Treatment for chosen Soap Opera idea

Soap Opera – The Princes Court

Characters – Characters develop the ability to keep their target audience interested by playing a role that many people may be able to relate to. Matriarch’s/ Patriarch’s will be a key focus to some very important characters.  At this stage of pre-production, names are not for definite as there are an infinite amount of possibilities so they will be confirmed during future group meetings.

Series Plot/ Story-lines – Ideas have been raised of: Teenage pregnancy, relationships (love and friends), high expectations (success and failure), drug abuse, crime (rape, arson, murder?) and finally education.

Synopsis/ Outlook - Set in a rural multicultural London council estate. There’s a strong focus on teenage lifestyles and social contemporary themes will be used to show this. To engage the audience, the soap will show progression and developments of characters with themes of loss, love, tragedy, happiness, and success of a wide cast of characters. To accompany all of this drama there will be iconic location references such as a pub, corner shop, park etc to help the audience identify with everyday life scenarios.

Screening/ Time – E4, 9-10PM, Monday Wednesday Friday. E4 shows much young teenage drama such as 90210, Glee and One Tree Hill so it would be appropriate to target our audience at the hub of their interests.

Treatment. (Beached By A Ball)

Beached by a ball focuses on a beach party the essentially goes wrong. Three good friends are all killed in very gruesome ways. and no one knows what happened.
Keeley, Liam and Kip have been best friends since pre school, they along with three other friends, Annie Spencer and Kayleb all go to the beach party.
Keeley who bought a plus one to the party is seen going into a room with a random guy at the party, later she is found hanging from the ceiling.
Liam takes a walk with Annie on the beach but later goes missing. he is found on the third day of the investigation he was knocked out and buried alive in the sand.
Kip is a junkie and as always is taking drugs in the garden. when he passes out all the friends think he is just out of it. later his blood tests prove that his joint was actually poisoned and so he inhaled all the toxic fumes and dies.

The Pilot episode is basically the party and the the introduction to the police investigation, valuable information goes missing, and it seems that there is no particular motive apart from the fact that, the only connection with these three murders is that they were really close friends. all the other people at the party have alibis and so no one can be taken into custody.
The soap follows the lives of the parents of the victims along with the friends, and the police investigation that is being followed.
The plot follows the lead of the closer they seem to getting to finding the murderer in fact the more way off they are.

Different episodes will follow the constant changes in information, the lies and the threats that are made, people and characters taking justice into there own hands and the possible yet inevitable twists that are bound to happen.

Pitch Table

The Cake Shop:
A social soap;
this focuses on a group of teens, who encounter series of social and personal problems. who then meet up in the cake shop to discuss and unwind from there problems. some of the teens work there and problems such as theft, unacceptable relationships are tackled within the soap.
Family and friendly relationships are put to the test to see who really would survive.

Target audience: teens and young adult.

Beached By A Ball.
A crime soap.
this idea focuses on a teen party that has gone out of hand, at the party 3 teens die, and it is the police that have to figure out what happened. although this proves difficulties as some teens tamper with police investigation and no one seems to know what happened. with all the people at the parties as alibis for each other. who killed who?

Target audience: younger viewers


Remanded.

This is a soap about the emotional and psychological stages that remanded prisoners and potential convicts are kept in. It shows the survival skills that younger prisoners learn from the begging. following the trials of 7 different court cases. We soon find that the inmates are not as criminal as they seem.

Target audience: Older viewers.

Heightened sense of drama.

Eastenders thrives on exploiting real life situations and so we achieve a heightened sense of drama. by bringing up different topics such as divorce,terminal illnesses and domestic violence. these topics bring up both dramatic and lighter moments on the soap opera.

here we see Den giving Angie a divorce during the Christmas celebrations and so we know that not only does it bring a dramatic uproar as it in not expected but also has the audience and viewers of this soap bossing for drama.
another dramatic moment that is commonly remembered is:

and also a more subtle or softer moment in EastEnders is the moment were Alfie's nan died, still dramatic but it is not based on Adrenalin and control rather the opposite but almost bringing the same affect

Storylines (little mo and trevor)

The first love of Little Mo's life was Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns), but his severe mood swings and physical and emotional violence ruined their marriage; when she would try to leave, he'd turn on the charm to manipulate her into staying. He also isolated her from her family, who despised him. She always forgave him and even agreed to start a family. But when raped her for buying a hat to wear to her sister Lynne Hobbs' (Elaine Lordan) wedding after he'd forbidden her to attend, she realized she couldn't bring a child into that environment and went back on the pill. She finally left Trevor when she discovered he had deleted a message from Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), who had run away from home. On New Year's Eve 2001, timid 'doormat' Little Mo attacked Trevor, hitting him repeatedly with an iron when he attacked her. She went home thinking he was dead, but when she and her sisters returned to the Fowler home, he was gone. Little Mo was prosecuted and found guilty of attempted murder but was released after Trevor did a deal with the Slaters: he wouldn't give evidence against Mo if Kat didn't press charges for him assaulting her.

After Little Mo moved out and threatened to divorce Trevor, he terrorized her and took her and Sean, the baby son he'd had with Donna Andrews (Paula Jennings), hostage in the Slater home, which caught fire. Fireman Tom Banks (Colm Ó Maonlaí) saved Little Mo and Sean. He went back for Trevor but the fire exploded a can of petrol Trevor had brought into the house. Tom and Trevor died in the explosion.

Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) and Little Mo bonded over their respective pasts. They became friends while Mo was married to Trevor and started dating after she was released from prison. Billy revealed his feelings during Trevor's trial when Mo admitted that part of her reason for staying with Trevor was that he was the only man who ever noticed her that way. Trevor did his best to wreck things but Billy proposed by spelling out 'MARRY ME' in alphabet macaroni and she accepted. After Trevor's demise, the pair married on Christmas Day 2002.

Mo fights back.

Late one night shortly before their first wedding anniversary, Little Mo she was raped by Charlie's darts-playing buddy, Graham Foster (Alex McSweeney), in The Queen Vic. When she told her family, Charlie attacked Graham. As he hadn't taken precautions, Little Mo got tested for STIs after reporting him to the police. All the tests came back negative except one: she was pregnant. The Slaters and Billy were shocked and disgusted when she insisted on keeping the baby, claiming it shouldn't be punished for its father's crimes, and she and Billy separated. She left the Square, returning for Graham's trial. She told Billy she had named her son Frederick William (Freddie for short), wanting to name him after good men. She and Billy reconciled after Graham's conviction, but Billy struggled to bond with Freddie as he couldn't look at him without seeing Graham. The couple divorced amicably and remain good friends.

After the divorce, Little Mo and Freddie moved in with her family. She and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), her sister Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace)'s estranged husband, became much closer, but they separated when Mo discovered Alfie was dating Kat behind her back. Alfie and Kat reconciled and left the Square. Around February 2006, Little Mo was observed having difficulty with Freddie. She refused to medicate him when he had trouble teething, so she had trouble getting him to sleep. Freddie's head was injured in a fight with Bobby Beale (Kevin Curran) so a health visitor visited the Slaters. Little Mo was extremely hostile, seeing this as a questioning of her parenting ability. She constantly took Freddie to see Dr. Dr. Oliver Cousins (Tom Ellis), who moved her to another GP's patient list because he was interested in her romantically. They started dating in April 2006.

Mo and Billy divorced at the end of April 2006. Two days later, Mo and Oliver planned a night away in Brighton, but after a car crash caused by Deano Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) and Carly Wicks (Kellie Shirley), she got cold feet, telling Oliver that she couldn't leave Freddie. On her return, she found him unconscious. Freddie was rushed to hospital, where doctors found a head injury; Social Services suspected Little Mo. Thinking back, Mo realised Ben Mitchell (Charlie Jones) was responsible. She confronted him and shook him violently when he denied hurting him. The Mitchells warned Mo to stay away from Ben, almost costing her her job at the Vic, but Charlie persuaded Peggy to give Mo another chance. On 8 May 2006, Mo returned but was constantly warned by Phil and Grant. Ben saw her when helping himself to some crisps and ran away so Peggy fired her. She tried convincing people that Ben had caused Freddie's injury but no one believed her, not even her own father. He soon realised his mistake and begged her forgiveness for doubting her. After extensive tests, the doctors discovered Freddie had a low platelet count due to an infection, meaning that any minor injury could have serious complications as his blood didn't clot properly. Mo was cleared by the authorities but local residents thought she was responsible as confirmed by Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) reluctance to let her hold Bobby. Knowing she would always be suspected, she decided to leave. Feeling guilty, Ben Mitchell finally told his dad that he had hit Freddie as Freddie pulled at his hearing aid. Mo wasn't sure what to do but decided not to tell the authorities. Phil threatened Mo but she told him she was quite capable of deciding for herself. Oliver tried convincing her to report Ben but she refused, leading to a nasty scene in the Vic when Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) called Mo a child beater. Oliver defended Mo and told everyone that Ben had confessed to Phil and Mo but Mo was angry that he hadn't respected her decision.

Oliver got drunk and Dawn Swann (Kara Tointon) had to help him home. Stacey saw this but did not tell Mo. Oliver realised just how much he loved Mo and proposed. Just as it seemed everything would be fine, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) told Mo that she saw Oliver with Dawn in the Vic on May 26, 2006. Heartbroken, Mo pushed Oliver so hard that he collapsed; shocked, he ended their relationship. She prepared to leave for Barnstaple; at the station, Oliver asked her to move to Leeds with him. Mo declined, saying that all her life she'd done just what she was told, and now she finally wanted to break away from being "Little Mo." She gave him one last kiss and left, saying she'd keep in touch and visit him in leeds. As she left Walford she smiled at Freddie and said, "It's just you and me now."

Stereotypical male characters (Den Watts)

Everyone loves a villain… but Dirty Den was the biggest villian of all. However cruel he was to his wife, daughter and mistress somehow we always forgave smooth-talking Mr Watts.

There was never a dull moment at the Vic when Den and Angie were around. The womanising cad had the ladies eating out of his hand... even gymslip mums (sixteen-year old Michelle Fowler gave birth to his child, Vicki Fowler).

However, in spite his bravado, his talk of family and love for his 'princess', Sharon, bad boy Den proved to be a coward when dealing with the really hard decisions in life – flunking all his family responsibilities and invariably taking the path of least resistance.

Though it sometimes seemed as if Den could wriggle out of any sticky situation – love children, business swindles, murder attempts – it became clear that his luck had run out when he crossed second wife, Chrissie. Once she was finished with him it was clear that this time there'd be no second coming…

Strong Female Characters (Matriarch)

In EastEnders we meet a collection of characters all there to provide different reactions to the audience. One of the most enjoyable and most vouched for type o character in most modern day television series is a lead, strong female character like Peggy Mitchell.

Peggy Mitchell who is played by Barbara Windsor from 1994-2010, for a staggering 16 years the courageous character who, battled so many aspects and whose Independence as a woman shone through her living.

Family always came first for this East End matriarch, whose life revolved around her wayward children. Nothing happened in the Mitchell family that Peggy didn’t know about.

The pint-sized publican never pulled her punches. And while she happily poured you a shot, she was equally keen to get shot of manipulative hubby Archie Mitchell with real bullets. Sadly would-be hit man son Phil bottled out before he could pull the trigger.

Peggy’s battled cancer with the same determination as she’s battled local government for change in Walford - although she was a little bothered when Mayor Boris biked into her borough.

Romance has always been messy for Peggy, whether it was splitting up with scheming Archie hours after their wedding, or a messy love triangle involving Pat Evans and Frank Butcher.

Her beloved Queen Vic was sadly taken from her clutches, when her wayward son’s battle with booze and drugs led to an emotional showdown, resulting in him setting the landmark alight. Her heartache and suffocating love for him aided her decision to walk away from Walford.

One thing’s for certain - Peggy was certainly a queen of the Vic and her words “get outta ma pub!” will never be forgotten.          These are some important dates and events that have occurred during the past year:

10 Sept 2010
Devastated by the Vic fire, and her family relationships strained more than ever, Peggy leaves the Square to start a new life.

09 Sept 2010
Helplessly watches her beloved Queen Vic burn to the ground. Phil starts the blaze after an explosive confrontation between mother and son.

07 Sept 2010
Learns from Stacey that she actually killed Archie.

06 Sep 2010
Locking Phil in the living room of the Queen Vic to make him kick his habit.

31 August 2010
Being drawn back to visit Sam as she's goes into labour.

20 August 2010
Visiting Sam in prison and discovering that she is pregnant.

19 August 2010
Discovering Phil's descent into drug use.

12 August 2010
Getting a surprise from Roxy - the Queen Vic is hers again.

03 August 2010
Being blamed by Phil for losing Ben and Louise.

23 July 2010
Being left on her own in the Vic as the family move out.

3 June 2010
Getting revenge on Harvey's two-timing by throwing him out of the Vic naked!

31 May 2010
Telling Pat she's found another lump, but is later relieved to discover it's just a cyst.

29 April 2010
Starting to secretly date Harvey, as does Pat.

19 April 2010
Cracking open the whiskey and confessing to Pat that she's withdrawn from the election.

13 Apr 2010
Clashing with Pat over the elections – and over their attraction to local journalist Harvey.

Albert Square

The Square was the first place to be built for EastEnders, and was based on a real life location - Fassett Square in Hackney (in London's East End). The Square was named for Prince Albert (husband of Queen Victoria, whose name graces the pub on the corner of Albert Square. The square provides a common ground for the show to take place around. By using it as the main area and location that the lives of the characters are based around it creates a sense of stability and familiarly to the audience. the audience feel more at home as they understand the location. so we watch the family's grow and become more tuned into the area.  As we can see everything that the residents of the area is within walking distance and so they wont need to move out of the area, this allows the bonds between the character to grow as all the places are run by locals and used by locals everyone knows each other, everyone is comfortable and when tension arises it doesn't just affect one person it near enough affects everyone. Somehow all the families are linked and united though one person or another, the families are more intimate and the bonds stay close and undisturbed. The one thing we realise when there is such a tight community is that when anyone new comes into the scene the whole neighbourhood recognises the new face.

EastEnders.

When we come to analysing EastEnders we notice that the directors and producers wanted to bring an element of 'real life' and a look into real community and the storys that apply to everyday life. while keeping it as realistic as possible and then enterwinding the diffrent aspects of everyday life, for eample the case of little mo and trevor. By including theese elements the show attracts attention and draws the audience closer to the program.
EastEnders is a British soap opera that has been running for a long time. the first episode aired on 19th of February 1985 on BBC One. The soap was origionally aired as two half hour episodes per wee, but buy August 2001 four episodes per week with one bieng replayed every sunday as an omnibus
EastEnders is built around the ideas of relationships and strong families, with each character having a place in the community. This theme encompasses the whole Square, making the entire community a family of sorts, prey to upsets and conflict, but all pulling together in times of trouble. Co-creator Tony Holland was himself from a large East End family, and such families have typified EastEnders. The first central family was the Beale and Fowler clan consisting of Pauline Fowler, her husband Arthur, and teenage children Mark and Michelle. Living nearby was Pauline's twin brother Pete Beale, his wife Kathy and their son Ian. Pauline and Pete's mother was the domineering Lou, who resided with Pauline and her family. Holland drew on the names of his own family for the characters. As time has gone on we notice how intricate the families have gotten, here lets take a look at the family tree; although it I not that clear, we still see how the family's grow among each other and how even when new family's are introduces there is still a sense of community ad togetherness.


this picture allows us to understand the thought behind the producers and writer; the show is about all the different families and the ways in which they come together, how because of such intimacy the families all know what is going on, and as a viewer we must accept this and we too feel as though we are connected within the stories as sometime we know what is going on and the characters do not. we feel as part of the series and feel almost responsible for some aspects of that occur within the T.V show.

What is a Soap Opera?

A soap opera is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on T.V or radio. When we want to look at what a Soap Opera is, we have to understand how they came about;
In 1930, radio soap operas began in Chicago, when WGN broadcast the 15-minute drama, "Painted Dreams." This show centered on the trials of an Irish-American widow and her daughter. By the start of World War II, there were several, popular soap operas. In 1949, soap operas were introduced to network television, with NBC's short-lived, "These Are My Children," followed by NBC's, "Hawkins Falls," in June 1950, and CBS's two-year run of, "The First Hundred Years," in December 1950. Two longest-running soaps, "Search for Tomorrow" and "Love of Life," started broadcasting in 1951. "Guiding Light" began on radio in 1937 and first aired on television in 1952.


Soap operas run regularly at a precise time of day ranging from half an hour to about an hour. This is a very important system that they keep as audience become tuned to the time and the program, the system eventually has the audience planning their daily routines around a program. When a program can achieve this reaction from audiences then we can call this a very successful soap.

some of the well known soaps of today include. EastEnders, Holby City, Doctors and Emmerdale.