This document discusses different sub-genres of soap operas, including realism soaps, melodrama soaps, and scripted reality shows. Realism soaps aim to depict realistic, working-class life in a relatable way through stories of relationships, families, and domestic issues. They have a strong regional identity through accents and settings. Melodrama soaps are similar but may exaggerate elements for drama or comedy. Storylines are also relatable but can be more sensational. Scripted reality shows follow real people's lives but include some scripted scenes for entertainment; they often depict wealthy lifestyles. All sub-genres aim to engage audiences through identifiable characters and situations.

2. Realism0 Realism soaps are one of many soap opera sub-genres
0 Realism soaps key aim is make the drama happening on screen seem as realistic, natural
and relatable as possible
0 They are set in England
0 Famous examples of realism soaps are: Coronation Street, Eastenders and Emmerdale
0 Realism soaps depict working class life in England to be grim, and can often be descried as
‘kitchen sink drama’
0 Realism soaps will use story lines such as: relationships, friendships, family, arguments, love
triangles etc. these issues are relatable to the audience watching it and so create a strong
sense of collective identity but also are made to be continuous and so helped to keep the
audiences attention and cause them to watch ever episode.
0 Realism soaps will also have a strong regional identity for example Eastenders has a strong
regional identity of a typical cockney, Emmerdale has a strong regional identity of a typical
farming community and Coronation street has a strong identity of a typical Manchester
town. Regional identity is shown strongly through accent but also through the setting of the
soap as the soap tends to happen in the same place every episode.
0 Realism soaps paint Britain out be a grim place to live as there are quite dark and quite
serious as their main aim is to represent everyday working class life in England.

3. Examples of realism soaps…
EastEnders:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbglbGMYtog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnUmT5XTsr4
Coronation Street:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMZkwUgUAHI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcVoNEhhICU
Emmerdale:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNUElyG9HRs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOFoTzGGXCg

4. 0 Mise en scene in realism soaps is highly controlled so that scenes taking place on screen look as
realistic as possible
0 Only diegetic sound will be used, this will be characters speaking or if music can be heard then it
will be music played by the characters, such as radio being turned on. This is again to make to
drama look as natural as possible
0 Natural lighting will be used unless something special/dramatic is happening in that particular
scene/episode. Natural lighting will help to highlight the empathise on real life as the scenes will
look natural and realistic
0 Editing is simple and straight forward in order to help make the drama on screen seem as
naturalistic as possible, this will involve straight cuts and smooth editing in order to make each cut
smooth and easily transform into the next one. So the action on screen is viewed as though you
were really stood watching the scene in real life
0 There is an element of continuity in the editing, this clip uses natural transitions between cuts and
does not use any transition which may emphasise and even exaggerate real life
0 Costumes is kept to simple clothing, this is again done in order to construct the view that the people
on screen as the same or similar to those watching the show. The only time characters will be
dressed up is if they are ‘going out’ as would be the same for the audience watching the show
Mise En Scene- sound, lighting,
costume/all things seen on screen

5. Cinematography
Reverse shot so it feels like you are looking in
on the conversation.
Close up used to show the emotion the
characters face.
Room is decorated with pictures to give it a
more realistic feel, also lighten by house
lamps also creates a more realistic feel.
Close up shows drama and emotion and
the angry face, also a dark background
with an over the shoulder shot.

6. Cinematography
Over the shoulder shot, and two shot showing
both of the characters involved in that scene.
In natural light giving it a realistic feel.
Medium close up showing the costume and the
facial expression.
Face is only half lit because of the lights quite
dull as it is an inside scene which is lit by house
lights or office lights.
Long shot showing the characters body
language to set an atmosphere and give the
audience a guess at how the character is
feeling.
Two shot close up showing the emotion on the
characters face.
Also taken from a side angle which gives the
audience a sense of looking in on the characters.

7. Set in a hospital oxygen mask gives it a sense
of realism.
Close up shot also shows the expression on the
characters face.
Character being dominated by her
surroundings suggesting she is out of her
comfort zone, however close up shows the
expression and anger on her face.
Low angle shot combined with the long
shot suggest anger as the characters face
is scowling.
Cinematography

8. 0Crime such as murder, attempted murder,
kidnap, rape, vandalism, bullying etc.
0Relationships – Pregnancy, love, affairs, fall
outs, feuds etc.
0Accidents – Car accidents, fires etc.
0General domestic issues etc.
0All storylines are realistic and be relatable to
the audience watching the soap
Typical storylines

9. 0 Each soap will have typical characters that the audience can instantly
recognise and will understand their role within the soap
Typical characters

10. Melodrama0 Melodrama is a sub-genre of soaps. It is an exaggerated but semi real
soap, so it still tires to relate to the audience but can exaggerate
certain parts of the drama in order to make it more dramatic or more
comical. It is a mixture of humour, farce and over the top drama,
because of this is can be used as a form of escapism but the soap is
still based on reality.
0 Melodrama soaps are generally set in England but can still be linked
to American fantasy as both can be used as a form of escapism
0 Storylines are generally similar to those of realism soaps, as
melodramas are still meant to be relatable to the audience, however
storylines and plots may be exaggerated or more far fetched in order
to make the soap more dramatic
0 Melodrama soaps key aim to provide the audience with soap opera
which is linked to real life but also serve as a form of entertainment
and escapism
0 Melodrama’s generally have a strong regional identity as the action
tends to take place in the same town/village, however in some
melodrama’s characters may have different accents as they have
travelled from another town in order to live in where the soap is set.

11. Examples of melodrama soaps…
Hollyoaks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Ddhrw516o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO3VlauXYLA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbr4pEzZOTo

12. 0 Melodrama soaps will occasionally use non-diegetic music in the background, this will
usually be used to add to the drama, either make a scene more intense or comical, but
generally diegetic sound will be used to help the soap have a more realistic quality
0 Costumes will generally be reprehensive of the audiences watching it, however some of
the characters may always looked dressed up/more glamorous, especially some of the
female characters. This is so that it gives the audience something to aspire to but also
something to look at, as they may watch the soap in a sense of escapism. Women
appear hyper feminine with made up faces and walk around their homes well dressed
in heels, this is not what would happen in reality
0 Attractive males appear in clothing which accentuates their features, for example, tight
fitting shirts
0 Lighting will generally be kept to a simplistic level, however hi-key/intense lighting
may be used in order make a scene more dramatic or comical, extensive lighting may
also be used in over exaggerated scenes, such a fire or murder
0 Editing will be simple in order to make the drama look realistic, however fades may be
used or other editing techniques in order to add tension to the soap and make it more
dramatic.
0 High key opening titles are often used with abstract backgrounds representing
personality traits of characters, this makes the opening titles dramatic and memorable
0 Villains and femme fetals – villains often appear in dark clothing, femme fetals often
wear red lipstick and other striking clothing which is usually a deep red colour
connoting danger
Mise En Scene-
sound, lighting, costumes/all
things on screen

13. Cinematography Cinematography for melodrama is very similar to that of realism
soaps, this is because melodrama soaps are just like realism soaps
but they are over exaggerated fro dramatic effect in some parts
Over the shoulder close up is used, this allows for the
audience to see the facial expressions of the character
but also allows for the audience to feel involved with the
conversation they’re seeing on screen
High angle long shot is used, this gives the impression
that the character is being dominated by their
surroundings, that they are lost in their surroundings.
The high angle is also used in order to make the character
seem smaller enforcing that they are lost and alone
within their surroundings
Extreme close up is used, this shows the audience clearly
the facial expression of the character without the
background being seen. This pulls all the focus of the
audience onto the character in the frame

14. Cinematography
High angle mid shot, this shows the audience the character
so they can clearly see their facial expressions but also the
high angle is used to show the audience that this character
is looking down and is of a higher status/has more power
than the other the character they are looking at
The use of the high angle also makes the scene more
dramatic as it adds tension.
Low angle mid shot is used again to show the characters
facial expressions and part of their surroundings. A low
angle is used to the opposite effect of a high angle as it
shows that the character is being looked down on also that
they are being watched by another character
A low angle shot adds tension as it shows that the character
may be being watched without them knowing and so adds
tension and makes the scene more dramatic
Close up of the shoes, this is so that the audience are
focused solely on the shoes
It adds drama to the scene as it creates the sense of a
gang or a group of friends all walking together and
could mean a party, or something more dramatic such
as a fight

15. Cinematography Mid shot is used in order to show the main character stood in the middle
but also the two characters behind him, this is done to show the facial
expressions and the clothes of the characters, therefore telling the
audience that they are at a wedding
The main character is in focus centring the audiences focus on him
whereas the two behind are out of focus, this makes the scene more
dramatic and will cause for the audience to want to know why the other
two characters are out of focus
Long shot is used to show all the characters in the scene and their
clothing, is so that the audience can see all the characters and again
the costumes allow for the audience to make the assumption that
they are at a wedding
The shot is also similar to a photo that would be taken at a wedding
and so makes it seem realistic and linked to real life
Extreme long shot is used to show that the characters are being
dominated by their surroundings, this adds drama as it shows that
the characters are out of depths and so makes the scene more
dramatic
The effects on the long shot of the flash and bits of dust are also
typically melodramatic as the drama has been exaggerated and so is
making the scene more dramatic

16. 0Crime such as murder, attempted murder, kidnap,
rape, vandalism, bullying etc.
0Relationships – Pregnancy, love, affairs, fall outs,
feuds etc.
0Accidents – Car accidents, fires etc.
0General domestic issues etc.
0Drug/alcohol abuse
0All storylines are generally realistic but parts of
the storylines/plots may be exaggerated to make
the drama more dramatic or comical
Typical storylines

17. 0 Each soap will have typical characters that the audience can instantly recognise
and will understand their role within the soap, some of these characters will be
exaggerated due to help create a sense of escapism
Typical characters
The hunk
The romantic
The ‘she’s not from
round here’ one

18. Scripted Reality
0 Scripted reality is a fairly new type of soap opera sub-genre
0 It is based on the lives of real people, and instead of actors real life
people carry out real life scenes that could happen to them
0 Cameras and recording/lighting/sound crews will follow around the
characters on a day to day basis, following their lives and recording
what happens
0 Some of the scenes however will be scripted and created in order to
add entertainment value to the show
0 Scripted reality shows follow the same people and are usually set in
specific places or on specific famous families
0 Scripted realities can be used as a form of escapism as they show the
audience how generally the ‘other half’ live as the people in scripted
realities are generally wealthy
0 The people in scripted reality also tend to be quite young, as so they
appeal to a younger audience who can possibly relate to some of the
issues the people in the show are going through

19. Examples of scripted reality soaps…
The only way is Essex:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX7eENeraGc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLW3_Ieckm4
Made in Chelsea:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BiunLu6Xf4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sprSMdXK1MY
Keeping up with the Kardashians:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFLyGwb1Nuo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AStGvP5MC74

20. Mise En Scene-
sound, lighting, costumes/all
things on screen0 Natural lighting will be used in most situations as the cameras are following people on a day to day
basis, however some extra lighting may be set up for scripted scenes in order to add more tension/drama
or make it more comic
0 Non-digetic sound may be used when characters are doing one to ones with the camera, this is to make the
show more interesting and the music may match the type of character on screen, helping to convey what
type of person they are. The type of diegetic sound used will vary dependent on the type of programme, for
example ‘Made in Chelsea’ will use different sounds to ‘WWE Wrestling’
0 Set in the same place each time, the settings are linked to the type of people in the show as they have
certain stereotypes of people who live in that area and so those in the show often live up to those
stereotypes. Creates a strong sense of regional identity
0 Use of interview screens/added in back drops can be featured heavily as it allows the audience to have a
one to one with the character from the show, creating a sense of privacy between the audience and
character
0 Costumes can vary and tend to represent the character wearing the clothing, however females often appear
to be ‘made up’ so that they look glamorous and wealthy, making those watching the show aspire to be like
them. The men are often dressed in suits or shirts again to make themselves look more attractive and
wealthy, the men in scripted realities may also wear subtle makeup to make themselves look more
attractive
0 Editing is simple with no real enhancements to the footage, just simple straight cuts that lead the action into
each other or to a interview
0 Graphics/titles and trailers will be made using graphics and heavily using effects, this is so to make the
show seem more exciting and make the characters seem glamorous and the world they live in exciting and
full of wealth

21. Cinematography
Long shot is used to show more then one character,
but also the settings in which they are in and their
costumes. This allows for the audience to identity
the characters but also what type of scene the
characters are in, whether a scripted or natural
scene
Close up is used to show the characters
emotion, it also allows the audience to focus
solely on what that character is doing/saying. A
close up may also be used in order to create more
tension during a scene, to add comic value or
make a scene more emotional
Extreme long shot is used to show a
collection of characters, may be used during
scenes such as a party as it allows the
audience to see a whole view of the
party, but also see how lavish and glamorous
the characters lives are

22. Cinematography
Extreme long shots may also be used to show a
change of location of something significant is
happening in the show, such as
something/somewhere romantic
Over the shoulder shots are used to show a strong
empathise between the relations of the two
characters on screen, by allowing for both
characters to be seen it creates a strong sense that
they have a close relationship. Relationships play a
key role in the storylines of scripted realities
Close ups can also be used to highlight a
key moment in scripted reality, as they
can dramatic effect to an important part
of the scene. They also help to increase
the glamour and wealth of the characters
lives

23. Cinematography
Mid close up is used to show the characters
clothing and the background, often used
during interview shots as it allows for added
graphics to be used but also allows for the
audience to see the added in background. And
creates a sense that the character could be sat
talking to them directly, creating a sense of
privacy between the audience and character
Establishing shots may be
used in order to show the
audience where exactly the
show is being set, helps to
tell the audience which
characters will be first
featured in the show but
also could give them a hint
as to what to expect
depending on the location
and how often they watch
the show

24. 0Relationships- cheating, love triangles, arguments,
engagements, break ups etc.
0 family issues- not getting along with parents/siblings
0Friendships- falling outs, arguments
0Obtaining a object of desire
0Rivalries- between different groups, both male & female
0Going out- partying, meeting new people, living
excessively
0All storylines, although possibly relatable to the audience,
are often exaggerated in order to make the characters lives
look and seem more glamorous. This is often because
scripted realities often show a look into the lives of ‘the
other half’, the richer and more privileged
Typical storylines

25. Typical characters
The confident lad
The one everyone trusts

26. American Fantasy
0 Based on unrealistic storylines, highlighting the dreams of American
society such as: wealth, fame and romance
0 Often includes extravagant costumes, hair and makeup
0 Often have exaggerated storylines, which tend to pull on the heart
strings of the audience and make them want to watch more
0 American fantasy soaps are mainly used as a form of escapism as the
storylines, characters and action is very exaggerated
0 They show a unreal, enhanced world
0 Used purely as form of entertainment
0 Often comical in nature as they provide pure entertainment
0 Large contrast with British soaps as American fantasy soaps show life
to be about excessive and so the soap isn’t very realistic, whereas
British soaps are supposed to represent life for everyday people, not
the very wealthy few

27. Examples of American fantasy soaps…
Ugly Betty:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzp06MEsghI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXv4OwJf4A4
90210:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC74twDMh-g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4C9Z-hyt18

28. Mise En Scene- sound, lighting,
costumes/all things on screen
0 Costumes are greatly exaggerated, they are often very colourful and bright so as to
draw attention to the characters wearing them
0 Characters are often dressed glamorously, with the women being all made up and
wearing heels and the men in suits/smart clothing. This is to create the vision of
wealth and glamour that these people have
0 Designer brands are often featured or worn, so as to give of the impression of being
‘classy’ but also individual
0 Usually filmed in large famous cities, such as LA and New York. Cities that are known
for wealth, fashion, and large expensive houses. Helps to add to the fantasy of the
soap, as the characters are ‘living the dream’
0 Makeup is usually worn by the characters at all time, but is generally done in a way
that is subtle but classy. To give the characters a sense of wealth and looking ‘perfect’
0 Props may often be used, such as expensive sports scars, expensive accessories and
house hold items
0 Non-diegtic sound will often be used and added into the editing process as added
sounds can be key to the soap as it helps to convey added messages and increase
dramatic tension, comedy, romantic scenes etc.
0 Added lighting will often be used as so to create a soft orange glow on most
scenes, giving the view that life is all rosy and perfect. However dark lighting may be
used to create tension and used for dramatic effect

29. 0 Editing plays a key role in American fantasy soaps as it is often used to
add effect to scenes/the episode
0 Editing is used to emphasise the storyline within the scene, for
example a montage of characters reactions many be used after a
major event. This is to create more drama and entertain the audience
0 Flashbacks may also be used, this is flick back to emotional memories
which will be relevant to the current storyline, this is also done as it
pulls on the audiences heartstrings and allows them to feel
emotionally connected to the character on screen
0 Camera movements such as tracking, panning and zooming are use to
exaggerate storylines and establish the location of the scene, as the
soap will often not take place entirely in one place, although it will
have a ‘home setting’ which is familiar to the audience
0 Time Dilation (unusual handling of the passage of time) such as when
a single story day can takes weeks of episodes to play or out or
international travel can take place in just minutes in a story line is
often used in American fantasy soaps. It adds to the sense that the
soap isn’t based on real life and helps to increase the sense of
escapism audiences will feel watching the soap
Editing

30. Cinematography High angle long shot is used to show the
audience the surroundings that the characters
are in. but also the use of the high angle shows
the audience that the character in the middle
is being pin pointed, this angle helps to add
tension and drama to the scene
Close up shot is used to show the characters facial
expressions, it allows the audience to know exactly
what the character is feeling. This may be followed by
a montage of close ups of other characters in order to
show the difference characters reactions to a certain
part in the scene
Tracking shot is used in order for the
action to flow as one single
movement, as well as giving the
audience a live action aspect to what
they are watching.

31. Cinematography
Mid close up shot is used to show more than one
character, it also allows for the characters
costumes to be seen. A mid shot is often used to
show the audience the relationship between the
two characters as they have to be stood quite
close in order to fit in the frame, suggesting to
the audience that the characters have a strong
relationship
An over he shoulder shot is used mainly
during conversations, as it allows for the
audience to know who the character is
speaking directly to, it also allows for the
audience to view the other character from
the same view point and angle as the
character with their back to the camera

32. Cinematography
A zooming in shot is used to create a sense of closeness between
two characters, it adds romance to a scene and leads the audience
to believe that something roman tic is about to happen between
the two characters, such as they may kiss. This shot can be key in
American fantasy as it can also be used to add tension to a scene
or comic value

33. 0 Storylines for American fantasy soaps are often exaggerated and
emotional, this is so that it keeps the audience wanting more but also
provides the audience with a true sense of escapism
0 Affairs
0 Death/near death
0 Drug/alcohol abuse and addictions
0 Sex
0 Abductions
0 Murder
0 Crime
0 Family problems
0 Medical emergencies
0 Mental health issues
0 Accidents- fires, car crashers etc.
Typical storylines

34. Typical characters
The hunk