In the Hollyoaks trailer below, several soap trailer codes and conventions are demonstrated.
- BCU: close up that cuts off the top of the head. This is so the emotion is clearly displayed to the audience. By using this shot type the audience feels like they are part of the scene and invest in the characters emotionally.
- "Voyeur" shots, AKA "Camera as predator". The action is filmed through windows, gates, fences or from behind objects, out of view of the actors. The meaning constructed is that the viewer is in the scene, hiding from the characters. This is used when the writers want the audience to feel suspicious, or when secrets are being disclosed.
- Actors walking into shot: A good way of creating movement with a static camera.
- Pull focus/ depth of field: used to emphasise different parts of the mise en scene. Good for revealing hidden characters in a scene where sensitive information is disclosed.
- Transitions: show the passage of time, create "chapter headings" so the audience know the difference between an edit between shots and the start of a new scene
- Dialogue: short, sharp sentences, Q&As convey plotlines to the audience quickly, make the audience curious to know what happens next and shows the audience who the protagonists/ antagonists are.
- Lighting: Use of shadow to make audience feel like secrets are being kept and that there will be conflict.
- Editing, "thought beats": edits between shots match the beat of the music to create tension and engage interest. Makes finished piece more professional
All the above will help you gain high marks for the construction of your soap opera trailer.
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