Textual analysis of 2 soap opera trailers

1. Soap Opera Genre –
Independent Textual
Analysis
Name: Tom Owen
Candidate Number: 3103
Center Name: St. Andrew’s Catholic School
Center Number: 64135
OCR Media Studies – A2 Level
Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio

2. East Enders –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkiobax0XPQ
Verbal Codes – There is use of a soundtrack with a sombre tone to create a sad atmosphere
during the sad clips which are taken from East Enders and put in the trailer. There is also use of
a voiceover at the beginning which creates the illusion of a conversation. This along with the
soundtrack creates a sad mood throughout. There is also use of diegetic sound during the clips
as there is audible speech, which advertises the scenes which will be included in that scene of
east enders.
Non-Verbal Codes – There is use of working class clothes throughout the advert which
creates the atmosphere of a working class atmosphere. These clothes include items such as
sports trainers, hoodies and jeans, as smarter clothes such as suits etc would usually be
associated with higher social classes. This is important because it also makes the program
appealing to the target audience, which is mainly working class citizens. This is also enforced
by low-key lighting, as low levels of lighting is usually associated with lower-class housing.
Technical Codes – There is a wide range of shots used such as close-ups to convey emotions
clearly through facial expressions. Furthermore, there is use of medium shots and long shots
so that emotions can also be communicated through clear views of characters’ body
language. Furthermore the aggressive natures demonstrated by the males and females
throughout clearly depicted behavior which is usually stereotyped to be associated with
lower class citizens. We will be sure to ‘Repeat’ (Steve Neale-1980) the conventions usually
used in Soap Opera trailers such as follow shots, medium shots and also a range of close-ups
to signify the emotions of the main protagonists.

3. Trailer 2 –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC2DSqZZqzk
Verbal Codes – During this advert, there is use of an upbeat song in the background (non-
diegetic) to create a chaotic atmosphere. Furthermore, there is use of diegetic speech
throughout each cut scene so that the target audience are given a brief insight of what
sort of themes will be included in that season of the soap opera. We will be sure to
‘Repeat’ the use of a soundtrack such as this one, so that our products directly relates to
the Soap Opera genre.
Non-Verbal Codes – Throughout the advert, there is use of mood lighting, which conveys
a mixture of high-key lighting and low-key. This therefore reflects a working class
atmosphere as high-key is usually associated with upper class and low-key associated with
lower class. There is also use of working class clothing such as common jeans and leather
jackets etc. This helps to make the characters appealing to the working class target
audience, as they will find codes such as this as familiar.
Technical Codes – There is use of close-ups and over shoulder shots used throughout the
advert. This helps to build tension and also helps to focus mainly on the facial
expressions and the emotions which are depicted by the characters within the advert.
Furthermore, this range of shots is essential when it comes to building interest behind
the trailer, as these types of shots are aesthetically pleasing and keep target audiences
interested in what is unfolding in the trailer. Therefore, by using these same techniques,
we will be sure to attract the audience which we desire, as popular Soap Operas do
today.

4. Evaluation of Textual Analysis –
Compare and Contrast
Trailer 1) –
From trailer 1, I would repeat (Steve Neale) the use of low-key lighting to convey a clear
working class atmosphere. I would also repeat the use of a sad non-diegetic soundtrack, as
this will help to create a somber and reflective atmosphere for the target audience.
Furthermore, it will link directly to conventions regularly used in popular Soap Operas today.
However I would exploit (Abercrombie- 1995), the limited use of shots. I would use a wider
range of shots throughout the advert to create aesthetic interest, rather than using only 3-4
shots, while using a wide variety of short cuts, as this is a well known Soap Opera
convention.
Trailer 2) – For trailer 2, I would repeat (Steve Neale) the use of working class clothes used
throughout the advert to help to make my advert appealing for a working class audience.
However, I would exploit (Abercrombie-1995) the use of mood lighting and use low-key
lighting instead to make sure that a clear working class atmosphere is conveyed. I would also
use a sad non-diegetic Soundtrack, rather than an upbeat one, as I feel that a soundtrack
with a somber tone will make it easier for the target audience to fine the song reflective and
consider how they relate to some of the themes which we include.