Analysis of a Trailer

As well as title sequences, a lot of information regarding what the soap opera is like and what is usually expected within the programme. Once again the following aspects to be considered in analyzing trailers is to look out for the following elements:

• The plot
• The camera techniques
• The mood and atmosphere
• The intended effect on audience

The clip below is a trailer for one of the episodes within Emmerdale:

The plot consists of an arsonist who sets fire to the house which spreads throughout the village. The main focus of this plot is to cause chaos within the area and to families, also to see wherever all the citizens of emmerdale can make it out alive of the fire. however this is also a question that is answered later on in the episodes following this trailer. By using an event such as arson, this can create attention and the viewers are more likely to watch the episodes afterwards.

Secondly, the camera techniques used consist of close ups of this shadowed figure walking confidently in the darkness. The fuel tank is also partly visible making his motive clear even though his head or facial expressions cannot be seen. The light is exaggerated behind him, almost portraying him as a menace. This is seen specifically in this shot:

Following from the photograph above, this creates the first impression that this man is the main cause of disruption and automatically he has a dangerous aura, almost as if a scorching fire surrounds him as he walks towards the camera. This emotion is fear which causes the viewers to be scared of him. As well as this, he wears leather gloves as he pours out the fuel over the house and on the garbage cans which shows complete anonymity within the character emphasizing the anxieties within this character, especially for a new viewer of Emmerdale, whereas a dedicated viewer may know who it is by reviewing the previous episodes in there mind to this build up.

The camera records this scenes specifically to and without sudden movement or deliberate shaking of the camera, possibly to show that the arson was planned.

The intended effect of this trailer is to attract the audience and to present such different issues other than robberies, murders, drugs and alcoholism. Arson is not a commonly seen crime in soap operas, so by showing this as a trailer, the audience feel intrigued to find out why people commit such a strange crime.