Contextual studies soap

Contextual studies - Soap

Today we watched the first episode of BBC's EastEnders and discussed the series and the genre.

- First episode in 1985.
- Set in fictional London borough.
- Initially broadcast twice a week.
- First  episode attracted 17m viewers.
- Storylines set around Beale and Fowler families.

- First UK soap to feature culturally diverse cast from opening episode.

What is 'soap opera'

Serial melodrama, primarily dealing with family and emotional issues.

 Originated in US, aimed at housewife demographic.
Sponsored by detergent companies, hence the name 'soap opera'.
All soap operas share common codes ad conventions.



Technical conventions
  Multi-camera.
 Limited sets.
 Diegetic sound.
 HD technology has required more 'realistic' sets more detail.



Narrative conventions
  Episodic format - typically 30 minutes.
  Repetition - relies on stock characters and locations returns to in each episode.
-Resolution - Serial form mean constantly evolving; soap plots may take weeks, months or even years to be resolved.




Common soap conventions Births, marriages and deaths
  Love triangles
Every soap opera relies on repetition of these stock plot conventions to renew their storylines and characters and make dramatically relevant to the audience.




Contemporary Realistic settings and characters dealing with realistic issues.
  Drug abuse
 Mental illness
 Sexual abuse & violence