Since soap opera posters are scarce and difficult to find, I have analysed one poster for Hollyoaks and another for The Only Way is Essex as it follows an open narrative, similar to a soap opera, and uses the same linear editing styles, camera angles and settings like many other soap operas today. Both posters also have a similar, young target audience of demographic groups B to E.
From evaluating and comparing these 2 posters, I have concluded that for a successful and professional poster, we will need to include the following conventions:
- Bright colours to grab the audience's attention
- Use large images and minimal text to inform the audience quickly
- Use colours that connote the target audience and themes (e.g. pinks for relationships and blue for youth).
- Include the channel, the time and day the soap opera is broadcasted, as well as a tagline, to inform the audience quickly and keep the poster to the point
- Only use an iconic logo for the channel/broadcasting company
Not all of the conventions are included on the 'The Only Way is Essex' poster as it is not a real soap opera and is more of a reality/documentary style show, broadcasted weekly and not daily. However, it is important that we use all the conventions I have listed so that we produce the most professional and informative poster for our soap opera.
