Analysis of Soap Trailers

Eastenders: Kat and Alfie

Having these two characters return to the soap after a dramatic few episodes has a mostly positive impact on the audience. These two characters, Alfie (Jack the lad) and Kat (Strong woman), were the ones people loved because of their up and down relationship and dramatic fights or romantic scenes. The have a wide variety of storylines which can be acted of one character having their own storyline to progress through then leave. In addition having the western theme music that is associated with a standoff battle creates tension and gives a twist to their relationship; they seem to always be on and off but with their return are portrayed as having a competition as they stand facing each other metres apart staring into each other’s eyes. It also gives the audience a hope of a theatrical comeback and keeps them waiting for the episodes to air. Furthermore, the sound effect of a gun being pulled form its holster implies that Kat is dangerous. The cinematography is film-like and along with the western standoff creates suspense between the two main characters as well as those surrounding them and entices the audience in order to see where it leads. Kat is represented as a strong woman yet a loose woman due to her informal clothing and poncho appealing to the male viewers, yet the poncho probably has been worn to associate with the cowboy theme. Also, one shot involves panning from the boots of Kat up to her facing, lingering on specific body parts such as her legs representing her again as a loose woman. She is displayed as a dominant person in this trailer and appears to be in control as well as intimidating. Alfie is represented as a protective husband who, in one way, comes to rescue Kat. However, the low key lighting and the shadow on Alfie’s face creates a sense of mystery and could suggest a surreptitious demeanour and hidden secrets. They are both strong minded character and are likely to engage in battle to fight for what they believe in or want. The other characters within this trailer appear less superior, for example, a girl stops laughing showing a lack of dominance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p4xlLezos0

Coronation Street: Tram Crash

To have a lot of information revealed to the audience can be shocking, although many audience members knew what was coming but they do not who will die. The trailer is fast paced, the action is demonstrated through the constant switching between different characters, and this impacts the audience as they now feel part of the incident (tram crash). It also displays how rapidly the situation is happening and how the incident is not clear enough to distinguish what is going on, creating a sense of mystery to the storyline. The slow motion shots of fire and destruction creates drama and a dark tone to the trailer. To have no diegetic sound at the beginning gets a larger reaction from the audience making them more responsible to the trailer. The only sound the audience can hear is the melancholy orchestral music that sets the audiences mood and provokes them to sympathise with the characters. This sympathy is supported by the emotive shots of the characters expression and the dramatic dialogue. The diegetic sound only comes in when Fizz has a major problem and possible storyline that will be followed in later episodes. However, the sudden change in music to a higher tempo keeps up with the fast paced incident, displaying drama and a suspense filled atmosphere. All characters are represented as being in shock and showing fear, panic and worry about the event that had just taken place. The characters are seen as unified and are represented as helpful and caring towards the others, working together as a community. This nature shown by specific characters and authoritative figures represents them as heroes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnk8htigIpc

 

Hollyoaks: Mercedes Wedding

The initial build up to the wedding has been a long wait for viewers and to finally release the trailer gives the audience something to look forward to and a reason to keep watching. To have everyone dressed in black implies that the wedding is not going to turn out happily for the couple, but although this is revealed, many storylines are made and, as a result of the wedding, are resolved from the wedding. The song, more specifically, the line “It’s a nice day for a white wedding”, is highly ironic and completely contrasts with the darkness of the clothes and the fact that it is clearly not going to be a nice day. The fading of the music on specific characters suggests that they are important with this storyline or ones that are connected with the wedding. Every character is represented as being very shocked, upset or unhappy about the wedding. Some actions performed by the characters may foreshadow future possibilities for the storyline. For example, Silas waving malevolently to Mercedes as she walks down the aisle foreshadows that that he could hurt her in the episodes to come. Also by Silas wave in such a manner impacts the audience by making them feel uncomfortable and victimised by Silas, this identifies him as a Propp’s stock character, the villain. Mercedes, being the bride, is shown to be crying as she approaches the altar therefore showing us that this is a difficult time for her and she is not happy about going through with the wedding because of her secrets and reluctance to make Riley, the groom, heartbroken. The tears show vulnerability within her and could suggest a stereotypical princess in distress character.  Also the little amount of light streaming in symbolises a small amount of hope, being trapped or in a state of ambivalence, intriguing the audience.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu2sW-r9Vb4