The group discussed the soap opera sub-genre of realism soaps. They provided examples of Emmerdale, Coronation Street, and Eastenders fitting this sub-genre. They noted the use of subtle editing and basic lighting without special effects to feel natural. Stereotypes often involve working-class characters and everyday family arguments or petty crimes are used for narratives. Sound is rarely non-diegetic apart from theme tunes.

1. Soap Opera Presentations:
Names: Katie & Georgia Sub- genre: Scripted Reality (TOWIE)
Is the definition clear and easy to Yes, included an example of a scripted reality which is The Only
understand? Way Is Essex.
What soaps could fit into this sub- The Only Way Is Essex, Geordie Shore.
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Attitude, Wealth & Lifestyle
codes and conventions, using
existing examples?
Have they covered the use of: MES;
Costume – Very glamorous clothes/Upper Class (London)
Lighting Make Up(Even The Boys) – Enhances their look and status
Editing (Unnatural look)
Mise en Scene Props – exaggerate their look.
Sound Roles – adds humorous situations, play on their roles to create a
good storyline
Setting – money and wealthy, flashy cars and houses
Lighting – sets the mood of the program
Theme song – Diamond effects, represents how wealthy they
are; symbolises their lifestyle.
Diegetic - No set script but characters have a role to play.
Creating their own language ‘reem’ ‘Jel’.
Camera - wide shots – to show the different social groups
Any extra information? Stereotypes of TOWIE Characters – Where They Live – Wealth &
Lifestyle in Essex
Questions?
Names: Sam, Steph & Lily Sub- genre: Melodramas
Is the definition clear and easy to No, but included the origin of the word which meant ‘music’ in
understand? Greek.
What soaps could fit into this sub- Hollyoaks
genre? Emmerdale
Coronation Street
Have they given clear examples of Hollyoaks Storylines – over exaggerated – keep the young
codes and conventions, using audience.
existing examples? Sound – dramatic music
Diegetic – bar/clubs they create realism and an atmostphere
‘Crazy Effects’ – such as expolitions – Holloaks Later – Drug Use
etc.

2. Have they covered the use of: Camera – Free Hand (More Realistic) in Hollyoaks
Use a lot of close ups to show characters emotions.
Lighting Mise En Scene – Coronation Street – Set In Weatherby
Editing Eastenders – East End Of London.
Mise en Scene No Natural light in Coronation street.
Sound
Any extra information? Stereotypes – Villians & Damsel In Distress
Questions?
Names: Harriet, Max & Sub- genre: Telenovela
Beth
Is the definition clear and easy to Very clear, include comparisons to British Soaps
understand?
What soaps could fit into this sub- Soy Tu Duena
genre? La Reina
Have they given clear examples of
codes and conventions, using
existing examples?
Have they covered the use of: Editing – Strong lightning and heavy make, close ups for
reactions, loads of two shots represent ‘perfect couple’ with
Lighting strong morals.
Editing
Mise en Scene
Sound
Any extra information? Categories – Working Class Melodrama
Teen Drama
Historical Romance
Mystery/Thriller
Pop Band Story
Romantic Comedies
Include Origins of Telenovelas – Brazil, Cuba & Mexico.
Audience – Family themed, midday onwards.
Stereotypes Include;
A rich guy falling in love with a poor girl
Priest nosing in people’s business
Catfights
Sibling Rivalry
Lots Of Sex
Playing On The Stereotypes in the Telenovela’s
Include Character Stereotypes

3. Questions?
Names: Vicky, Catherine & Sub- genre: American “Fantasy”
Steven
Is the definition clear and easy to Very clear, included examples
understand?
What soaps could fit into this sub- Dallas
genre? 90210
One Tree Hill
Desperate Housewives
Have they given clear examples of
codes and conventions, using
existing examples?
Have they covered the use of: Costume – Overexaggerated
Location – Major Cities, LA
Lighting
Editing Lighting – Saturated & An Orange Tint
Mise en Scene Based On Daylight
Sound
Camera – High Angle Shot , Set The Scene For The Entire
Programme
Two Shot – Shows The Emotion/reaction of character’s faces
Sound – Lots Of Non-Diegetic Sounds
Diagetic – Screaming, sirens, gunshots, door knocks, dialogue
Flashbacks – 90210 – Annie – Hit & Run
Editing – Panning & Zooming used to exaggerate the storyline
Time Dilation – Show Unusual handling of time passing
Storylines;
- Affairs
- Death
- Car Crashes
Any extra information? Stereotypes;
- Female Fatale
- Heartthrob
- Bad Guy
- Mother Figure
- All Ideal Lifestyles – Rich, Glamorous & Beautiful
- All except for one tree hill only have female voices

4. overs/main charaters
Background Music – Country – Dallas, Texas - Farms
Questions?
Names: Lawrence, Boy Sub- genre: Realism Soaps
Alex & Stephen
Is the definition clear and easy to
understand?
What soaps could fit into this sub- - Emmerdale
genre? - Coronation Street
- Eastenders
Have they given clear examples of
codes and conventions, using
existing examples?
Have they covered the use of: - Editing – Subtle – feel of a natural transition
- Lighting – very basic, no special effects, lights used to
Lighting represent lamps or the sunlight
Editing - Stereotypes – Emmerdale – characters often working
Mise en Scene class
Sound - Narratives – Everyday situations – family arguments &
petty crimes
- Sound – non diegetic sound is rarely used apart from the
theme tune
Any extra information?
- Each episodes usually end on cliffhangers to keep
suspense
- Characters – drive the plot
- Catharsis – purging of emotions – if you want someone
go through the same thing as you, it would help you to
deal with it
Questions?