CLC session

In preperation for creating my groups website, we went to the CLC ( City Learning Center) in order to learn how to use the appropriate softwear to create and edit our group website. When at the CLC my group were taugh how to use the iweb softwear on.

Each member of the group created their own pages of the site, this allowed us as a group to explore individuals ideas and as a group create our groups 'house style' which will be used both on the website and in/out of our groups soap magazine.

Being at the CLC allowed my group to understand the skills needed in order to edit softwear. This learning experience has enabled my group to understand the planning and preperation needed for editing and has allowed my group to know what to expect when we go back to edit our final footage.

Group meeting no7 -minuets

Group members present: Elena Christodoulou, Natalie Michael and Natalie Nicolaides

Start Time: 10.57

• Organising next filming date for trailer,
• Discussed why our last filming date was not as successful as hoped due to lack of planning and preperation,
• Organise a filming date that everyone can meet,
• Oraganise a editing date that everyone can meet,
• Discussed website plan ( what is done what needs to be done and how)
• Discussed blog entries ( both individual and group blog)
• How blog entries can be more effective
  

Radio Times

For the front cover of my soap magazine (your tv) i did not want it to be compared to soap magazine such as 'Tv Choice' and 'Whats on tv' as i wanted a more sophisticated contemporary look, therefore i used 'Radio Times' as my main influence.
Magazines such as 'Tv choice' have a varity of bright bold primary colours, a main eye catching image superimposed over the background with spoilers and teasers for othe sopas and tv dramas included in the magazine, they also have pictures of famous characters to attract the audience.
However 'Radio Times' has a modern classic magazine style. For example, the font cover constists of one image which is the size of the front cover acting as the main eye focus of the page. Like 'Tv Choice' it doesn't include other pcitures of soaps and tv daramas

the one image which is the whole page as the the main eye focus of teh cover. Th cover stays minimulistic with just the main title, main image and a strapline, although simple it is powerful enough to attract the audience and stand out from the rest.

In order to base my front cover on 'Radio Times' i had to establish what it was that made is a successful tv guide. Below are notes which i made on a what a 'Radio Times' front cover page consisted of:

• White bold capital letter title at the top of teh page
• top right corner to advertise partner companies
• large capital letter strapline running across the bottom of the page, also a smaller starapline 'RT Exlusive' underneath with a tag line.
• A large superimposed image the whole length and width of the page also include the baftas medal in the backgroud suggesting it to be a special issue of the magazine.

First day of filming

On our first day of filming my group started filming a feature video that is going to be put onto our website, the video is the opening of the first episode of our soap.
As we had already pre discussed and planned what we were going to be doing on our fist day my group had a clear idea of the key shots, frames, sound etc needed for filming.
Thegla took on the role of the lead (Andrea) in the video so the rest of the groups shared the roles of sound, filming, mise-en-scene, continuity etc
Whilst filming we experimented with a variety of different shots and angles so that when it came to editing the footage we have a varity of shots to choose from.

We also filmed other footage that is going to feature on our website; cast interviews. Natalie M took on the role of the interviwer and Elena, Thegla and I were the 'cast' being interviewed. Whilst we are going to be featuring interviws of the cast, we also wanted to feature episode pictures in our coursework, we will display this on our website and also as the frontcover of our soap magazine and also feature images inside the magazine.

Here are some pictures that we took on our day of filming:

preperation for the first day of filming

Before my group started our first day of filming we wanted to know exactly what we were doing on the day, so that no time was wasted .

To do so we planned each scene out including framing, characters, music, mise-en-scene and also any special effects needed such as fades, dissolves or cuts.

We did this for both our trailer and first episode. This also allowed us time to think about locations and complete preperations such as recce forms so that filming was safe and final to go ahead.

Written Storyboard for Episode 1

My group have drawn our storyboard for part of our first episode (names of characters still to be decided). It will go as follows:

Scene 1
• Girl 1 in kitchen eating breakfast.She gets a text saying'Are you in today?'

• Her mum appears in the doorway saying 'hurry up or you are going to be late'
• Girl 1 walks out and slams the front door whilst her mum is still talking
• Girl 1 walking down the road
Scene 2
• Girlfriend and boyfriend walking down the street together talking
• close up of the girlfriend looking uneasy whilst the boyfriend is still talking to her
• close up of the boyfriend looking down at his girlfriend with a smile on his face
Scene 3
• Boy 1 cooking his breakfast, his phone rings
• He talks on the phone saying 'yeah I'm going to be late again'
Scene 4
• Girl 1 smoking in the street
• A group of girls walk past her, they say hi, one asks girl 1 for a cigarette
• She passes her one
• Girls say thanks and walk on
• Close up of girl 1 smiling

Written Storyboard for Trailer

My group have drawn up our storyboard for our trailer (names of characters still to be decided).
We decided we wanted our trailer to be unconventional using the recent Eastenders trailer with Peggy and Archies wedding and Hollyoaks trailers as inspiration. It will go as follows:
•
• Close up of girl 1 crying with make up running down her face
• She closes her eyes to a heartbeat sound
• Close up of the first note on the floor 'We'
• Scene fades to letters coming through the letter box
• The note with 'We' falls out from in between the letters.
• Close up of girl 1 with her hands on her head. she closes her eyes to a heartbeat
• Close up of the second note on the floor 'Know'
• Girl 1 sitting in a cafe
• A waitress brings her a drink and hands her a note from someone
• Girl 1 reads the note but audience do not see it.
• She looks around in the hope of seeing who it is from but the cafe is empty
• Close up of her hands covering more of her face and the sound of her whimpering
• Close up of the third note on the floor 'What'
• When girl 1 gets home from the cafe she looks in her bag and sees the third note
• Close up of the girls face, tears rolling down
• Close up of the 4th note on the floor 'You'
• Girl 1 sitting on her floor doing homework, as she lifts up a folder, the fourth note falls out from it.
• Close up of the girl crying
• Fifth note on the floor 'Did'
• Girl 1 in supermarket she gets her purse out to pay and the 5th note falls from it.
• Girl in her bedroom putting the notes together
'WE KNOW WHAT YOU DID'
• The tempo/pace of the music increases as she puts the notes in order one by one. the music stops as they are put in order and a cardiac arrest beep comes on.
• The scene flashes to a dead body
• I.V appears on screen with the days and time the soap is on - 'Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm
• Final sound of a heart beat then silence as the trailer ends.

planning and ideas of photos for the soap magazine cover

Before my group met up to photograph images for the front cover of our soap opera magazine we had a group meeting to outline and plan our ideas , so that on the day we had no trouble knowing what we had to do. Our ideas were:

• our main character to be the in the center of the image. Her expression to be concerned/scared. She will be wearing black to symbolise sadness and danger .
• Behind our main character we are going to have teh suspect, who will be dressed in red to symbolise danger, mischief....
• Also in the background of the image we are going to have the victim. This character will be dressed in white to symbolise innocence.

Pilot focus group

Reflecting back on the pilot of the focus group interview my group learnt that we were not aswell prepared as we could of been when it came to questions about how we used, challenged and developed conventions of real media products. At the moment my group is at the secondary stage of research into soap operas as we are still brainstorming how we are going to challenge, use and develop these conventions. Previous to the interview i feel my group should of had a meeting to discuss and make clear where exactly we are in our stage of research so we could all be clear on eachothers research and ideas about the codes and conventions of media products, and how it would effect our product. Therefore our interview could of ran more smoothly if we had preplanned and brainstormed ideas.
The pilot interview even though not as successful as expected still gave my group an insight as to what a real focus group is going to be like. We realised that the group of people that we are going to interview will not have as much knowledge and background as the media students we practiced with had, therefore my group came to the agreement that we will generalise our question leaving more room for them to expand on the matter rather than us going into to much detail and having the risk of them not understanding.

Analysis of Emmerdale and Coronation Street homepages

As part of my groups secondary research into soaps we looked at soaps homepages online. We looked at what the site had to offer to the audience and how it attracted and benefited them.

EMMERDALE SITE ANALYSIS:
- The Emmerdale site has a lot to offer the audience. It provides them with the opportunity of watching previews and ability to catch up on past episodes. The site has a number of special features which both attracts the audience to both the site and the tv show. For example, they offer video specials, galleries, news, gossip and the chance to see new arrivals to the show. The site also allows the audience to find out about the cast with the opportunity to read about cast and characters. They also use a combination of medias to make the experience of finding out about the show even more exciting. For example they have areas on the site for the use of webcams, widgets and also mobiles. The site also includes a page of feedback for the audience allowing them to post topics and comment on them. To increase the popularity of the show the site offers the audience to become apart of the soaps fan club. Members of the club receive soap merchandise and future information on the soap.

CORONATION STREET SITE ANALYSIS:
-Like the Emmerdale site the Coronation Street site had a number of features which attracted the viewers to watch the soap. For example the site provided the viewer with the opportunity to watch 'previous' and 'coming up' episodes of the show keeping them as up to date on the storyline as possible. This was also easily accessable for the viewer, as you did not need to download the video. The site also includes 'cast talks'which allows the viewer to watch videos of the cast talking about their characters and storylines. The site also offers the viewer a section on the news of up and coming characters and which actors will be joining the cast, they also include gossip about the lives of the cast and whats happening in their real lives. To keep the viwer interested in the storyline the site includes a gallery of picture taken over the weeks episodes. This also has a section for the up and coming episodes giving a spoiler away to the viwer. The gallery also includes pictures from past big storlines to remind the viwer of what has prviously happened.Also on the site there is a section dedicated to some of the popular characters in the soap, informing the viwer of ther statistics such as dste of birth, adress, workplace, like and dislikes... Like the Emmerdale site there was a section of the website for the viewers feedback on the soap, this also included frequently asked question by the viewers. This indicates to the audience that their views are important to the soaps directors/producers and believe that their views may be taken into consideration.

Coronation Street reviews

As part of my groups secondary research into saops we looked at some reviews of the previous soap we analysed. This research allowed us to understand the audiences views/opinions on the soap,commenting on what they liked and disliked, giving my group the advantage of knowing what to include in product to attract our target audience.

REVIEW 1:
"I've watched Coronation Street for many years but have come to the point where I switch off some of the episodes. I am 76 although I don't think I am priggish. At one time Coronation Street was a family show but now there are so many unmarried mothers, youngsters love etc when it would be more appropriate to be involved in school. I am fast coming to the conclusion that the Street no longer considers morals to be of importance and in fact I am extremely disappointed that is going from being a family show to one only fit for teenagers."

REVIEW 2:
"I think Coronation Street is a rather good eppisode and am rather keen to keep updated on charactors like Gail, David and Audrey
I reccomend Coronation Street to anyone who is stuck with ideas on what to watch one evening"

REVIEW 3:
"I have watched Coronation Street on and off ever since I can remember. If you miss a few episodes you can soon pick up again. Many of the actors/actresses have been in Corrie for years, making it a little more realistic than some soaps where the actors keep moving on.
Tracey Barlow is a great character, a superbitch you love to hate! Cunning, devious and wickedly clever, that cheeky little grin lets you know she is up to something!

Although my opinions on this soap go up and down, depending on the current storyline, I have to give this one a 10/10 as it certainly is one of our longest running and best loved soaps of all time."

Emmerdale Review

REVIEW 1:
" Very real life storylineS and brilliant acting. The coverage on cot death was excellent.Very sad. Very true to life story lines which really appeal to the general public."

REVIEW 2:
" I am afraid Emmerdale is going to lose popularity if the writers dont do better than recent episodes.This is not the Old Emmerdale..."

REVIEW 3:
"I have watched Emmerdale for may years it was excellence. All the script writers need axing as do most of the cast..."

REVIEW 4:
" After so many years of watchin emerdale I am now watchin the one show on bbc1 and you wonder why the ratings are going down.... get rid of the script writers and TRY to bring it back into something worth watching and stop taking the viewers for a load of idiots."

Analysis of Coronation Street trailer

In the clip we see cut clips of different scenes of intense action. The cut between them creates more of an impact on the audience, as we are bombarded with different storylines, characters and locations. Having so much going on at the same time keeps the audience in suspense making them want to watch more, and so persuading them to watch the actual episode itself .
The clip creates loads of unfinished storylines, this shows the soaps concurrent running storylines, creating a wider target audience for the clip/soap.

Written by Natalie Nicolaides

Analysis of Coronation street title sequence

We are first shown an overview of a little town, we see cars and a milkman driving down the roads, this automatically suggests that this is a family soap. The camera shifts slowly over the houses of "the street" this could hinting at the gossip in the storyline and the residents knowing of eachothers business, suggesting that nothing is kept private in the community. This shot then fades into a shot of the local bridge, this establishes what type of location its as we look out for props/mise-en-scene in the shot (for example graffiti,litter,benches,trees..etc). In the background of the shot we also see school children playing this suggests community/family/friends appealing to the different age groups in society.

The next shot is of a towering shot over the back-to-back gardens of the residents houses, this could be symbolic of the relationships and closeness of the residents.

We then see a birdseye view of actual Coronation Street in the shot we also see the typical English chimney tops always associated with the soap, this could be to familiarise the viewers of the soap, creating a realistic comportable atmosphere for the audience. This shot then fades to the famous shot of the 'Rovers Return pun' on the street(also used as the central meeting point in the soap), this shot shows us an insight into the type of characters in the soap.

A cornet, brass band, clarinet and double bass band all create the opening theme tune of the soap, the jazzy piece creates a peacefull calming atmosphere which is sometimes contrasted in the soaps action packed scenes.

Analysis of Emmerdale trailer

This particular advert of Emmerdale is based around the return of an old character (Charity) returning back to the soap. Through out the advert there are constant references to her previous behaviour in the soap. we get the impression this was mainly negative and outrageous.

Through out the whole advert there is a constant sense of the unknown (where did she go? why is she returning? whats going to happen next?).The dark misty atmosphere adds to the tension of this. Its set with a 1930s theme, shes almost playing the role of a glamours woman whos leading a double life, who possibly left the soap on a bad note. We see that it is late at night, she gets out of bed (leaving her partner who is asleep in the bed)to go to the next room. As she does so removes a wig that she was wearing this could suggest a change in character. From the mise-en-scene we see that it is a grand mansion with ornate classic decor hinting at her (maybe new found) wealth. Once she is in the grand bathroom she undresses, she is almost flirting with the camera, as if she knows people are watching her. Whilst doing so she kisses the mirror, this adds to the narrative enigmas in the advert, keeping the audience in suspense. This also my suggest that she is leaving the kiss as a goodbye to the man we saw earlier. However it could also suggest that she is turning over a new leaf, saying goodbye to her old character. From the advert we get the impression that her charcter uses her sexuality to get what she wants.

Once she is in the bath the camera zooms into her eyes as they close, this is a very effective shot as the eyes show all true emotions. This could suggest that this confident image/impression we get from her could be a persona and that really her eyes show that she is infact quite scared/anxious.

As the camera zooms out of her eyes she is now outside in heavy rain at night. Automatically loads of narrative enigmas arise from this. We see that she notices a road sign saying 'Emmerdale'-her destination then the camera faces her and we see that she a mischievous look on he face, this gets the audience thiniking what could have happened? or what is going to happen? In the background we see a car driving up the road towards us, she hails the car which then stops to let he rin. The shot cuts and the camera is now inside the car facing her as she gets into the car, from the look on her face the audience get the impression that she may known the driver, this also adds to the tension and suspense of the shot. We then see the car drive away, could troubl be arriving in Emmerdal? As the advert ends "its anything but quiet in the country" comes up suggesting she is trouble confirming our assumption, the song 'Troubl Blues' by Sam Cooke that is played through out also confirms her label of trouble.

Analysing an episode of Emmerdale

When alalysing Emmerdale i noticed a number of codes and conventions that the producers used to create a realistic effect on the audience, these were:

- "the school run" families taking their children to school, we also see residents leaving their houses rushing to get to work (daily commutors)a realistic morning scene, this is easily relatable therefore attracting a wider target audience,

-We see bussiness men in suits, suggesting wealth/upper class this is a contrast to the school children we see going to public school, representing the working class. We see all groups in society race, age, gender and the main one being communicated social class.

-We get a sense of community, appealing to a family audience

-We hear diagetic music (both characters and audience can hear) PussyCat Dolls 'Hush Hush' is playing in the bachground the audience get the impression the song lyrics are filling in the gaps of what is not being said between the characters. This creates tension in the atmosphere keeping the audience on the edge of their seat wanting to watch more. This also hints at future storylines to come.

- Outside lighting is bright, could represent that things are going well (pathetic thalasy)

-We see the upper class represented throught mise-en-sene of ornate furniture, big house, modern/classic decor. However the darkness of the house could suggest tension/trouble inthe family.

-We are shown different relationships both good and bad. This is very effective and realistic as we are not false shown that all relationships are perfect.

Binary composition, the contrast between higher and lower class characters at work. We are then shown(in contrast to previous family) a typical working-class work place at a mechanics. Again we hear the effective use of music, as we can hear Lilly Allen '22' in the bachground, this efective use of music could be reflecting the characters situation.

- However we also see a negative stereotype as we are shown the majourity of the residents who are working-class all working in a factory, which takes away from the realism of the soap.

-Because the soap is set in the countryside we are shown a variation of different green landscapes, this creates a nature theme emphasizing a cosy family atmosphere as opposed to the busy city roads. There is also regional accents used to create a realiatic location and culture within the soap.

minutes for group meeting

Whilst having a group meeting brainstalling ideas we minuted our meeting to keep track of what ideas we had.... The minutes were taken down by Elena Christodoulou.

Discussing general ideas, pitch and treatment

Tuesday 15th September

Start Time: 11:37am

People Present:

Elena Christodoulou, Thegla Savvides, Natalie Michael, Natalie Nicolaides

• As a group we decided to involve our soap around a teenage lifestyle, involving school, relationships and typical teenage problems.

• We discussed various locations and central meeting points like school, home and cafes.

• Characters we decided are based around a stereotypical teenager. leaving the audience the ability to relate to them.

• Heirachy:

-Popularity Vs Geeks

-Rich Vs Poor

• Popularity/Rich/Education
• Relationships/Jealousy/Revenge

• We also discussed targets for the week and allocated eachother different assignements in complete. e.g research (questionnaires, tv soap analysis, trailer analysis evaluation of questionnaire etc.)

Finish Time: 12:26pm

Group effort: by Elena Christodoulou

Analysis of Emmerdale opening title sequence

For research on Soap operas each member of my group analysed the title sequences of different soap operas. For example, Elena Christodoulou analysed Home&Away an small community soap, Natalie Michael analysed Neighbours a Australian soap, Thegla Savvides analysed Hollyoaks a teenaged based soap, and i analysed Emmerdale a mature audience soap.

Analysis on Emmerdale: What is being communicated?

In the opening title sequence of Emmerdale we are show broad Yorkshire landscape. We see small country towns which automatically make us think that the soap is for a older audience rather than a teenage audience.
The birdseye view of the town and the scenes of people driving and phoughing fields hints at the knowing of peoples bussiness, suggesting gossip in the storyline. As the camera quickly flys over the sceneary we get the impression that the soap is fast moving , maybe in introducing new characters or storylines, this could be to keep the audience wanting to watch more.
The camera angles used are also very effective as throughout the sequence the camera is always facing down towering over the town, as if to create a dominant role for the audience suggesting that we know more than what is being communicated.
Also from the wide open landscapes we get the feeling of being lost or deserted which could be explored futher in the storylines.

The music is non diagetic only the audience can hear it. The full string orchestra and piano create the right calm tranquille atmosphere for the soap.