Soap Opera Conventions Group Presentations.

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Sub Genre: Realism Soap that is realistic and seems as though everything that happened could happen in real life. Tend to view things as they actually are. Been around since the late 1940s. A serial drama on TV which has many related characters and storylines. Coronation street, Eastenders, Emmerdale.

What soaps fit into this sub genre?

Typical characters and stereotypes?

Villain, homosexual, the gossip, the unfit parent, couples, the drunk. Set in suburban setting in England to relate to audience. Characters wear normal clothing youd expect to see everyday. Title clip helps create the programmes identity featuring the well known pub. Scene featured a lot of two shots that help make the relationships and situations easy to understand. Only uses diegetic sound- conforms to conventions of realism soap. Straight cuts used- shows no effect. Element of continuity, everything done in order it happens. Use of colour in realism are generally dark and bland to represent reality. Accents to show regional identity which is key convention in realism soaps.

Technical elements typical conventions? Mise-en-secene Cinematography Editing Sound

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Sub Genre: Telenovella

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What soaps fit into this sub genre?

Fashion House, Ugly Betty

Typical characters and stereotypes?

Technical elements typical conventions? Mise-en-secene Cinematography Editing Sound

Telenovellas are slightly unreal and enhanced. Colours, scenarios and costumes are all enhanced. High key lighting to give the enhanced world effect, so the audience clearly understands the unrealistic effect of the show. The use of sound effects and non diegetic sound links to the telenovella.

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Sub Genre: Melodrama Refers to a dramatic work that put characters in danger in order to appeal to the emotions in a slightly exaggerated way. Originated in the 19th century. The OC, Hollyoaks, Skins

What soaps fit into this sub genre?

Typical characters and stereotypes?

Teenagers wear brightly coloured clothing

Technical elements - typical conventions? Mise-en-secene Cinematography Editing Sound

Use of soundtrack (non diegetic) High tempo contrasting music within a major chord. Sound bridging is a key convenrion during this scene as the sound sustained throughout separate scenes is used to indicate that the presence of one character is felt even in their absence which is displayed when Adrianna looks longingly. Sound within melodrama is used to enhance the reality. Straight cutting often used when two or more characters are talking.

Cross cutting allows viewers to see action taking place in more that one location, Exaggerates drama by creating suspense that all will be explained with time. Graphics- colours used connote different emotions. Transitions and fades are used in melodramas. Establishing shots show idealistic and perfect locations.