Sunday 25 September 2011

Research into similar products- Soap trailer 3

Coronation Street


The two over the shoulder shots showing Steve and Becky getting ready in the mirror signify a direct relationship between the characters. It begins to show the story and identifies these two as the who characters who are getting married. The over the shoulder shots clearly show the costumes that they are both wearing- also helping to signify the fact that they are getting married. It also shows their expressions and how they are feeling about the day. With Becky looking happy and cheerful, while Steve is looking more sceptical which carefully suggests elements of the plot and that he may be having second thoughts. The trailer then cuts to a graphic match showing what Becky is looking at. This is seconds into the beginning of the trailer which helps to suggest the plot. The prop of the good luck card that Becky is looking at links to the non-digetic music that is being play - 'My Lucky Day'. These elements about 'Good Luck' connotes that maybe she needs the luck and something may upset the big day. The trailer then cuts between shot scenes of typical wedding props and items, such as the table being set and the cake being iced. Aerial shots are used in the trailer when the flowers are being delivered. This create a light and airy feel about the wedding as the box turns in a circular motion and walks towards the pub. It also shows the cobbled streets which is something immediately associated with Corronation Street. Another aerial shot is used as the banner is being put up on the pub. It pans across for a short space of time so you can clearly read what the banner says.
This is where there is more of a hint that things may not be so good for the wedding of Becky and Steve. The banner going up as they are getting ready (ie. before they are married) connotes that it may be a bit early to start the celebrations. This then cuts to a shot-reverse-shot between Liz putting up the banner and Jason standing in the street. Although there is no dialogue the shot-reverse-shot shows what they are thinking through their facial expressions and the way they react to each other. Their facial expressions and movement suggests that they are not so sure about the wedding and just taking it for what it is. It connotes that they clearly don't expect much from it. This also links to the theme of 'luck' through the advert- showing that the residents of the street aren't fully behind it and that it would have to be Becky's lucky day for the wedding to last and work. The continuing theme of 'luck' is shown with 'Good Luck!' being sprayed on the back of the car and also the 'Good Luck' decoration being placed on the cake. There a close up shots of Hayley making the cake which show her unimpressed expressions which connotes that she is thinking what the other residents are appearing to thing. In contrast, close up shots are used of Becky showing her getting ready and sitting in the taxi. These show how excited she is and how happy she is feeling before her wedding. By using this is contrasts her feelings with the others who are more worried for the couple and their day. The trailer shows more of the most important characters- being Becky and Steve, and their emotions. It shows the upcoming story and elements about the upcoming episode without giving away what is going to happen to them- just the hints that something may not go right.

There is no dialogue in the trailer or any digetic sound. The only sound is non-digetic music being played over the images. Having no dialogue means there is more emphasis on the camera work to show what is going on, with close up shots showing facial expressions and shot reverse shots to show reactions between characters. Having no dialogue also emphasises how unaware Becky is about what is going on and what the others are thinking, also because she is shown alone most of the time- isolated from the other characters and their thoughts. The music used continues the theme of ‘Luck’ once again showing the need for luck for Steve and Becky. As the music reaches its climax a voice over is used. The voice over is not very long and says “Friday the 13th the perfect day for a Corronation Street wedding”. This helps to advertise the date of the episodes and also continues the theme of being lucky. With Friday the 13th supposedly being unlucky, which creates more tension about the wedding itself.

The costumes used in the trailer are all stereotypical to the particular characters. Becky is wearing a pink and white wedding dress. She also has her hair done and lots of make up. This represents her as a stereotypically feminine character who cares about her appearance and how she looks- particularly on her wedding day. Steve is wearing a suit which is stereotypical for the main male on the wedding day. He looks smart and authoritative- showing the viewer that he is the main male character on the day. As previously mentioned- the props also help to continue the theme of luck. There is a large banner, a good luck card, the wedding taxi and also the good luck decoration on the cake. This helps to once again emphasise the theme and the storyline. The scenes with Becky getting ready for her wedding have high key lighting and the set design of them is very light and bright. This helps to create a cheerful and happy atmosphere- reflecting her feelings and her excitement about the wedding.

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