This document discusses several soap opera sub-genres including telenovelas, melodramas, Australian soaps, American fantasy dramas, and realism. For each sub-genre, it provides examples of defining characteristics, common storylines and tropes, as well as conventions related to lighting, editing, mise-en-scene, and sound design. The document seeks to clearly define each sub-genre and evaluate examples of existing soap operas against the typical codes and conventions of that genre.

1. Soap Opera Presentations:
Names: Lorna & Danny Sub- genre: Telenovella
Is the definition clear and easy to Good history. Dramatic programming, popular in Latin
understand? American, Portuguese, Spanish. Similar to British soap in some
senses, although major difference is some storylines in
Telenovella’s can last up to a year.
What soaps could fit into this sub- Ugly Betty
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Ugly Betty is a telenovella. No matter what language,
codes and conventions, using conventions of an antagonistic and protagonist will still stay the
existing examples? same. Unlike British melodramas and realism, Telenovella
storylines are not supposed to be too believable. They’re a bit
out there, intended to entertain us.
Have they covered the use of: Lighting shown is not natural.
Suits, dresses, lots of jewellery.
Lighting Lots of close ups to show their ‘plastic look’, also creates drama.
Editing Two shots are often used when showing couples relationship.
Mise en Scene Non-Diegetic slaps are also a common convention.
Sound
Names: Sub- genre: Melodrama
Is the definition clear and easy to Melodramas are a drama, characterised exaggerated. Funny,
understand? unrealistic, funny. People can relate to them.
What soaps could fit into this sub- Hollyoaks, Days of our Lives, Downton Abbey.
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Character stereotypes; the hunk, the gossip, loveable rogue,
codes and conventions, using villain, sweetheart. Catharsis stories occur in melodramas, as the
existing examples? storylines mean the viewer can relate to the character, as they
go through similar situation. In addition, melodrama’s offer
escapism for the viewer. After a day of work, being able to
watch someone’s lifestyle can be enjoyable.
Have they covered the use of: Non diegetic sound often added, creates drama. For example
gun shots and explosions. Lots of artificial lights. Fast paced
Lighting edits are a common convention.
Editing
Mise en Scene
Sound
Any extra information?
Questions? The term originated from the French word ‘Melodrame’

2. Names: Sub- genre: Australian Soaps
Is the definition clear and easy to Australian Soaps are effectively a hybrid of melodrama and
understand? social realism. Teenage girls and their mums are the target
audience. Storylines and characters are slightly exaggerated.
What soaps could fit into this sub- Neighbours & home and away.
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Always a ‘girl next door’, the underdog, the rebel, the
codes and conventions, using housewife, the villain, the good guy and the couple. Romance
existing examples? and love are the basis to most storylines. Based on characters
living in the same place, one particular place in Australia.
Have they covered the use of: Natural lighting is common, with two shots often used when
showing a relationship.
Lighting
Editing
Mise en Scene
Sound
Names: Sub- genre: American Fantasy Drama
Is the definition clear and easy to An American Fantasy drama is an extreme version of the middle
understand? class lifestyle. Involving, money, land and appearance. Very
different from British soaps which concentrate on catharsis.
What soaps could fit into this sub- Dallas, Dynasty and One Tree Hill
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Typical characters are rich and upper class. Characters involved
codes and conventions, using are also desirable, people want to be them. All wear smart
existing examples? expensive clothes, but don’t necessarily have too, everyone
knows you’re rich. The men are often business men, looking
after the family business. Lots of makeup. Not clothes you’d
wear every day. Huge houses and bright colours. Props show
characters wealth and status. For example, owning numerous
horses shows you have both money and time on your hand.
Main storylines tend to be about drugs and black mails for
example.
Have they covered the use of: Establishing shot showed the house from a bird’s eye camera
angle. This shows how much space they have to their self. Once
Lighting again showing their wealth. Lighting is very saturated and bright.
Editing Lots of non-diegetic background music.
Mise en Scene
Sound

3. Names: Sub- genre: Realism
Is the definition clear and easy to Yes. Set in UK. Set in normal locations unlike glamorous ones.
understand? Relatable storylines and characters, so the audience can relate
and build connections with characters. (Catharsis storylines)
What soaps could fit into this sub- Eastenders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks
genre?
Have they given clear examples of Catharsis storylines are a code to realism soap. Problems we
codes and conventions, using encounter a lot, for example arguments, love triangles, family
existing examples? issues. Made to be continuous
Have they covered the use of: Natural lighting is used to create a sense of realism. Realism
soaps are supposed to be natural and similar to how we live
Lighting therefore making everything non-artificial we create a feel of
Editing realism for the audience. This is further enhanced by the
Mise en Scene catharsis storylines. Sound is almost always diegetic to add
Sound realism. Camera angles are kept simple, with edits as subtle as
possible
.