Soap Opera Poster 2

This is a poster for the Australian soap opera, Neighbours, advertising that it is changing channel. Fitting conventions, the poster includes all of the show's cast - or, at the very least, it shows prominent characters in recent storylines within the soap opera.

The setting of the poster displays the area in which the characters live- Ramsay St. The blue sky has connotations of warm, peaceful weather, stereotypical to that of Australia, which helps the audience know where the soap is set. This use of happy feeling mise-en-scene suggests that the soap opera consists of rather care-free, happy characters who are in a tight-knit community. The fact they are all together as a group also connotes this, and the audience is able to see different relationships- such as families and couples- between the characters. Mise-en-scene is also used with character's props, such as holding an instrument or flowers. This helps show the type of character they are, such as the hobbies they have or personality traits. Their clothing also shows this, to an extent. Animals are also included on the poster- a kangaroo, dog and parrot. This helps existing audiences further gain connotations of Australia from the poster.

The sign in the top left that says 'SAME RAMSAY ST / NEW HOME' is in the style of an actual street sign that is used within the show, working off existing icons and familiar objects to attract the audience. It also informs them that the soap opera is not changing, but is actually moving channel, using snappy and quick wording. The simple black on white colouring makes it noticable and easy to read, the uppercase lettering also attracting attention to it. The other sign, in the bottom right corner, is used in a similar way; stating the soap opera's name, when it is shown and where. The use of the Channel Five logo is also used as part of making the audience familiar with it, and the yellow colour of the text also helps to make it stand out. The positioning of both these titles is done to follow the viewer's focal point- moving from left to right- and also means that the signs aren't obstructing the rest of the poster.

Colours used throughout the whole poster are rather vibrant and colourful- used not only to attract the viewer's eye, but to also bring about connotations of happiness, excitement and positivity. This is paired with the happy expressions of the characters; once again suggesting the happy nature of the storylines the characters experience on Ramsay Street.

Analysing this poster will help my group develop a soap opera poster as we can follow existing conventions and methods used to make our soap opera successful. Following conventions in our own poster also allows audience to understand and connect with the poster, as it will be in a similar style to others.