack represents the clashing of the bride, groom
and best man. Furthermore the second non-diegetic soundtrack connotes the best man as an antagonist within the text, with the bass and low pitch of the
music similar to what is seen in – comparison to another trailer I CAN NOT THINK OF ONE!!. The verbal code of the text at 0:50 „Till death do us part‟ is
ironic because before they were married she were unfaithful so they have already parted. Moreover the lyrics in the first non-diegetic soundtrack („Demons‟
covered by Tanner Howe) „the beast inside‟ at 0:26 and the shot of the bride gives an enigma clue the bride is pregnant. This is further emphasised and
supported with zoom on Marry holding baby Jesus at 0:11. The verbal code of the lyrics in the first non-diegetic soundtrack “I wanna hide the truth, I wanna
shelter you” connotes how the bride wants to to get married and conceal the fact she had an affair with the best man. The scene at 0:36 is two candles at the
alter, the one closest to the camera is a symbolism of the bride. The second candle further away symbolises the best man. Also the focus from the first
candle to the second is represents the way in which the text starts with the focus bride and ends with the best man. The second candle being out of focus
connotes how the best man is in the background throughout the text in the scene. Moreover the fire symbolises their love for each other and the baby. They
are both represented as candles because they are both are parents to a baby, however the fire (the love they have for each other) burns the groom. We
have used Steve Neale‟s theory that soap operas are based on working class communities, and we added non-diegetic sound effects (birds chirping from
0:00-0:03 and the iPhone notification sound at 1:01which was fairly loud in order to emphasise its prominence and significance within the trailer).
Furthermore the entire text located a small church and basic reception hall, which emphasise the verisimilitude and illustrate the „kitchen sink‟ appearance
„Thorn Lane‟ possess. This develops forms and convents of real media products. As the soap opera‟s target audience the working class males/women
within the United Kingdom (which relates to Hartley‟s Seven Subjectives). The dramatic cuts from 0:50 till the end of the trailer present the upcoming
disequilibrium within the Soap. The wide shit of the groom sitting between the bride and bestman (at 1:09) denotes how he is dividing them being together.
The title „bestman‟ connotes he is the best man for her (the bride) as he is the father of the baby, according to real media products (such as
Hollyoaks)couples get married because of pregnancy. The low angle mid shot of the bride (at 0:03) focuses on her stomach providing an enigma clue
(Rolland Bathes) of what the focus of the trailer will focus on. Furthermore „Thorn Lane‟ challenges real media products in the form of the bride walking in
with only her bridesmaids which presents fetishisation (Laura Mulvey) real soap operas such as Hollyoaks („The wedding‟ trailer) the bride walks in with a
man. However in our trailer she is with other women, representing „strong active women‟. The way in which the bride glares over but does not acknowledge
the guests at the wedding and they all stand for her, denotes their sense of authority. This reflects her authority over the disequilibrium within the text in the
sense she is the only character that know what is taking place. Then having dramatic cuts from 0:50 till the end of the emphasises the upcoming
disequilibrium, and creating a more suspenseful cliff hanger.
Question 1

The brides costume is a white dress with a leopard pattern bow, and her bridesmaids costumes are black dresses. The black dresses are binary opposite
(Levi Strauss) to the conventional forms of real soap operas (white/ bright colour dresses). Black connotes evil, unhappiness, sadness the opposite of what a
wedding suppose to represent (providing a „clue‟ Roland Barthes of upcoming disequilibrium). Moreover the bride‟s white dress connotes innocents, purity
and virginity, the binary opposite of what she is (committing adultery and being pregnant before marriage) and the dress has a leopard pattern (which
represents how deceptive she is) further challenging real media products. In comparison the groom‟s costume is a grey suit (more clearly seen at 1:09), this
colour is conventionally seen as serious and solemn (relating to self denial). As for the best man his costume is a scruffy black suit (black connotes evil)
making him more of a villain (propp) and antagonist. At the reception (at 1:05) the close up on the phone after the soap opera magazine review of quoting
the text as “scandalous” further encourages the audience to watch the soap. The use of cross-media promotion challenges the conventional forms of real
soap operas, such as the „Hollyoaks‟ wedding trailer (our trailer of inspiration). In return this further encourages the audience to watch the trailer weather
they read „The Soap Scoop‟ or not, it is someone promoting the soap. The shot of virgin Marry holding baby Jesus (0:11) acts as a „clue‟ to what the soap is
about, this will particularly get the attention of caregiver. We decided to develop the theme of relationships and love, which is commonly used in successful
soap operas (Eastenders). Furthermore the use of a voice over during the point of call information develops the way in which successful soap operas do
(Holloyoaks). The voiceover (from 1:14-1:16) is said by the groom (as if he is speaking to the bride), he states the variety of themes covered in the text.
Question 1

Question 1
On our point of call we ensured we had the name of our soap in the middle, as it will be the the focus point and draw attention. More over we
included the institution logo (BBC 3) in the top left corner as we did for the trailer, for consistency and awareness as to the channel it will be aired
on. The addition of emedia links (Facebook) on the left (URL) and on the bottom corners is to encourage as well as converge the audience into
watching the soap. Overall the layout is simple and minimalistic, so it is easy /clear for anyone to understand.
‘Thorn Lane’ Point of Call

‘The Soap Scoop’ Magazine
For this media product I researched real media products, in order to replicate and repeat (Steve Neale) specific forms and conventions within
my product. I referred to „SoapLife‟ for inspiration as it is a contemporary Soap Opera magazine, I developed ad challenged forms and
conventions from it. Features such as the general layout, fonts and colour scheme of „SoapLife‟ are particularly noticeable, so I replicated and
developed them. While carrying out research I noticed most magazine‟s tagline is a catchy and is a pun on the magazine's name. The name
„The Soap Scoop‟ was inspired from the saying „give me the scoop‟, what friends/ family often say to each other therefore helping build a
„personal relationship‟ with the readers. Moreover my tagline “Your Scoop of all the latest Soap news and gossip!” is a pun using the name of
the magazine. This play on words would grab the target audience‟s attention and further entice them. A USP of the my media product is that
unlike it competitors it offers two weeks worth of content rather than just one (as competitors like inside soap does). „The Soap Scoop‟
challenges real media products with it‟s forms and conventions, for example the presents of social media links (Facebook and Twitter) as well
as having QR code. Conversion and synergy are presented through the presents of e-media links, such as „The Soap Scoop‟ URL under the
masthead. The Target audience of „The Soap Scoop‟ is the working, class students and young adults (age 18-25), in accordance with
Hartley‟s subjectivity of age. Specifically individuals who want to be informed/educated, emotionally relate and want a sense of escapism, in
relation to Katz‟ Uses and Gratifications Theory. Moreover I decided to include a puff as an incentive to attract the target audience. This
develops conventions of real media magazines because most only offer small small incentives (a free magazine from Inside Soap), also „The
Soap Scoop‟ has the puff positioned near the headline image/ masthead so its more noticeable. Also I have challenged the layout of real
media products such as „What‟s on TV‟, by positioning my masthead in the center and having large areas of white space. I did this so is
would be more clear and easier to identify. In addition „The Soap Scoop‟ develops the way real media products use the „Two Step Flow
Theory‟ (Larzarfeld and Katz – 1955) by social media such as Facebook and Twitter. In relation to Maslow‟s „Hierarchy on Needs‟ care-givers
and survivors would be attracted to my magazine because the would been seeking new equilibrium within the cover lines. Overall „The Soap
Scoop‟ effectively cross promotes „Thorn Lane‟ though being the headline and the presents of the point of call information.
Question 1

Magazine AnalysisUSP
This will attract the attention of the
audience . I repeated (Steve Neal) this
convention from my magazine of
inspiration „Soaplife‟ as it was
successful at getting my attention.
Strapline
A play on on the masthead name, while
being catching . This is a common
method real media products use to
attract an audience.
The word „evil‟ indicates
disequilibrium within the text, this
attracts „caregivers‟(Maslow)
because they want to get information
(Katz) and see it resolved.
E-media – Twitter & Facebook
This way „The Soap Scoop‟ can become a „gatekeeper‟ by going straight
to their audience via the web to social media sites such as Twitter and
Facebook (Planket -2008). This develops the way in which print media is
working in a symbiotic relationship with e media.
Conversion – QR Code & URL
Further saturating the audience with both print and emedia. The QR code develops the
way real media technologies usually converge their target market to their emedia.
URL
In a central location under the masthead
one of the first places the audience
notices. This develops the converging
relationship between print and emedia.
Point of call information This is to rise
awareness as to the channel it will be aired on.
Puff
Intended to grab the
attention of the audience
and be an incentive
Barcode
In conventional location, because this location
is out of the way. Furthermore it is a common
location for real successful media products.
The facial expression character and
caption for the cover story will attract
caregivers (Maslow) because they will
want to know what the „Bad News‟ is.
The use of a rhetorical question
will grab the audience‟s attention
and create suspense. This will
particularly attract caregivers
and survivors (Maslow). Also it
will allow the audience to them
to immerse and divert them from
reality (diversion).
Sara in red connotes she is a dangerous
person (protagonist) and not a suitable
mother therefore could be putting the
baby‟s life at risk.
Masthead
The name connotes the audience is
getting a „scoop‟ of the latest soap
news and gossip. This was in
spired by the saying „give me the
scoop‟ which people often say to
friends and family. This will help
build a inter-relationship between
„The Soap Scoop‟ and the target
audience.
Cover lines
Cover lines
Both words „revenge‟ and
„secret‟ are in capitol letters this
is a common feature used in real
media products. This in addition
with the red font it connotes
danger and equilibrium.
Headline

Question 1
‘Thorn Lane’ Poster
Before I created my poster I conducted research into real media products, in order to better understand and develop the codes and
conventions I have included in my work. After this I can to the conclusion that in order for my poster to be effective as possible, the image has
to be bold in order to appeal and evoke (social issues to) the audience. The social issues my poster presents the audience with a is a failed
relationship/ friendship, adultery and most significantly the negative effects of a unplanned pregnancy. For my poster I ensured I developed
specific codes of real media posters by presenting the audience with a graphic disequilibrium. From 0:51 – the end of my trailer suspense the
audience‟s suspense is built up then the best man leaves, this creates a sense of enigma (Roland Barthe). The aim of media posters is to
draw attention to the production, is is where the „Two Step Flow Theory‟ (Larzarfeld and Katz – 1955) encourages the status of the Soap
Opera. The poster has a plain white background which is ironic because white represents innocents, however it ironic because themes in the
soap are the binary opposite (Levi Strauss). By having plain white background rather than a location, I am broadening my possible audience
because it does isolate a „niche‟ audience. As a result this relates to every social class group (Hartley‟s Seven Subjectives) in The United
Kingdom. Moreover the boxing gloves and blood on both male characters represents the fight over the female character in the middle
(antagonist). Males fighting over a female is often represented in real media products such as „Eastenders’. The female character‟s white
dress represents innocents however the leopard pattern bow is an „enigma clue‟ (Rolland Bathes) and connotes how she is a devious
character, as leopards are sneaky animals. I also developed the conventional codes and convention such as emedia, cross promotion and
synergy. I challenged real media products through the simplicity and connotations of my image. I ensured I included all the main characters
so the audience can get use to familiar with them (and build a relationship) especially emphasizing the male character on the right the main
antagonist. I developed Rebecca Feasey theory by having the bride taking the role of the alpha male being in-between the best man and
groom, taking control of the situation. By having a plain white background I am further focusing the audience's attention to the main
characters. In relation to Kat‟s Uses and Gratification Theory the audience will use „Thorn Lane‟ for diversion, and personally identify with the
problems and experiences of the characters. As the conventional purpose of this type of a media product (Soap Opera) is to grasp
verisimilitude and realism though the representation of social issues. Caregivers (Maslow‟s Hierarchy of Needs) that look at this poster would
sympathise with the bride (because she appears innocent and in distress). On the other hand survivors would hope for new-equilibrium. The
poster‟s tagline „Who's the daddy‟ is a bold rhetorical question in order to get the audience to think and get interested in the soap, resulting in
them watching „Thorn Lane‟. Furthermore the central location of the tagline emhasises its importance of what the answer is, it also connotes
how the answer to this question is going to be central to the soap. Therefore the only way the audience will ever answer the question is
watching „Thorn Lane‟ further persuading them to watch. Within this poster I have developed the forms and conventions of real media
products, with the elements of synergy (social media links) and convergence (QR code).

Question 1
Social media links - synergyURL – Emedia
Point of call information
All the a information in one corner. Specifically repeating (Steve
Neal) the location of the BBC3 logo. This is to rise awareness as
to the channel it will be aired on.
The Tagline (caption) is
bright, bold, in all capitol
letters and is located in the
middle of the poster to grab
the attention. Also it is a
rhetorical question to make
the audience's attention
and will encourage them to
watch to find out.
Cross-Promotion of
„The Scoop Scoop‟
magazine
(Convergence)
The Symbolism of the
disequilibrium the
pregnancy has caused.
The blood and boxing
gloves illustrates that
these characters are
fighting. This will attract
caregivers, because they
want to see the
disequilibrium resolved.
Convergence the QR
code makes it easy for the
audience to get to their
emedia
Props
The letters „BBE‟ is an a
abbreviation of the word
„baby‟ further creating
an enigma clue (Roland
Barthes) of what they
are fighting about.
Propp
The bride is positioned in
the middle of the fight as
she is the cause of the
disequilibrium . Also she
is wearing white and is the
only charter without blood
on her, emphasizing her
innocence.
Logo is oversaturated and dark red
colour to symbolise the blood shed
and draw the attention to the
audience.

The symbiotic relationship between „Thorn Lane‟, „The Soap Scoop‟ challenges real media products by the use
of cross media promotion and both media products are examples of synergy with the use of social media links.
Taking advantage of both of these conventions promotes the trailer so it reaches a wider audience. Challenging
real media products, our trailer is a prime example of a synergistic product as it not only promotes „Thorn Lane‟
but also the soaps Facebook/ Twitter, „The Soap Scoop‟ as well as three other soap magazines. Both synergy
and convergence are essential to secure the soap‟s success and popularity. As the soap will be aired of BBC3 it
will be available on BBC iPlayer, promoting the audience to be proactive rather than passive, challenging form
of my soap opera of inspiration („Hollyoaks – The Wedding‟ trailer). The social issues of pregnancy and failed
relationships are both effectively represented throughout all my my main product and ancillary text. Every
product successfully emphasises a failed relationships (the bride and groom/ the groom and best man) which is
the primary cause of the disequilibrium (Todorov) within the narrative. My trailer and poster both emphasise the
bride as a „princess‟ (Propp), however she is a antagonist and the root of the disequilibrium. Within our trailer
she is presented as an innocent victim. Moreover on my poster she is positioned in-between the groom and
best man which provide a clue (Roland Barths) and connotes how she is standing between the two male
charters. This highlights her dominant role within she has, and the amount of control she has over the
disequilibrium. Opposed our trailer, my magazine and poster present the underlying failed relationship between
the groom and best man, which was hinted at the climax of the trailer. In conclusion my main product and
ancillary text effectively attracts the target audience, through the use if suspense, provocative images and
social issues as presented in successful Soap Operas (Hollyoaks).
How effective is the combination of your main product and ancillary texts?
Question 2

What have you learned from your audience feedback?
Question 3
In order to gain insight I conducted primary research by receiving feedback from a mixed groups of males/
females from age 16-28 years old(the demographic my target audience falls under), regarding my main product
and ancillary text. I ensured some of my questions enabled the participant qualitative feedback, because it is
easier to get a better understanding of the audience. Qualitative data is powerful and useful because it allows
participants to express their own personal opinion. My decision to use the method of written questionnaire
(rather than audio/video recordings) is because participants are better able to give detailed feedback (which is
also easier to collect). With this feedback one of my aims was to cover all aspects regarding the effectiveness
my main product and ancillary text.
Overall my results conclude that my main product and ancillary texts will appeal to young male and females.
This is likely because themes such as unplanned pregnancies and failed relationships is now common in that
demographic, therefore that audience can relate. As a result they are likely to enjoy and „personally identify‟ to
„Thorn lane‟, and build a personal relationship with the characters. The all of the themes presented are just ask
likely to appeal to both genders, because both are effected equally in these social issues.

Question 3
Magazine Feedback
Participants
Males
females
For this feedback I ensured I used both open and closed questions, in order
to get quantitive and qualitive data. I took advantage of media products
such a surveymonkey.com to get collect my feedback. Participants included
6 females and 4 males.
For question 1 (what was the top 3 strengths of the magazine?) the most
popular answers where ‘the main image’ (10), ‘layout’ (7) and ‘colour
scheme’ (8). Most participants commented on how clear and appealing the
entire cover is.
For question 2 (is this a magazine you would purchase?) 9 out of 10
participants answered ‘yes’ this could be because of how professional the
presentation is .
For question 3 (did you find the layout professional and easy to read?) the
majority (6) of the participants answered ‘no, it is not easy to follow’. I feel
this is because of the genre of the magazine, it tends to be ‘busy’ with
bright colours and cover lines. However all 10 of my participants agreed
‘the, font is a good size’ and ‘yes, the layout is professional’. This is because
I replicated the layout and micro features of ‘Soaplife’.
For question 4 (Do you regularly read soap opera magazines?) only 2
participants answered ‘Yes’, on the other had 8 answered ‘No’. This could
be because the majority of young people do not read print media because
of the access of e-media.
For question 5 (how would you improve/ change this poster so it is more
effective?) most answers referred to the ‘layout’ and ‘strapline’. I
understand why people answered the layout because it is again ‘busy’ and
the strapline could be shorter (so it is easier for audiences to remembered.

Question 3
Poster Feedback For this feedback I exclusively used open questions attain rich qualitive data.
Participants included 5 females and 5 males.
For question 1 (what do you expect to see on a soap opera magazine?) the most
answers mentioned “multiple soap operas” (all 10 participants) to represented
and “bold colours” (all 6 participants. My magazine conformed to both of these
stereotypes .
For question 2 (Has the poster been produced to look to a professional
standard?) 9 out of 10 participants answered “yes”. I made sure all my images
were of a high quality, and all the post production was executed using
professional software.
For question 3 (is the text clear and easy to read?) the majority of people (9
participants) answered “yes” and all mentioned the size and different coloured
fonts. I aimed to make my poster simple to and avoid it being busy . This was
because I wanted to make all the text clear and easy to read.
For question 4 (what do you think the image connotes?) for this question every
answer included “a fight”. The poses the males characters are in, their boxing
gloves and blood all suggest a fight/disequilibrium.
For question 5 (what type of characters do you think they are and why?) most
participants answered the two male characters look “bad/mad” and the female
looks “worried/scared”. I understand why people answered they look like bad
guys because they are presented as violent. Moreover the female character’s
facial expression supports why participants thinks she looks “worried/scared”.
For question 5 (after watching this trailer) most participants mentioned the
“colour scheme” (8 participants) and their “clothes”. From this I learned I
should have and one solid colour and different more suitable costumes.
participants
males
females

Question 3
Trailer Feedback For this feedback I ensured I used both open and closed questions, in order to get
quantitive and qualitive data. I took advantage of media products such a
surveymonkey.com to get collect my feedback. Participants included 3 females and 7
males.
For question 1 (do you regularly watch existing soap operas?) most (6) participants
answered ‘no’ . This conforms to the stereotypical view that the target market for soap
operas is aimed at females, as everyone that responded ‘no’ were males.
For question 2 (did you find the trailer appealing and professional?) 6 participants
answered ‘no’, I predict this is due to the use of a multi-stranded narrative. Next the
majority of people (8), thought the cliffhanger and setting were successfully
established. This is because from 0:50 until the end of the trailer we used a suspenseful
soundtrack and we ensured we had an establishing shot at every location. Moreover 8
participants said “yes” the characters were effectively presented as props. On the
other hand 2 participants said “no”. From this feedback I learned that we established
characters well, however we could have done it better. For example we cold have
made it more obvious that the bride is an antagonist.
For question 3 (did you find the soundtrack was effective in emphasising themes in the
trailer?) all 10 participants responded “yes”. From this I learned that we made the right
decision choosing to use the soundtracks we did. The first ‘Demons’ by Tanner Howe
provides clues as to the themes of trailer and the second track ‘Up in the air‟ by 30
Seconds From Mars‟ supports the disequilibrium.
For question 4 (after watching this trailer, what would you improve/change?) most
participants answers mentioned “the text” (7 participants) that the best man received.
From this I learned we should have made the social issues more clear.
For question 5 (did you find it was easy to identify the social issues presented?) the
majority of participants (8) answered “yes”, most answered mentioned the “music “
and “shots”. From this I learned the music was suitable, which lyrics such as “with the
beast inside” anchoring the themes. As well as shots of the brides stomach and of
Marry holding baby Jesus.
participants
males
females

How did you use media technologies in the construction and
research, planning and evaluation stages?
Question 4
Construction
During post production my aim was to produce all my work to a professional level. Therefore I used professional standard
software, Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 and Adobe Photoshop CS4. Both programs offered a wide range of tools, how ever I did not
know how to use some of them. I overcame this problem by watching YouTube tutorials.
Before we imported our footage in premier pro we named all the shots, so we did not have to watch the footage to find out what
shot it is. Then we made bins to organise our footage by location and shot. The first stages of editing included using the „ripple
edit‟ tool to trim all the footage to only what was essential. Then after we got all the footage in sequence, we then imported our
audio tracks („Demons‟ by Tanner Howe and „Up in the Air‟ by 30 Seconds From Mars). Once the audio was in we edited to music
parallel to the footage in order to create a symbiotic relationship, between the visual imagery and audio. Key frames are a useful
feature within Adobe Premiere Pro CS6, they enabled us to change the volume of the audio according to the scene. An example
of key frames in use in our trailer is at 0:48-0:51 when the audio track fades out. Furthermore I was able to use transitions (for
example at the beginning of my trailer to fade the audio in) so that it is more professional similar to real media products. In order to
build the audiences suspense and create an effective climax we added multiple „cuts‟ to which matched the audio (from 0:50- the
end of the trailer). We had a difficult time colour correcting the footage as some of the scenes were much brighter/ darker than
others. We collectively decided the best way resolve this problem was to make it all „black & white‟ and lighten or darken the
scenes that needed it. For example the shots at the alter specifically between 0:48-0:58 we had to boost the brightness/ contrast
to match the rest of the text. Moreover Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 enabled us to add the BBC Three logo, which also makes our
magazine more professional (similar to how Eastenders has their logo in the top left corner in the „Hurricane Sharon trailer‟).
I used Adobe Photoshop CS4 to create my ancillary products because its wide variety of tools an it is most commonly used photo
editing software by professionals. Tools of used the most included the „magic wand‟/ „quick selection‟ (to remove backgrounds)
and the „stamp/ clone tools ‟ ( to create blood on my poster). I also used the brush tool mainly on my poster to give my charters
burses and around the bride‟s stomach to focus on her stomach, this was all effective in emphasising the social issues presented
in the text.

Question 4
Filming Day – St Mary’s Church
My group and I used a both a Canon and Nikon DSLR for multi camera angles (B & C
cameras), our primary camera was a Sony HDR. We also used specialist equipment such as
tripods (for steady shots) and lends hoods(to avoid lends flare). The photos below is evidence of
my participation during the day as producer.
This is us filming the ‘wide
shot’ of the bride and
bridesmaids at 0:21-0:22.
This is us filming the ‘close up
shot’ of the ring exchange at
0:46-0:49.
This is us filming the ‘low
angle shot’ of the best man
at 0:39-0:40.

Question 4
Filming Day – St Ignatius Church manning room
My group and I used a both a Canon and Nikon DSLR for multi camera angles (B & C
cameras), our primary camera was a Sony HDR. We also used specialist equipment such as
tripods (for steady shots) and lends hoods(to avoid lends flare). The photos below is evidence of
my participation during the day as producer.
This is us organising the set of
the set of the second location
at 0:51-1:13.
This is us filming the deciding
the shot types, camera
locations and actor’s roles.
This is us getting the actors in
position and adding props.

Question 4
Initial images
Finial Poster
Groom
Bride
Best man
I used Adobe Photoshop
CS4 in order to manipulate
as well as enhance in
order to make them
suitable for my poster. With
the tools within
Photoshop, I was able to
create a poster to a
professional standard.
I took these pictures of the
three main characters
separately, and then edited
so it seems they’re in the
same picture for my poster.

Question 4
Research
I took advantage of media platforms such as YouTube (convergence) during the preproduction process, to get
inspiration for social issues, mise en scene, editing techniques, lighting, camera and sounds we could present
in out trailer. The „Hollyoaks- wedding‟ trailer inspired my group the most because the use of a multi stranded
narrative (Steve Neal) and the social issue presented (unplanned pregnancy). We then replicated both feature
and established a story around it.
My magazine of inspiration „Soaplife‟ appealed to me because of its layout, images and strapline. I could not
find a soap poster that really appealed to me. However I replicated multiple „Hollyoaks‟ posters that presented
the soap‟s main characters. All these texts conform and challenge both theories and codes/ conventions of a
soap opera.

Question 4
‘Hollyoaks’ The Wedding promo - 2011 ‘Thorn Lane’ trailer
I used the ‘Hollyoaks’
trailer for inspiration
because of the way it
presents social issues.
Here is a close up shot (at 0:28 that we shot with a Sony HDR for professional quality) of the bride which denotes
unhappiness, this is an enigma clue (Rolland & Barths) of whats going going to happen latter in the text. The black & white (that I
created in Adobe Premiere Pro CS6) effect I used on this scene further supports the facial expression of mood of the bride.
Here is a wide high angle shot (at 0:17 that we shot with a Canon DSLR that we used for a second view) of the bride walking into
an empty church connotes the emptiness of her relationship.

Question 4
‘Hollyoaks’ The Wedding promo - 2011 ‘Thorn Lane’ trailer
Here is a point of view shot (at 0:25that we shot with a Sony HDR for professional quality) of the bride looking over at the guests, whom give he a look of
disapproval. Also providing an enigma clue (Rolland & Barths).
Here is a close up shot (at 0:36 that we shot with a Nikon DSLR for a cut away) is two candles at the alter, the one closest to the camera is a symbolism of the
bride. The second candle further away symbolises the best man. Also the focus from the first candle to the second is represents the way in which the text
starts with the focus bride and ends with the best man. The second candle being out of focus connotes how the best man is in the background throughout the
text in the scene. Moreover the fire symbolises their love for each other and the baby. They are both represented as candles because they are both are
parents to a baby, however the fire (the love they have for each other) burns the groom.

Question 4
Planning – Trailer
While planning our trailer we cohesively created a mind map of all the social issues/ themes, setting, target
audience, channel/ scheduling, cinematography, character types, the name and Steve Neale‟s theory of what
we‟re going to “repeat” and make “different” from other texts. While we and after we were figuring everything out
we had regular group meeting, to keep track of what we had achieved and still need to. The meeting notes were
key to our groups success because they kept us organised and constantly in communication with each other.
Part of my role being producer was to regularly create some agendas and note down the meeting. Once we
established the concepts of our trailer, we created a shot list, storyboard, prop list and script. On the day of
filming we brought along all these documents, which guided us throughout the filming.
Prior to filming we contacted the local authorities (Spelthorne Borough Council) for legal permission to film.
Below is letter we sent. Here is their reply.

Question 4
Ancillary Products
I completed 2 hand drawn drafts for both my poster and magazine prior to creating them. Between each draft I
had a variation of ideas to present my poster and magazine. For inspiration I researched successful soap
magazines, such as SoapLife. I also annotated my hand drawn drafts to provide insight into my knowledge and
understanding. Creating these drafts gave me guidance and made me more organised, with my final layout and
colour scheme for example.
Poster Drafts Magazine Drafts

Question 4
Evaluation
I chose to use prezi for my evaluation as it allowed my make my evaluation interactive. Also Prezi enables me
to imbed photos and videos which enhance the presentation. Futhermore because it is over the internet I can
easily share it with others and access it whenever and wherever I have internet connection. The layout is
minimalistic therefore it is it is easy to understand, also it is visually appealing making it more more
professional. It made it simple to evaluate my three media products and every production stage all in very in-
depth detail. In order to create an effective storyboard during my construction process I used Microsoft
PowerPoint. It equipped me with a lot of creative freedom with all the tools it gave me access to, for example
different colour and size text boxes/ shapes. Microsoft PowerPoint gave me an A4 size template to work
with, which could be expanded for sufficient space to create comments around my work. Overall it has been an
asset to the completion of my research, planning and evaluation. I find I am a more analytical and
comprehensive student, and my knowledge and ability exceled in media throughout completing this
coursework.

Ridgeway Evaluation

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