Research Analysis & Evaluation

Throughout my research I have dug deep into the Soap Opera genre and learned a considerable amount of important information. My research has been conducted mainly by analysing the genre and observing the way it works  nnd its conventions. I've looked into the Soap Opera 'Eastenders', trailers such as the 'Hollyoaks 50th Anniversary Trailer', the things that should be considered when creating a Soap Opera.  I studied Soap Opera narratives (elements such as realism, audience and representation). I also analysed title sequences, conducted research via focus groups and questionnaires before deciding on a 'typical audience member' and what elements I should include in the production of my Soap Opera trailer. Once all of this was done I was ready to take my pitches and create a full treatment for my Soap Opera trailer. I feel as though all of this research has helped me and I am ready to create a Soap Opera trailer that has the correct conventions and not only falls under the genre but also manages to challenge it. If I could improve anything I would spend more time analysing different Soap Operas as the only ones that I analysed were Eastenders and Hollyoaks. This was a downfall because if I analysed others such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street I would of had a broader knowledge of the genre which would have helped me when deciding how I wanted to represent the genre with my production.

Focus Group Interview - Jane Brettwood

The purpose of conducting a focus group interview was to gain basic but vital information about the type of people who would be interested in our Soap. The first half of the questions were designed to gain an understanding the type of person our candidate is and the second half was designed to gai nan understanding of what they want in a Soap Opera.

How old are you?

A: 39 years old.

What is your ethnicity:

A: White Caucasian

What are do you live in?

A: I live in Edmonton.

Do you prefer the suburbs or the city?

A: City.

What are your hobbies?

A: Making jewellery.

What channels do you watch?

A: BBC, ITV, Channel 4.

How many Soap Operas do you watch per week, give names?

A: Three, Hollyoaks, Neighbours & Eastenders.

What type of Soaps interest you the most?

A: Realistic and action packed.

What do you look for in Soaps?

A: A gripping storyline.

What times are you most likely to watch TV?

A: During the afternoon and the evening.

Focus Group Interview - Nick Christou

How old are you? A:

A: I’m 22.

What is your ethnicity:

A: Greek Cypriot

What area do you live in?

A: Enfield

Do you prefer the suburbs or the city?

A: City.

What are your hobbies?

A: Playing football, watching football, fixing cars.

What channels do you watch?

A:  BBC, ITV, MTV & E4.

How many Soap Operas do you watch per week, give names?

A: One, Eastenders.

What type of Soaps interest you the most?

A: They all seem too similar, I’m not sure if there is even types, I just watch Eastenders because It’s always been the most popular.

What do you look for in Soaps?

A: Good acting is a must and a good storyline.

What times are you most likely to watch TV?

A: 7-12 PM.