Production Process - Poster

Our Plan for the poster which was to be set in a classroom, featuring a larger cast and a difference in levels appropriate to character, status and storyline was not possible due to problems with characters shown in the trailer not being able to attend. Instead we created our poster by using the original shot, and instead – letting the connotations of the poster hint at the storyline. The poster created is directly linked to the storylines instead of introducing the soap, this was chosen because it is more interesting for the audience and more likely to attract a  large amount of viewing figures.

We chose an image from the first shoot that featured the main characters looking directly at the camera and smiling. The photo itself shows a happy, friendly group of teenagers looking happy and relaxed in each other’s company. Two clear relationships are identifiable via the body language of the two couples of either end of the formation. The first couple are stood close together with arms round each other, their facial expressions happy and smiling, the set-up of these two characters connotes to the reader that these two characters are in love, in a happy relationship. Another main character stood central is smiling but her smile if not full, this connotes that there is a traumatic storyline based around her, it creates interest and curiosity about the character amongst the reader. The couple of the opposite end are shown in a formation very different to the first. They are stood close together and the male is using his partner to rest his arm upon, this immediately connotes to the audience that he is in control of the relationship. It hints to the reader that they have a turbulent relationship and aren’t truly as happy as their facial expressions show.

The image however, has been printed onto a piece of paper that has been torn in two. This immediately connotes to the reader that the group of friends is no more; it creates a range of indexical references influenced such as broken trust and lost friendships which attracts the audience as they want to know more. This is parallel to the first storyline and the events in which Charlotte ‘loses’ all her friends shown in the image. It identifies and angry, sad tone to the reader which plays on the readers mind. We chose to create an angry, sad tone as like discussed in Daytime Soaps written by Louise Spence these sorts of storylines attract audiences because it “…takes them into their own problems … or problems worse than their own” (Harpers 1942).

In the top left hand corner the title “Cliffside” is shown in a simple white font, underneath the tagline “the secret’s out” is visible in italics; this tagline directly links with the trailer. This makes its more memorable for the reader, creating a sense of excitement and tension as they begin to guess what “secrets” are coming out. In the bottom right corner, also shown in a simple white font is the information “coming soon to Channel Four”, this reminds the reader of the soap operas channel and also distinguishes the style of soap opera. As Channel Four is known for being controversial and modern it allows the knowledge to the audience that the soap opera will follow the institutions tone. The white font is chosen as it contrasts against the pure black background creating, with the picture of which its saturation has been edited to blunt the brighter colours, a sense of foreboding. A sinister, dark tone is created and a sense of betrayal is evident, both aspects which will attract the audience – making them watch the soap opera.