Deconstruction Of Soap Operas
- 1. Deconstructio n Of Soap Opera Trailers Amy Jones
- 2. Hollyoaks (Social Realism – 18 th – 22nd March Trailer)
- 3. Opens with a title card 'Hollyoaks‘. Hollyoaks is sponsored by Nikon. They draw you in as part of an audience. They go by the idea that 'You live your life through your phone and upload and share onto Twitter, Facebook & Instagram' Nikon's stronger association with the hugely popular teen drama is further helping to change the perception of the Nikon brand, and attract a younger audience. These title cards during the soap opera trailer are used to separate the storylines and draw the audience in.
- 4. Camera (Angles, Movements) Long Shots – these shots are generally used to show the viewers some of the landscape which will be used in the next seen; in this case, a train track. Birds-Eye View Shots – are used to establish the setting, the next part where the scene is going to continue. Establishing Shots - are used to display the surroundings. In this case, viaducts where the main storyline is taking place.
- 5. Point Of View Shots – these are done to show the audience exactly what the character is looking at or what is drawing their attention; in this case, the CCTV camera. Mid Shots – this shot is used to show the characters’ faces more clearly whilst still showing a slight view of the background. Two Shots - are used to establish a relationship between the characters. In this case, it appears one character is being threatened by another and they may have been involved in a physical fight.
- 6. Close-Up Shots - are used to emphasise a person’s emotional state and also allows the audience to feel empathy for them. Crane Shot – these shots tend to be used at the beginning or the end of filming, they are used to show the full setting and to show the extent to which how big the place filmed is.
- 7. Editing 'Hollyoaks' mainly uses high key lighting to present an image of excitement and youth, this choice of mise en scene aids the targeting of the audience. Although in some scenes, a use of low key lighting is used to present a more negative portrayal of the characters, this technique is used in scenes where difficult issues such as depression are being expressed. Social Realism soaps such as ‘Hollyoaks’ generally use natural lighting, as this increases the realism of the programme. They also film scenes whilst it is snowing and raining, this is done to represent how their lives are just the same as everyone in the UK. They aren’t glamorous but they live the same lives as us.
- 8. Soun d Non – Diegetic Sound The target audience for ‘Hollyoaks’ is late teens, early adults. This show would be watched after school, college or work. The theme tune used is very upbeat and vibrant; this represents the modern theme which runs throughout the storylines of the soap. Diegetic Sound In Hollyoaks, noise that it actually coming from the set comes from places such as the bar, clubs, shops and restaurants around the ‘Brookside’ area. This is sounds such as music playing on the radio.
- 10. Made In Chelsea (Scripted Reality - Series 5 Trailer)
- 11. These title cards during the soap opera trailer are used to separate the storylines and draw the audience in. As the programme is aired on e4, Made In Chelsea have created their title cards using the codes and conventions of the typical e4 branding which is The characters in this scripted reality are recognisable to audiences. The from Chelsea, which is seen as a typical font used is e4’s own font Middle/Upper Class area in the UK. ‘EFour’. The colour’s used are always purple and white.
- 12. Camera (Angles, Movements) Mid Shots – this shot is used to show the characters’ faces more clearly whilst still showing a slight view of the background. Two Shots - are used to establish a relationship between the characters. In this case, it appears one character is being threatened by another and they may have been involved in a physical fight. Establishing Shots - are used to display the surroundings where the next scene will take place.
- 13. Long Shots – these shots are generally used to show the viewers some of the landscape, in this case a character leaving a shop.
- 14. Editing The editing is quick showing that the show gives us a quick insight into their lives. The lighting used is bright which shows off their looks better. The lighting used is generally natural as the programme is based on the lives of those real people, the only thing that is different to Social Realism is that it is scripted (the characters are put in artificial situations, however, the dialogue is their own).
- 15. Soun d Non-Diegetic Sound The soundtrack used is the nearing the end of Rossini’s ‘William Tell’ Overture. This might be used as a representation of their wealth was commonly used a horse races. Also, the soundtrack gradually builds up, the thought beats match the fast edits and this song build up the drama of this trailer sequence. Diegetic Sound The diegetic sound in this sequence is the dialogue from each of the characters. Diegetic sound can also be vaguely heard from the outside and music playing during parties and gatherings.
- 16. Mise En Scene Made In Chelsea is filmed in the wealthy district of Chelsea, London. The series is mainly shot in West London including areas such as Knightsbridge. The Scripted Reality focuses on the lives of young, privileged people appealing particularly to those who ‘envy’ their types of lifestyles and enjoy to watch real- life drama unfold in front of the cameras. The audience use this type of reality as a form of escapism, they know it is unlikely they will ever lead that lifestyle but enjoy it as a form of entertainment (Jacques Lacan – ‘Mirror Stage’). People also enjoy the thought of people like them with such extravagant lifestyles can still have a great deal of drama in their lives which makes the audience feel better.