Primary Existing Products Research

E4 Website Anaylsis

This is the E4 homepage. The main colours within the homepage are purple, black and white. The paradigmatic choice of the colour purple on the logo especially, could suggest that E4 has a mixed gender audience. The mix between pink and blue creates the idea that E4 want to attract a larger audience, which reinforces the idea of a mixed gender audience. Also, the shade of purple could connote with youth as it is quite a young and vibrant colour. The idea of youth is then also emphasised through the style of font in the logo. The paradigmatic choice of a bubble style font is associated with graffiti in society and therefore is a cultural reference. This then creates a young vibe for the website and the company. Due to the "E" in E4 standing for entertainment, the idea of a vibrant and youthful logo could emphasise that the company want to make the audience happy and entertained, emphasising the companies overall genre. 

        The use of having a navigation bar at the top of the webpage emphasises the interaction for the audience. The use of the Anchorage within the text "Do it & win" on the navigation bar gives the audience the opportunity to get involved within the company by winning prizes for example. The use of only having a few words within "Do it & win" creates the impression that it is a very simple process and that the use of the word "win" suggests that there are prizes at stake. This will then instantly attract the audience’s attention as it is pulling them into getting involved with the company. Also, the use of the letters “WFT” on the navigation bar create a cultural content reference as in society the letters represent the phrase “What the F**k”. This reference to cultural content emphasises the young audience between 15-35 year olds as it quite a well known Abbreviation in society with young people today.

 The paradigmatic choice of the image of the Inbetweeners instantly draws attention from the audience as it is so big. The image of the boys sitting at a beach gives the impression that the object being advertised in this case The Inbetweeners Movie  is based on a beach or being on holiday. Also, the use of the bright colours on the image on both the character's clothes and the boats emphasises the young theme for the company and that the film is based at a younger audience. As the characters are in brightly coloured clothes, it suggest that the film will be quite a vibrant and happy film. Also by looking at the character's facial expressions on the image we get the impression that they are happy, which creates quite a relaxed and layed back mood, emphasising the comedy genre and its audience. By linking this image to the Anchorage used on the text "Boys Behaving Badly", it links to cultural content. This is because the phrase "boys behaving badly" has many ideas within society such as acting in a stupid manner, drinking and taking advantage of girls, which creates quite a humorous narrative. This then links with the young audience and genre as they will relate to both the film and phrase, causing the audience to be drawn in. 

By showing images of some of the popular e4 shows on a horizontal stroll, it draws attention to the most popular shows. E4 may have shown specific images of certain characters to create the idea that maybe those characters are significant at this time in the series. It creates meaning by the way in which the audience are drawn into maybe watching the show as they feel some sort of significant event might be about to occur.

This is the E4 “TV Shows” page. The main colours within this page are purple and white emphasising the idea made when discussing the homepage. This idea of the company being aimed at a mixed gender audience is then emphasised through its presentation on TV shows. Also, the aimed audience of 15-35 year olds is reinforced through the webpage’s urban style background. The use of the graffiti style writing on the white E4 logo and the idea of it being set in a car park or garage crates a young feel for the website, which is then reinforced through its shows.

The anchorage used with the word “Telly” outlining the name of the webpage is a cultural reference to society today. With the meaning of the word “telly” being associated with television in society today, it is commonly used by the younger generation aged at around 15-30. This use of anchorage is then created to emphasise the younger audience and it uses their own cultural references. Anchorage is also shown when saying "PARDY!" when advertising Made in Chelsea. This is also a cultural content reference as in society today the term "pardy" is associated the word "party". This then reinforces the idea of a younger audience as 15-35 year olds are seen as quite lively and willing to party. This could then create the impression that the show "Made in Chelsea" has a party vibe, which emphasises its younger audience. 

The paradigmatic choice of the large image of the Skins cast instantly draws attention from the audience as it is so big. It allows for the show to be advertised strongly as it is a simple image of the cast standing up against a wall, making the image more eye catching.  The idea of the characters wearing their own individual costumes creates the idea that they all have their own stereotypes and personalities. For example, the way the one character is dressed in a polo shirt and a stripy jumper suggests that he is the “nerd” style character. This paradigmatic choice links with many shows on E4, as a lot of them contain a “nerd” character and stereotype. Also, there is a character presented in rock style clothing e.g. leather jacket and long messy styled hair. This then create the idea that this character enjoys music and is quite a temperamental character. These stereotypes are influenced through many programmes on E4, which then causes the audience to apply a meaning to certain signifies  The many different styles of clothing that the characters are wearing, creates an urban and young vibe to the show. This is especially emphasised through the urban, graffiti style background as allows for a young vibe to be created. This is because graffiti is associated with young people and how some express themselves in society today.

Also, there is the image advertising "Made in Chelsea". This paradigmatic choice of the image of a couple helps the audience relate to the characters in the show. As Made in Chelsea is a Structured Reality programme and the characters situations are set up, the characters create their own interpretation of the situation and act how they would normally. This then emphasises how the audience would relate to the show. Also, as the image indicates that the show includes relationships, a younger audience may be attracted to watch the show as they find it relatable. However, the facial expression on the character "Spencer" in this image suggests that he is very happy with what seems like his girlfriend, which indicates that the show is both relatable yet fun at the same time, emphasising the target audience.

This is the Inbetweeners webpage on the E4 website. The paradigmatic choice of the black board style background creates the sense that the show is set in a school or college. This may have then been used to get the audience of especially 15-19 year olds to relate to the show and the situations that are portrayed  The black board style then emphasises the youth of the show and that the situations are relatable. Also, by looking at the drawing of the "noughts and crosses" game it could suggest that the show contains a "game like" style where the characters sometimes win or lose. This may then incorporate a sense of comedy into the shows narratives and situations.

The idea of the show being set in a school or college is reinforced through the character's costumes. As shown in the main image on the webpage, the main characters are seen as wearing a school uniform. This paradigmatic choice reinforces the idea that the show has a youthful setting. The use of having a slightly different style of school uniform could represent the different personalities that the characters hold. For example, "Will" is dressed with his blazer buttoned up, tie done up to the top and is wearing glasses. This costume choice could represent the "nerd like” stereotypes in society today, suggesting that he is boring and smart student. This idea of "Will" having a boring mindset could be emphasised through his facial expression on the image as it is quite serious and questioning. However, I feel that this idea then adds quite a bit of comedy to Will's character as it is relatable to the target audience, as they get themselves into awkward situations as often shown through the "nerd" character. Whereas the character of "Neil" is dressed in a blue school jumper with his tie not all the way up to the top. This could suggest that "Neil" is quite a messy and unorganised character. Also, his happy facial expression suggests that "Neil" is a mainly happy character who is not most intelligent. I get the impression from Neil’s overall look on this image that he comes out with very funny comments that are so funny because they are very unintelligent. I feel that this then relates to the target audience as everyone has a "stupid" friend who comes out with very random comments.

Also, by including an image of two characters, one being a girl and one being a boy, instantly creates the teenage relating issue of relationships. By using the paradigmatic choice of the pretty, blonde girl suggests that the character of "Charlotte" is the dumb, blonde who all the boys wish to go out with. Also, the use of the confident facial expression suggests that she is quite a confident and dominating character that may scare "Will". Whereas the idea of "Will" being the "nerd" in the show, suggests that he is obsessed with the character "Charlotte" and wants to go out with her. This issue may attract the audience of 15-35 year olds as they can all relate to a situation like this one. However, Will's facial expression in this image suggests that he is a very awkward character and doesn't know how to act around "Charlotte", which adds further comedy to an awkward situation.

The anchorage shown in the words "Relieve those painful school memories with The Inbetweenrs on 4oD” reinforces the idea that the audience can relate to the situations in the show. Within society today the words "painful memories" are associated with comedy and awkwardness, which represents the situations in The Inbetweeners. I feel that this anchorage was used to cause comedy from the audience and show that they can all relate to at least one awkward or funny school memory that is shown in The Inbetweeners.

After completing my primary research into the E4 website I have found that the colours, logo and language used on the fansite help create the young audience and emphasise that E4 shows are created for younger people aged between 15 and 35. By using specific language and images that are associated with younger people in society in today, help the audience to relate to the programmes, which then attract them into watching the programmes.

Secondary Existing Product Research

The Do's and Dont's of webdesign

Do's

1. Keep your page structured 
2. Focus on what is important
3. Choose the right colour scheme
4. Make it easy to scan through the pages
5. Keep it simple
6. Copyrighting
7. Set up your navigation bar properly
8. Optimize load times
9. Choose the right fonts and sizes
10. Make your page visually appealing

Dont's

1. Place boxes everywhere
2. Place irrelevant adverts across your page
3. Overdo it with loads of colours
4. Write one paragraph per page that is 1000+ words
5. Go on about nothing
6. Full pages with lots of keywords
7. Make your audience search to find something
8. Make everything on the page an image
9. Have 5 different fonts in 10 different styles
10. Throw lots of random "pretty" pictures in just to make it look good

http://webdesignledger.com/tips/20-dos-and-donts-of-effective-web-design

After researching into what is good and bad to put on a webpage, I have learnt how you can make a webpage look effective with the simplest of elements and that all the "fancy stuff" will make the website look less effective. This has helped strongly within my research as I now know what to include when creating my own webpage, as it will now hopefully be more successful.

Individual Anaylsis of Narrative Theories - The Mighty Boosh

The Series 2, Episode 5 of The Mighty Boosh shown below...



Tzvetan Todorov

Equilibrium
The opening scene begins with the characters in the home, one using a hookah pipe.  Two of them walk in as they have just come back form their own gig. The two characters then drive of to a further location, negatively discussing the success of their gig. The content of the situation in this first scene is quite realistic and normal, replicating the Sitcom codes and conventions. However, the way in which the characters portray the surroundings and costumes make it seem slightly unrealistic for a lot of society today.

Disruption
Following the characters  terrible gig, with people throwing rubbish into their house, the two characters head to Black Lake. The characters turn up at a pub and are told to go fishing. Vince then is very successful when catching the fish, unlike his friend. The friend then tells Vince to go back to the pub and leave him to fish by himself. Vince then begins to tell a ghost story and states "Black Lake". The customers and pub staff then tell Vince that there is a "ghost" called "Old Gregg" that comes out when the moon is out on the Lake.

Recognition of Disruption
Howard is Abducted by "Old Gregg" while out fishing on "Black Lake" by himself.

Attempt to Repair
Vince rings up his friend explaining that Howard has been abducted by a sea monster. He therefore get a submarine into the Lake with Vince and they begin to search for Howard.

New/Return equilibrium
Howard is rescued by Vince and his fiend in the submarine  They are then seen performing the pub, which turns into a successful gig. They then drive home discussing their success, however "Old Gregg" is seen on the top of the car.

Vladmir Propp

Hero-Naboo












Villain-Old Gregg
















Princess-Howard

Donor-Vince

Helper-Vince











False Hero-Vince

Princess' father-The barman

Dispatcher-The pub customer

Roland Barthes

Action
By Howard telling Vince to go back to the pub, so he can fish by himself in the dark, instantly creates a mysterious and eerie atmosphere. This is then emphasiesd through the ghost story. The audience then feel that there at an event about to happen that will affect Howard, which is to do with the story.

Enigma
-What happened to the man who survived being abducted by Old Gregg?
-Why does Naboo have a submarine casually waiting around to be used?
-Why are the Naboo, Vince and Howard wearing their specific costumes at the beginning?

Semic
Through the characters strange and vibrant costumes we learn that they are strange characters who create comedy. Also, the pub creates quite a dominating atmosphere, while also creating an eerie mood due to the stories.

Symbolic
The idea of the Lake where the characters fish at being called "Black Lake" instantly connotates with death and darkness, suggesting that maybe something terrible will happen. This is then emphasised through the fishing scene as it is dark and eerie, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Also, "Old Gregg" is seen as the villain in this episode, however the use of his strange costume  makeup and personality creates a strong comedy about his character  which then links in with the Sitcom genre at it is not supposed to be serious.

Cultural
The common stereotypes of a Situation Comedy are relevant situations that are turned to make funny. This stereotype is shown through this episode as Howard is abducted by Old Gregg. In society this incident would be seen as very serious, however it is shown through the comedy of Old Gregg's character and the way in which all the characters act.

Textual Analysis of The Mighty Boosh

Textual Analysis of part of Series 2, Episode 5-"The Legend of Old Gregg" of The Mighty Boosh.

This episode consists on the two characters Vince (played by Noel Fielding) and Howard (played by Julian Barratt) heading off to Black Lake after a terrible music gig. They found themselves out fishing in the Lake, when Vince is very successful in catching the fish and Howard tells him to go back to the pub. While Vince is then at the pub, while Howard is out fishing alone in the dark, Vince learns that their is a ghost story that states when out fishing when the moon in out, a ghostly merman will come called "Old Gregg". Howard is then abducted by "Old Gregg" and finds out that he loves Howard and wants to marry him. However, Vince and his friend then get out their submarine and go on the search for Howard in the lake.

The opening scene of this clip includes mise en scene which includes the use of costume, setting, props, casting and colour. The opening setting of the two characters at home seems quite normal for the audience as it is a relatable location. However, this is then contradicted through the fact that the character Naboo is using a hookah pipe, as this is not an everyday action shown on many other Sitcoms and in society. The costumes used by the characters in this opening scene, I feel represent the whole show. I feel this as the show consists of many strange yet relatable situations, which are make comical and unique through the use of the character's costumes. However, as the show presenting a normal situation as this opening scene, comedy is made by the characters acting normally despite being in very strange costumes. This then adds humor to the scene as it is like this is normal to the characters. The many vibrant colours used on the both the walls, props and costumes, instantly gives the impression that the character's lives are very strange and loud, which then adds comedy to the situations and the characters involved. Once the two characters of Vince and Howard walk in to the living room and begin their conversation with Naboo, the camera is constantly swapping to each character when one is talking. I feel that this swapping technique has been used to emphasise to the audience who is speaking at the time. High and Low camera angles are used in this opening scene during this same conversation to emphasises the idea that Naboo is sitting down. Also, the high cameras shots shown towards the characters Naboo may be suggesting to the audience that he is lower status than Vince and Howard, who have low camera shots. This is also emphasised through the Naboo's facial expressions, which are zoomed in to suggest that he is quite innocent and naive. This then contrasts with Vince's and Howard's confident facial expressions, dialogue and body language, suggesting that they are more important characters than Naboo. Also, the lighting shown in this opening scene is quite low key, with a few artificial lamps. The use of this low key light emphasises the fact that the scene is based at night, which then creates an eerie yet normal atmosphere. The synchronous sound made by the object been thrown through the window creates a dark and violent mood for the scene, however due to the characters being light hearted, it creates quite a blunt and comical moment. This is especially shown with Naboo's following comment of "There's one of your flies attached", as he says is in such a comic yet concerning way. 

The following scene begins with the two characters of Vince and Howard travelling in a car. The scene begins with the non-diegetic sound of the music. The use of the happy style of music being out of the the character diegesis, adds comedy to the situation as the characters as running away from hated fans. By using a jump cut editing skill here as the scene changes, causes the audience to notice that time has passed between the characters leaving the house to getting in the car. The long camera shot at this point emphasises the idea that the characters are moving to another place, while also creating the idea that time is passing yet again. Once the car has then passed the camera, a zoomed in camera shot in then permanent for the entire car journey. I feel that a zoomed in camera shot was used to emphasise that the scene is based just on the two characters of Vince and Howard as there is shown surroundings shown, causing all the audience's attention to be on the characters. The non diegetic sound is of the car moving is used to create the sense that the characters are in a normal situation, which is a common code and conventions in Sitcoms. The use of Mise En Scene with the setting in this scene is still dark, emphasising that it is taking place at night. The fact that the scene is set at night, creates a slight eerie atmosphere as it is associated with mystery, death and evil. However, as said before, these connotations are taken away due to the light hearted atmosphere created through the character's dialogue and actions.

After looking at a short part of this episode I have found that The Mighty Boosh uses serious situations but makes them look comical. I feel that this is done strongly through the costumes used within the characters and the dialogue in which they come out with. I would say that The Mighty Boosh is quite unique in the sense of its comedy as it is comical in the ways that it shouldn't be due to the strangeness of some characters. I feel that this is emphasised in the first couple of minutes of this episode, as the situations itself aren't particularly comical, its what the characters say, and how they do it that makes quite a surreal and strange image for the audience.

Individual Analysis of Narrative Theories

Hollyoaks episode from 17th October  shown on my programme analysis post.

Tzvetan Todorov

Equilibrium 

The opening sequence begins with two people getting out of a car, followed by a women in a house preparing a meal and a bedroom scene with the man getting ready for work. These actions all represent a real life situation.

Disruption

Martha has gone away for a month and Ash and Lacey don't want to have anything to do with her. However, Ash, Lacey and Callum believe the family has fallen apart because of Martha however, it is really Ally.

Recognition of Disruption

Martha becomes angry and unwanted and doesn't turn up for a coffee as Ally has deleted her text. This then causes her children to get even more angry with her.

Attempt to Repair

Myra offers Martha a place to stay.

New/return Equilibrium

Martha accepts Myra's offer and is determined to get her kids back. The kids then live their normal life as Ash and Ally go out.

Vladmir Propp

1. Hero-Myra McQueen
2. Villain-Ally Gorman
3. Princess-Martha
4. Donor-Ste Hay
5. Helper-Ste Hay
6. Princess's father-Ash
7. Dispatcher-Ste Hay
8. False Hero-Ally Gorman

Roland Barthes

Action

Ally looks at Martha with a threatening look on his face as well as dialogue. Martha then comes back to him with disapproving dialogue and with an angry face suggesting that there is a threatening relationship between the two of them and that this will lead to a negative event.

Enigma

• Why is Martha looking at a photograph as presenting sadness? 
• Has something happened between the people in the photograph? 
• Why do Martha's kids hate her? 
• Why does Ally want to ruin Martha's family?

Semic

Martha is cooking in her kitchen and then her kids walk in suggesting that it is a family environment, which produces family arguments.

Symbolic

This is similar to semic as the stereotypes of a family life are shown through behavior, dialogue and power.

Cultural

Family environment, relationships etc which represent real life situations which is what a soap opera is portrayed to do. This then allows for the audience to easily Hollyoaks as a soap.

Personal Research Checklist

Primary Audience
Deadline 5/11/12

• Online questionnaire using surveymonkey.com to found out what the audience like and dislike about sitcoms

Secondary Audience
Deadline 5/11/12

• Social Network e.g. Facebook and Twitter on the audience views on Social Network pages e.g. comments

Primary Existing Products
Deadline 5/11/12

• Analysis and Semiotic analysis of fan page websites

Secondary Existing Products
Deadline 5/11/12

• Analysis of fan page websites on the Internet

The Scenario

You work for Silver Lining Productions, a multimedia company that has had recent television success with fictional productions.

You have been given the opportunity to prepare a pitch for development funding and so will need to present sample production work. The programme will have a target audiece similar to E4's demographic 15-35 and will be suitable for pre-watershed broadcasting. You are free to work in any format you wish. Working in groups of no more than four, you will produce the opening few scenes of a TV programme establishing narrative themes, characters and location. You may include a title sequence and your finished product should be approximately two minutes long. Your programme will be supported by a three page fan website. You should use the website to encourage as much audience interactivity and communication as possible. Your production materials should be produced to a professional standard.

Keys Words in Marking Criteria

Research Plan

Summary of Narrative Theories

Tzvetan Todorov
The 5 stages of a narrative

1. Equilibrium-the state at the beginning of the narrative
2. Disruption-A problem/conflict that is introduced
3. Recognition of disruption-The problem/conflict is noticed by characters as it starts to effect characters
4. Attempt to Repair- The resolution-may show change
5. New/return equilibrium-problem/conflict is resolved and there is a sense of closure

Vladmir Propp

He came up with 8 characters within the narrative

I have related these characters to Shrek

1. Villain e.g. Lord Farquaard
2. Hero e.g. Shrek
3. Donor e.g. Donkey
4. Helper e.g. Donkey
5. Princess e.g. Fiona
6. Princess' father e.g. Fiona's dad
7. Dispatcher e.g. Donkey
8. False hero e.g. Lord Farguaard

However, this theory cant apply to all narratives and it has a strong link to folk tales (fairy tales)

Roland Barthes

He came up with 5 narrative codes. 2 which represent narrative flow and 3 which represent narrative detail.

1. Action- the way in which the narrative flows in a series of consequences.
2. Enigma-questions in which the audience/viewer thinks when viewing the narrative e.g. who is she? why is she there?
3. Semic- signs which could represent meanings and stereotypes.
4. Symbolic-connotations and stereotypes which create a meaning of something and how it is represented.
5. Cultural-the stereotypes linked with different genres and how they are represented.

Institutions

Channel 4
Channel 4 is a Conglomerate and its subsidiary companies of E4, More4, 4Music, 47 and Film4 are a convergence of the television and e-media industry. It has a cross media ownership of the internet, television, film and music industry as also producing magazines such as 4homes and 4health. It therefore uses synergy to promote the products shown on the subsidiary channels. As Channel 4 owns many of the popular channels shown on the British television industry today, it is seen as part of the Oligopoly throughout the television industry alongside BBC and ITV as these Conglomerates dominate the British Television Industry. They have a Cross Media Ownership as Channel 4 send their programmes such as Hollyoaks and Fresh Meat to be produced by Lime Pictures.

What legislations cover the internet?

Internet Law

Internet law is closely related to the laws that relate to other similar areas of broadcasting, retail, and information handling, and in many cases, internet laws are identical to those covering the offline world for such things as data protection, defamation,copyright infringement and trademarks.

Data protection

• The Data Protection Act 1998 covers personal data that finds itself on the Internet, and any web site that collects personal information will need to comply with the Act.
• Personal information is any information that relates to a living individual who can be identified from that information or from that and other information in the web site owner’s possession, or likely to come into our possession.
• Personal information can include an email address or telephone number, or information about people's personal experiences and opinions.
• Personal data, the Data Protection Act says, should only be kept should only be kept for the minimum length of time necessary and appropriate to the uses for which it has been agreed.
• Technologies like encryption, along with good data handling practises, can help to ensure that personal data remains secure and private.

What is a Data Use notice?

• Any web sites that collect personal information should include a Data Use notice. This needs to describe all the purposes for which the information collected will be used, and includes information collected via cookies or other covert software.
• If any of the information collected is going to be used for promotion, marketing, research or any other secondary purpose, the data usage notice must give individuals the opportunity to agree to it. This means an ‘opt-in’ box needs to be included in the notice.

Copyright

• Copyright law covers the internet just as it covers magazines, newspapers or other media. Organisations are advised to place appropriate copyright and trademark notices on their web sites to indicate ownership of material.
• Businesses are also urged to register relevant domain names as early as possible to avoid the problem of fighting the cyber squatters. But as domain names prepare to be liberalised in 2010, this will become a tougher challenge, because web addresses could theoretically end in any word.

The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

• In 2000, Congress enacted CIPA, which took effect in April 2001, requiring schools and libraries receiving federal technology funds to install pornography-blocking software on their computers. 
• Several states have tried to pass legislation that would protect children by reducing the amount of unsolicited email or spam that comes their way.

http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Internet-law-Essential-Guide

http://www.nap.edu/netsafekids/pp_li_il.html

Website Analysis

Hollyoaks Website

Here is the "Hollyoaks" homepage. The main colour of the page is purple. This then links with the main colour of the institution of E4. The paradigmatic feature of the colour purple could represent both the institute and programme. It could connotate with the ideas of both genders, which may have been used to empahsise that E4 has an audience of both genders. Also, the paradigmatic feature of the bubble style font with the bright colour creates quite a young and current style to the website and the institution, which then links with E4's general audience of 15-30 year olds. The use of having the image of the one character creates the idea that the soap opera could be having a story based around the character shown. Also, the main background of the red, grey and white football imagery could emphasise the youthfulness of the programme and its target audience. It also links with the man shown on the image as football is mainly associated with men and sport in society today. The anchorage of the font used on "Hollyoaks" links with the context used at the time. As the background of the image could be associated with sport and men, I would suggest that the font used anchors that idea and could give the impression that a strong story line at the moment could include mainly men.

                                                                                        

                                                                               

Here is the "Hollyoaks" "Spoliers" page. The purple background could represent the idea that the institution of E4 and also "Hollyoaks" could be aimed at both genders. This paradigmatic choice could be linked the cultural context of colour as the colour pink is associated with women and blue is associated with men, and therefore purple could be a representation of both genders. This then creates the sense that "Hollyoaks" if aimed at both men and women. Also, the paradigmatic feature of placing the knives and forks in the background emphasises that fact that Hollyoaks is a soap and that it is a representation of every day life in society today. The block style font of the word "Hollyoaks" creates a sense of simplicity yet formality which could therefore give the idea that the programme is based at a younger audience as it is bold and attractive and therefore stands out. Also the paradigmatic choice of using red and white lettering with a black background could create a sense of danger yet love. This could be shown through the connotations of the colour red as it is associated with love, danger and desire yet the connotations of black could be associated with death and mystery. The mix of emotions could therefore link in with the context of a soap opera as they create both a positive and negative mood and there is both love and mystery in reality.

Questions to Consider

From my analysis of Hollyoaks I have raised these questions to help me complete the creation of my coursework.

• Who are my target audience?
• How does my target audience link with the time of showing for my programme?
• Ho will I represent my target audience through the characters?
• How are peoples lives represented in society and how can they be linked to characters in my programme?
• How will my programme fit in with the institution's production guidelines?
• How will I attract the viewers attention in just 2 minutes?
• What location or locations shall I use to convey the correct atmosphere?
• What type of camera shots will I use to convey certain representations of characters personalities and moods?
• What costumes will I use to represent character's personalities?
• How will the actor's performances convey the atmosphere?
• Will I use camera shots to create an atmosphere and mood?
• What type of non diegetic sound could be used to represent and create the mood needed?
• What type of diegetic sound could be used to represent and create the mood needed?
• Will the dialogue used have to help create the mood and atmosphere?

Textual Analysis of Hollyoaks

Textual analysis of part of an episode of Hollyoaks from 28th September

This episode concentrates on the life on the character “Brendan Brady” played by Emmett J, Scanlan and his depressed and lonely life, while being interfered by the mysterious and unnerving mind of “Simon Walker” played by Neil Newborn. The episode concentrates on Brendan’s mental life and how he is struggling to cope with his life.

The main target audience for this programme would be from 13-25 year olds preferably women as the content in the episode I have just watched seems to be based around relationships while also reflecting parts of human reality life although is not based on  a true story. Also, the idea that it is shown on television before the Watershed, suggests that it is suitable for younger teenagers to watch.

In the opening scene of this clip the use of Mise En Scene consists of the costumes, setting, props, casting, performance and colours used. The opening setting of the bedroom creates a sense of daylight and ease, while also showing the homosexual couple in bed together. After a few seconds in, the character “Doug Carter” played by PJ Brennan receives a phone call from “Simon Walker”. The paradigmatic choice of literally showing the name of “Walker” suggests that it is quite a significant phone call, and the fact that “Doug doesn’t tell his partner (Ste Hay) played by Kieron Richardson, that he has rang makes the idea seem a lot more sinister. This is then emphasised through PJ Brennan’s performance as he looks at “Ste Hay” in a somewhat unsure way, suggesting that he may feel bad about what he is doing. Throughout the setting of the bedroom is a blue duvet cover. This signifier could then symbolise a cold yet calm mood, which could then create a sense of coldness between the homosexual couple and their relationship. The use of the non-diegetic sound of the relaxing yet hip hop music at the beginning of the scene could be creating a somewhat calm and relaxed mood for the viewer as it is representing the beginning of the day. However, the use of the younger style music could emphasise the youth in the characters involved as well as the target audience. In Addition, the first thing we as the viewer encounter is the tracking long shot of the bedroom. The director may have used tracking movement to suggest a change in time from the last clip to this one and how the situations have changed. It also creates a sense of relaxation for the viewer which links in with the idea of waking up in the morning, while drawing the viewer in slowly to the situation happening at the time. Furthermore, low key lighting has being used in this opening scene to emphasise the idea of morning. It creates the idea of a dull and sad mood which is then emphasised with the mysterious phone call from “Walker”. It also emphasises the reality of life shown on some Fictional Productions as this clip is being a strong representation of a morning situation in society today. The closing of this scene and the opening of the next is then created using a dissolving transition. I feel that this then creates a change in time and mood.

The second scene then begins with the Mise En Scene of the setting of a village scene with just one taxi on the road. I feel that the director has used a village scene to represent a reality lifestyle for the viewers as trying to make the clip seem as happy as possible. The scene shows a young woman getting into a taxi while a man (Walker) is secretly watching her from behind a building. This then creates a sense of nervousness for the viewer as we get the impression that (Walker) is maybe trying to cause a tragedy or something particularly shocking to happen.  This could then link the paradigmatic choice of the black costume, which would connotate with the ideas of death, power and mystery.  In Addition, there are tracking camera shots across the village which follow the taxi, which therefore create a sense of time passing. However then once the tracking of the camera has stopped it switches and zooms in on “Walker” while on a low camera shot to suggest that he holds power and authority, which then may intimidate the viewers.  The camera then quickly goes back to the woman getting into the taxi which emphasises the fact that he is watching her.  Also, a woman getting into a taxi alone is maybe seen as a target for vulnerability and innocence which then makes the mysterious of “Walker” seem more sinister. The way in which the camera then flickers back to “Walker” while zooming in, then makes the viewer seem nervous and not at ease about the future of the character.  This scene also starts with the music that was in the bedroom scene. This then adds to the dramatic nerviness for the viewer, while with the tracking camera shot it helps create a more time consuming image.

The third scene is set within the exterior of a church yard. The Mise En Scene within the performances of the characters “Doug” and “Walker” creates a sense of tension. The way in which “Doug” is folding his arms in front of him suggests that he is trying to hide his body language towards “Walker”. This may then suggest that “Doug” is influenced and intimidated by him. This then links to “Walker’s” black leather jacket which creates the idea of the alpha male, which could suggest that he is powerful, while “Doug” is placed in a woolly jumper which can be seen as quite feminine and small in society today.  Also, “Doug” is seen to be looking up at “Walker” which emphasises his innocence and vulnerability when with him. This is then emphasised through the over the shoulder and zoomed in shots as the viewers attention in then drawn to “Doug” emphasising his intimation of “Walker”. In Addition, the use of the diegetic sounds of the road suggest the idea that the dialogue between “Walker” and “Doug” is natural and is in a natural environment. This then makes the scene seem more relaxed even though the two characters are raising their voices at each other.

In Conclusion, I feel that this television clip creates a sense of intimidation and mystery for both the viewers and the characters themselves. I feel that this is done mainly through the use of Mise En Scene and Camerawork and some uses of Semiotics as it draws attention to certain characters and expresses feelings and emotions that may not have being portrayed without these techniques.