This document discusses several soap opera sub-genres: scripted reality shows, melodramas, telenovelas, American "fantasy" soaps, and Australian soaps. For each sub-genre, it provides examples of conventions like stereotyped characters, use of lighting, editing techniques, and sound. It also lists soaps that could fit into each category and asks if the definitions and examples of conventions are clear.

1. Soap Opera Presentations:
Names: Sub- genre: Scripted reality
Is the definition clear and easy to Yes and gives example.
understand?
What soaps could fit into this sub- The only way is Essex
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Conform to gender assumptions
codes and conventions, using
existing examples?
Have they covered the use of: Mise en scene covered well, props and appearance, roles,
setting.
Lighting Lighting – interchangeable lighting to represent mood.
Editing Sound – always a theme tune which is non – diagetic sound.
Mise en Scene Camera – wide shots, long shots and two shots are used.
Sound
Any extra information?
Questions?
Names: Sub- genre: Melodramas
Is the definition clear and easy to No, only gave origin of the name.
understand?
What soaps could fit into this sub- Hollyoaks, coronation street, Downton abbey
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Stereotyped characters – Hero/villains/side kicks/ Damsel in
codes and conventions, using Distress
existing examples?
Have they covered the use of: Camera – freehand camera used to be more realistic, shots are
done slowly to blend together.
Lighting Mise en scene – over-exaggerated emotions
Editing Sound – dramatic, diagetic sound in public buildings, non-
Mise en Scene diagetic used to create tension and realism.
Sound Lighting – use alot of natural light.
Scenes – episode around half an hour and ends on a cliff hanger.
Any extra information?
Questions?

2. Names: Sub- genre: Telenovelas
Is the definition clear and easy to Gives mainly origin of the soap.
understand?
What soaps could fit into this sub- La Reina
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Over the top, categories and classic storylines. Use English
codes and conventions, using subtitles.
existing examples? Stereotypes of roles
Have they covered the use of: Lighting- strong lighting to emphasise a fake reality.
Sound – non-diagetic Mexican music used.
Lighting
Editing
Mise en Scene
Sound
Any extra information? Awards
Questions?
Names: Sub- genre: American “Fantasy”
Is the definition clear and easy to Yes
understand?
What soaps could fit into this sub- Dallas
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Character stereotypes- Femme Fatale, Heartthrob, Bad Guy and
codes and conventions, using a Mother figure.
existing examples? Idealised version of life.
Have they covered the use of: Music anchors where the soap is set.
Mise en scene- costume, location, props and make up.
Lighting Lighting- Very saturated, sets mood, alot of artificial light is
Editing used.
Mise en Scene Camera- different shots and angles used for different purposes.
Sound Sound- tends to be non diagetic- used within the scene. Diagetic
sound sets the scene.
Editing- Emphasises storyline, for example flashbacks. Panning,
tracking and zoom set scene. Time dilation is also used to show
the passage of time.
Any extra information? Examples of storylines.

3. Questions?
Names: Sub- genre: Australian soaps (Melodramas)
Is the definition clear and easy to Very short definition, could expand.
understand?
What soaps could fit into this sub- Neighbours, Home and away.
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Stereotypes.
codes and conventions, using Idealised lifestyle.
existing examples?
Have they covered the use of: Lighting used to be very bright but now has been toned down.
Shots show a lot of the background.
Lighting
Editing
Mise en Scene
Sound
Any extra information?
Questions?