Media Homework Analysis of Hollyoaks

It is set in Chester within a quiet village where all the neighbours know each other and mostly get on with one another however to make it interesting confrontations happen.


The Story line for this British Television Drama is about three sets of couples:
1. Wedding/Relationship ending.. Lee and Leanne
2. Couple just starting their marriage.. Nancy and Darren
3. Odd couple who are are not together in any way.. Brendan and Mitsie


It is aim at the target audience of teenager to young adults as it follows that age sort of characters throughout, however this particular one would probably more towards young adults and could be classed as a Romantic Comedy.


Before the actual get to watch the episode, they show what has happened previously so that it can get the audience up to date with what has gone on in the storyline so far.


The dialogue is mostly conversation/disagreements within each couple but some light humour is used, with both formal and informal being used. This is seen as verbal language as we are hearing what is going on within the episode.


Non-verbal Between Nancy and Darren, she exchanges a scowling look towards her partner which shows the viewers that there has been some sort of argument occurring. 


Visual language has been used in different ways through the episode, some examples are:

  • Outfits - set as quite casual clothing showing us about the characters. Brendan  however looks slightly different as he is in a suite which tells us that he is a business person and Mitsie is in like a dress as she is a model so she has to show that she is a professional in her work.
  • Lighting - it is set inside a studio with three different settings, a bar, flat and a communal university rooms. It is filmed as though it is day time which is shown by really bright lighting used on set that is spread around the whole room so we can see each object and characters facial expressions clearly.
  • Shots - Close up shots, Medium long shots, Wide shots and Medium shots which help to get the viewers locked on to watching it.
Aural language shows background music being used in Brendan and Mitsie's Bar scene as it sets that sort of atmosphere. Digetic sounds are also used in this scene of clanking of the chairs as they are getting ready to open up the Bar for service.