Multi-Camera TechniquesBy Sam Miles

Coverage of actionThe coverage of action is the use of multiple cameras used over a live feed to create different shots within a live coverage of an event. This would usually consist of sports, festivals, or interviews. This is done with multiple cameras all recording different aspects of an event with different shots which can then be specifically selected to use for the live feed which would then create one live feed streaming to a television network or online.This is done because if you have one camera covering all of the action at the event, then it wouldn’t keep the viewer entertained as they wouldn’t have to view one camera. This also gives a broader view of the event and gives views of the people and action different meanings.

Maintaining interest for audienceMaintaining interest of the audience is vitally important when keeping viewership. It is very easy for a viewer to get bored and lose interest when there isn’t anything being shown on the screen that will create interest for them. This is often done by only using one camera. Using one camera will create a very monotone feeling to an interview or event and viewers will get bored very quickly.A way to work against this is to have multiple camera and change between them. This doesn’t necessary have to be done using a live stream; This can be done offline. Multiple camera will intrigue the viewer as it creates quick cuts between them.

Communicate meaning to the audience

Communicating to the audience can relate back to when Soviet Montages were used to keep the viewer entertained in the early 20th century. Soviet Montaging communicated with the viewer because it was very short paced and easy for the viewer to take in. The viewer would also be able to take in and understand film with longer takes and threads of film but it was cheaper to use less film and then this eventually developed into a new way of editing and capturing a film.

Visual StyleThe visual style changes between what is being covered. If they’re doing a coverage of a live show at a festival, they’re going to have very quick shots in between the performance and the crowd. This gives it the festival feel and it means that they don’t have to stay at one point for the camera. Other live coverage of performances could also be at the Olympics. The Olympics would vary between singular shots and fast paced shots. Singular shots would be for a very short event such as the 100 metre. Events that would be broken up of different shots would be a marathon event. This gives the viewer the whole action and gives them what they need to understand the event.

Live shows that are taken in from a studio have a different visual style from The Olympics and festivals as they’re usually only concentrating on two people having a conversation so will only vary between three camera. This gives the visual style a relaxed feel and as if you’re there viewing the conversation in. This is mainly due down to the setup of the studio itself which will be shown in the next slide.

Usual live studio for chat shows

Studio production Studio production with multi-cameras consists of one or more cameras connected up to a vision mixer. The vision mixer would then go through each camera and publish which shot they would like to show at that particular point. They can change the shots throughout and also communicate with each camera man to change the shot they’re filming. This would happen with a live show as there is no time to edit, but with a show such a sitcom that has been pre-recorded, they have time to edit through certain shots but tend not to due to production times.

Festival live cameraCameras for festivals would feature around the whole stage and would vary in lots of shots. These shots consist of Crane shots and camera shots from in front of the barrier of the crowd. Other camera angles would also be on the main stage with the performance.

Camera placement can vary throughout the performance due to different occurrences throughout. This can change with the crane shots being placed at the performance, to the crane being placed at the crowd. This can also change with other camera shots because they’re portable and can be moved manually. This has ease of use when it comes to capturing the action quickly.

Camera coverage with sports is mainly based from the two cameras shown in the picture. This gives the view of the whole game. There are also a few other cameras on the side line of the pitch so that they can get close up coverage of the sport but to get the whole game in view, they usually just film with the two cameras with the establishing shots.