St. Paul’s Catholic College

Center Number: 64770

Candidate Number: 6827

Candidate Name: Hannah Grace D’Souza

A2 Media Studies

Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio in Media –

Production Log

Evidence of Planning & Research

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Aims and Objectives

AO2 – Assess candidates’ application of knowledge and understanding in evaluating their own work, showing how meanings and responses are created.

AO3 – Assess candidates’ ability to plan and construct media products using appropriate technical and creative skills.

AO4 – Assess candidates’ ability to undertake, apply and present appropriate research.

Brief Chosen

A 45 second – 1 minute 30 second trailer for a NEW Soap Opera

that will be exhibited on at 8:30pm (after EastEnders) that will appeal to a Male and Female audience.

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Contents

Textual Analysis

EastEnders

- Soap Opera Codes & Conventions- Multi Strand Narrative

Coronation Street

“..the home, the family, domestic tribulations and the strong woman, and as such, it has long been said to appeal to the female viewer”

‘Masculinity and Popular television’ – Rebecca Feasey (2007)

Is this evident and how is this presented to the audience?

Research

Purpose of a Trailer Multi-Platform promotion Textual Analysis – Coronation Street and Hollyoaks

Deadlines – Production Work

Filming Dates: 3rd & 17th December 2014

Edited Trailer – Complete: 25th February 2015

Promotional Poster – Complete: 4th February 2015

Promotional Magazine Cover – Complete: 4th February 2015

Evaluation – Complete:

Production Work

Director – Roles & Responsibilities? Producer – Roles & Responsibilities? Institution research – BBC Two

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Soap Opera Codes & Conventions – Lesson 2

1) What are some of the Codes & Conventions of this genre?

2) Codes & Conventions of the Soap Opera Genre

The Soap Opera genre can be categorized by the ‘repeated’ (Steve Neale) elements of:

SOAP OPERAS

There should be many events within

the series that would relate to the viewers. Along with

a multi-stranded narrative.

In this genre I would expect

dramatic events to make it more

interesting. For example, a murder

or a fight.

They are usually targeted at middle-classed

housewives and can relate to the audience through the demonstration of the ‘strong woman’ (Rebecca

Feasey-20070

Cliffhangers to engage and almost persuade the audience to watch

the next episode, this is a great way to attract

larger audiences.

Issues within the narrative could be

teen pregnancy, murders, money

problems, relationship

problems etc.

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1. Romance

2. Family relationships and/or conflict

3. Focus on working class community

4. Antagonism and conflict within the community

5. Setting usually identifies regional identity

EastEnders (1985 – Present)

Key information regarding this text:

Exhibited on BBC1 and repeated on BBC Three

One of the UK’s highest rating television Soap Opera

Set in the ‘Kitchen Sink’ setting of fictional Warford, East London

Textual Analysis Task

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye51O8WBVVM&feature=related -

In your opinion, according to Hartley’s Seven Subjectivities, what is the target audience for EastEnders?

Age Typically middle-aged women (20-50year olds)

Gender Male and female; predominantly female due to aspects of drama used.

Nationality British

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Trailer 1)

What is the Focus of this trailer?

To entertain the audience

Code&

Convention

Evidence

(Verbal, Non-Verbal, Technical)

Impact on the Audience

(Katz, Maslow, Hartley)

Romance The trailer consisted of no elements of romance as it mainly focused on the death of a young girl. This is unusual as ‘romance’ are one of the main themes in the Soap Opera genre.

Romance has been replaced with the death of Lucy. The death of Lucy is seen to have a massive impact on the characters, especially Max due to his affair with her. The audience are able to personally identify (Katz) with their relationship as people may face problems like affairs in their lives.

Family relationships and/or conflict

Verbal code of “you killed Lucy” voiceover.

Katz – The EastEnders trailer helps to inform the audience that something awful is happening. This creates conflict as a theme in the episode, engaging the audience with the verbal code ‘you killed Lucy’ making them want to watch the episode.

Focus on working class communities

The trailer is focused around different working communities in the EastEnders like the picture of Shirley in the pub.

Hartley’s seven subjectivities of the ‘working class’ are aspect audiences are able to relate to. The ‘pub’ is a place working class families can interact with one another after a hard day of work, which the audience can understand and relate with.

“Multi-Stranded Narrative”

There was a sense of multi-stranded narrative because there are lots of flash cuts.

Maslow – Survivors – the audience can have an understanding of what the trailer is about from the different narrations. It’s engaging and helps the audience ‘escape from reality’ when they tune in to watch EastEnders every week.

‘Disequilibrium’ (Todorov)

There is a murder in Albert Square and flash cuts are used to portray the victims that are shocked with the death.

Hartley – It appeals to all audiences who enjoy dramatic excitement in a soap opera trailer, as ‘death’ is a common aspect demonstrated in the genre. A characters death is an aspect the audiences can symapthise with.

Trailer 2)

What is the Focus of this trailer?

To inform the audience of a characters return to the series.

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Code&

Convention

Evidence

(Verbal, Non-Verbal, Technical)

Impact on the Audience

(Katz, Maslow, Hartley)

RomanceThe character presented in a wedding dress causes Phil to give lustful looks to her as if he is shocked.

The audience may be able to build a personal relationship (Katz) with the characters relationship problems. The use of the wedding dress creates a ‘male gaze’ (Laura Mulvey) for male viewers, which is also portrayed; in the lustful looks Phil gives her.

Family relationships and/or conflict

Phil and Sharon look at each other in shook as if they don’t believe it. This could cause conflict in the future.

Katz’ theory of ‘personal relationship’ is signified (De Saussure) here as the viewers of the TV show will have built a personal relationship with Phil and not be happy to see Sharon back, the same way Phil’s non-verbal code of his ‘shocked’ facial expressions reveal this potential future conflict.

Focus on working class communities

In the trailer you can see people come out of pubs and shops, which presents this, is a working class community.

The audience will be able to personally identify (Katz) with the audience, as the target audience is also mainly working class people. Furthermore, there can be ‘Diversion’ (Katz) the audiences feel as they immerse themselves in the Soap Opera. For example, the technical code of the Queen Victoria Pub as a location is a common place the audience come to escape from reality (Maslow)

“Multi-Stranded Narrative”

There could be a multi-stranded narrative as everyone stares at Sharon as if they have past experience with her.

Katz – Inform and educate – In the soap opera there is a voice over “There is a storm coming”. This voice over may connote that this time round Sharon maybe viewed as an antagonist.

‘Disequilibrium’ (Todorov)

Everyone looks in shock as Sharon. This indicates that she may be a big problem to other characters.

Hartley – It can help entertain both, males and females. Some of the audience view Sharon as intimidating due to the disequilibrium of the ‘storm’ she creates.

Multi-stranded narrative can be defined as…

1) Telling a story from more than one person’s point of view.

2) Telling multiple stories about multiple characters in an open narrative episode for example.

Multi-stranded narrative Family relationships and/or conflict Focus on working class communities ‘Disequilibrium’ (Todorov) Romance

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Code & Convention Evidence Impact on the audience Multi-stranded

narrativeCuts to 2 other characters and then another 2 characters in the first minute.

By giving the audience a multi-story narrative, they’re able to engage in the trailer and therefore want to watch the episode when it comes out.

Family relationships and/or conflict

‘That night was a one off it’s not going to happen again.’

This incident between Shirley and her son helps them relate to social issues (Katz) and empathise with Shirley’s character.

Focus on working class communities

Shirley and Phil in the pub- Queen Victoria

The Queen Victoria pub is a prime location where audiences are able to recognize the trailer is from EastEnders. The pub is also a good way for the working class people to relax and communicate with their families and the community after work and viewers can identify with this.

Disequilibrium’ (Todorov) Sharon bleeding/ her stories about her shady past

The disequilibrium of Sharon bleeding and her stories from the past keep the audiences interested in the Soap Opera.

Romance Between Shirley and Phil. “Do you remember the first time you fell in love.”

The audience would want to see Phil and Shirley’s relationship develop by bringing them back to past events.

Soap Opera Codes & Conventions continued – Lesson 3Textual Analysis

According to Rebecca Feasey in ‘Masculinity and Popular television’ (2007), the Soap Opera genre tends to focus on:

“The home, the family, domestic tribulations and the strong woman, and as such, it has been said to appeal to the female viewer?”

‘Masculinity’ is demonstrated as one of the main themes in the Soap Opera genre. This is usually portrayed through locations like the ‘pub’ where ‘lads’ meet up after a hard day of work to have a pint and relax with the family and the rest of the community. This is relatable to the ‘working class’ audience (Hartley’s seven subjectivities) so audience can identify with the Soap Opera. However, recently, the Soap Opera genre has been focusing on the home, the family and domestic tribulations, portraying the female gender as the ‘strong woman’ (Rebecca Feasey-2007) hence appealing to the female viewer.

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Some examples of the of female strong in EastEnders are:

EastEnders are able to appeal to a wider range of audience because of their representation of the female gender viewed similar to the male gender. Furthermore, the ‘strong woman’ is also represented in all races and ages showing no discrimination, which all women are able to ‘identify’ (Katz) with, which therefore attracts more audience attention.

1) – Do you agree?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8_ApPT6isY (First 5 minutes)

Code & Convention Evidence Impact on the audience

Rebecca Feasey (2007) Ideology:

1. The opening scene is set in the home as the characters making tea, cleaning the house, male characters looking to older female for guidance. This is one of the typical settings of the Soap Opera genre.

2. The code and convention “Sit down and have a cup of tea” in Soap Operas as characters believe a cup of tea will resolve all problems. In terms of Hartley’s subjectivities, British, working class audiences are most likely to find a relation.

3. Manager of pub is female – This connotes Rebecca Feasey’s ideology of a strong independent female. The sentence, “alright that is enough” comes in contrast with the emotional female who is extremely happy and expressive.

4. Also, binary opposition (Levi Strauss) to representation of females: “I thought he was the one…I put everything into that relationship”. This makes the ‘Caregivers’ (Maslow) feel

Shirley Carter

Denise Fox

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sympathetic towards the characters.

“Multi-Stranded Narrative” Characters in the local shop

Family relationships and/or conflict

Two sisters fighting over a man. Survivors (Maslow) will hope that the sisters resolve their problems.

Focus on working class communities

The pub. Audience maybe able to personally identify with the surroundings (Katz) as they too maybe working class.

Disequilibrium’ (Todorov) The conflict between the sisters. Audiences hope everything will be resolved between them.

Romance Young female character cries about her past relationship. Caregivers (Maslow) as the audience feel sorry for the female because they may be able to personally identify with her.

Other Themes & Issues represented:

There is a stereotype seen in the trailer where the mother of the family is seen washing dishes which could be related to housewives.

Soap Opera Codes & Conventions continued – Lesson 4Textual Analysis

1) What is the purpose of a trailer?

The purpose of a trailer is to feature a short promotional film composed of clips showing highlights of a movie due for release in the near future. It is also used to engage the audience in the television series, especially when introducing a new television series. This provides audience with information about what the series is about and also what to expect from the episodes along with the time it airs and any other useful information.

2) What are the benefits of Multi-Platform promotion of a media text?

The benefits of a Multi-Platform promotion are that it is released to a wider audience range so more people are able to learn about the television series and watch it when it airs on television. It gives audience a chance to get involved in sharing the trailer themselves for example, through the use of ‘hashtags’ on twitter, whilst making it easier for the audience to access in terms of their preference in consuming media texts.

Ultimately, some form of Convergence is important when promoting a text to the target audience

3)

Textual Analysis –Coronation Street:

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Multi-stranded narrative Character dilemmas ‘Personal Identification’ (Katz)

Multi-stranded narratives--The actual wedding.-Marriage (celebration) of Steve and Becky.-Steve and Becky’s perspectives-Different emotions expressed in the trailer.-Some people in the neighbourhood appear to be unhappy.-Becky appears excited whilst Steve appears nervous (Binary Opposition: Levi Strauss)

Dilemmas-

-“I’m Lucky” – the song lyrics create a sense of irony as a problem could occur.-Voiceover: “The perfect date for a Coronation Street wedding” – Sarcastic as there aren’t ‘perfect days’ in soap operas-Young man in the street looks annoyed-Lady’s ‘sigh.’-Friday the 13th.-Groom not happy.

The symbol of the characters having their symbol crossed could be a sign for hope and possibly the fact that something could go wrong.

Personal identification (Katz)-The stresses of the wedding turning out perfect.-Men relate to Steve.-Women relate to Becky and the clothes she wears and it being the ‘happiest day of their life’.-Going to a wedding in general.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/hollyoaks/4od

The above link will take you to some of the latest episodes of Hollyoaks.

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1. What are the connotations of the ident for the popular Channel Four Teen Soap Opera Hollyoaks (1995 – Present)?

Relationships, friendships, love.

Teen problems, promiscuity.

Boys vs girls, finding themselves.

Next Page - Hollyoaks – “White Wedding Trailer” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu2sW-r9Vb4

‘Tear’ connotes unhappiness. It could also indicate her being scared. Black tear indicates depression she might be facing. Audience could personally identify with the ‘tragedy’ she’s going through of a ‘shotgun wedding.’

‘White wedding’ consists of non-diegetic music, which is ironic. Furthermore, the black clothing connotes mystery and death, which could signify the death of the bride. Disequilibrium of the close up of the mascara running down the brides face.

‘Shot gun wedding’ infers their marriage because she’s pregnant. Teenage pregnancy is a common theme in Soap Operas that young women could face. For example, the dilemma of having a baby at a young age or having an abortion. The trailer identifies with the younger audience through Mercedes’ ‘shotgun wedding’ as she faces the problems of having a baby with someone who she’s not married to and hence, feels like she has to and audience are able to empathise with her through this.

‘Hey little sister, what have you done?’ This non-diegetic music connotes guilt. -The shocked expressions on the choirs face shows that pregnancy was an unexpected turn of events.

The wave from the man with the glove could connote “Goodbye to your life”. The fact that he is wearing a glove could create suspicion in the audience minds. The non-verbal codes of his facial expression from a ‘smile’ to a ‘serious face’ confirm the audience suspicion towards him.

Production Work

1) What is the role of a Producer?

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Oversee all aspects of the production across the three stages: Pre- production, production ad post-production.

Manage everyone and ensure everything is in place in order for the text to look fit for purpose.

2) What is the role of a Director?

-Oversee the creative aspects of the production.

-Direct people in front and behind the camera.

3) Institution research –

Tips: Programming, Target audience, Audience figures, History of the channel.

The aim for BBC two is to launch ambitions and factual programs.

Their key is to appeal the viewer of ages 35-54 to reach out to a more culturally diverse audience.

The channels ethos is programs that are surprising, celebratory, witty, warm, adventure, intelligent, playful, informative and authoritative.

Week June 2nd 2014 – 8th June, BBC 2 reached a total of 3.2 million viewers.

BBC Two was launched 20th April 1964.

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