LO1 Task 2 - Single camera and multi camera

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2: DISCUSS the Single Camera and Multi Camera Formats
(Define the single camera format and the multiple-camera format. List the advantages of the single camera and the multiple-camera formats. Give some examples of the two formats in action. Explain when and why might they be used)

Single camera is when only one camera is used to film all the shots in one scene. Nearly all TV programmes are filmed using single cameras, especially comedy, sit-coms, documentaries. Feature films are always filmed using single camera. Single camera techniques include filming out of sequence, which means that they will film all the scenes needed in one location or using the same actors, at the same time, even though the scenes may be at the beginning or end of the narrative. A single camera set up is where a scene is filmed out of sequence, with one camera; where shots 1,3,5 and 7 would be shot pointing towards one actor in a conversation, the director will then have shots 2,4,6 and 8 filmed. The sequence is then edited in the edit room to flow in the right order. Scrubs (American sitcom) uses single camera techniques. The advantages of this would be that all the actors may not have to be in on the same day.

Single camera filming lets the director be more creative because the camera can be moved around, different shot sizes and angles can be easily changed, as well as filming out of sequence. Within a single camera format, different shots are used to maximise the advantages of a single camera recording. The Master Shot is a wide shot of a scene that establishes the major elements, the action and dialogue are taped from the master shot before the closer shots are done, this is to give the director a view of the whole shot and decide where and what shots he wants to use on the closer shots. Directors of single-camera shows also feel that by filming a single-camera programme appears more real and has a greater impact on the audience making it more relatable. Another advantage of a single camera format is that it’s cheap, as only one camera is used. Single camera formats are also more convenient as not all crew need to be there as it is shot. It also means that other scenes in different locations can be done simultaneously, providing the same actor is not needed. Awkward shots can be shot easier in a single camera set up as the cameraman can move with the camera and be in between actors. Single camera formats also enable special effects and lookalike doubles to be added with fewer complications than in a multi camera set up. Single camera set ups also allow fast paced editing or a more natural look.

Multi-camera formats are used for: programmes such as the News, Talk shows such as Jeremy Kyle, Football games and concerts, this is because talk shows and the News that are not live are made to appear live. The Multi camera format also enables, for the live events such as the sport events, the whole game to be recorded. Live football games would be impossible to film with one camera; one camera would not be able to follow the action. It also allows all angles to be covered as with a single camera format. The techniques allows the director a choice of which angle to use and when, during editing.

A 'multi-camera setup’: involves many cameras that are connected to a video mixer, then mixed to a single tape and broadcasted through cable or the airwaves. Many cameras will shoot the scene simultaneously and the director has a choice of which shot to use whether they are broadcasting live or filming. Multi-camera set-ups are facilitated to record chronologically according to the script, where as it will be more time consuming to do this with a single-camera format, so scenes, which use the same actors and sets, are filmed together. This set up has advantages, where the lighting in a single camera setup can prove difficult due to the white balance needing to be continuous the lighting; in a multi camera format the lighting would not be as difficult. It is also less time consuming as every angle is shot, the director will rarely have to re-shoot any scenes; this also means the director has a choice of shots so can pick the one they believe is most successful. In a single camera set up, the director may have to record the same scene numerous times to get the best shots. The multi-camera technique can be less expensive, as fewer hours are required from the crew. As the scenes are shot in sequence, it is easier to edit.