Single Camera Production

Ben Vacher

Single Camera Techniques

Single Camera Techniques are most often used for cinematic

productions such as TV Dramas or Feature Films. The technique

involves the use of only a single camera. This provides the filmmaker

with greater creative control over the shot they are making. This is

because, both lighting and sound can be optimised for that single

frame, without the issue of being ‘seen’ by other cameras.

However, there are drawbacks that come with using Single Camera

Techniques. For instance, for every different angle you want, the

actors have to go through that entire scene again. Alternatively, you

could have your actors stop-start, changing the angle at each stop.

However, this can affect the quality of your actors performance.

Multi-Camera VS Single-Camera

Multi-Camera setups are often used for studio productions, such as live news broadcasts. They make it easier to switch between angles (live) in a single take.+cheaper (less time spent on set)+Saves time+All in sync-Lack of creative shots-Expensive (more equipment needed)

Single-Camera setups are often used for location shoots, such as a film production. They allow for more creative shots to be composed for you do not have the issue of being in shot.+Cheaper (Only one camera)+More creative shots+More flexibility-Have to manually sync shots-More time consuming (have to repeat scene for each shot)

Talk shows, news channels, sports, soaps, reality TV - Studio Productions

Dramas, movies, (modern) sitcoms, commercials, music videos - Cinematic Productions

Examples of Single-Camera Productions:Doctor Who

Doctor Who is a great example of a Single Camera Production. This is

because during its early seasons, it was originally a Multi-Camera

Production. Doctor Who was entirely shot in studio! In the 1960s, there

were very few pre-recorded shows that went to air. This is because they

took longer to edit in post and cost more money to make. Instead, studio

shows were recorded live, ( ‘teleplays’) edited as they went to air, thus

harnessing Multi-Camera techniques.

Today, Doctor Who is the longest running Science Fiction TV show. When

comparing 60s WHO with the show today, they are like two completely

different productions. A lot of this is down to the fact that Doctor Who is

now a Single-Camera Production. This means that the show is much more

cinematic than it was before, with more creative camera angles and a

greater emphasis with location shoots. Likewise, with enhancements in

special effects, more time is spent in post-production to create all new

realistic and mesmerising worlds.

Doctor Who: Then VS Now

Hinterland is a Welsh, police-detective, noir.

Hinterland is well known for its superb on-location

cinematography, an element that makes it a good example of a

Single-Camera Production. If Hinterland was a Multi-Camera

Production, less time would be spent on individual shots. This is

partly because it is very difficult to stray away from the standard,

wide, mid shot, close up when using multiple cameras, for you risk

having film equipment in shot.

Likewise, Cinematography also consists of lighting design; another

element which Hinterland would lack if it were a Multi-Camera

Production. This is because the lighting would have to fit all 3-4

multiple shots, whereas using one camera allows for more creative

thought and purpose to be put into the lighting design of the show.

Examples of Single-Camera Productions:Hinterland

Examples of Multi-Camera Setup:The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory is an American, Comedy, Sitcom show.

Now that we are beginning to understand what a Single-Camera

Production is, it is good to cast our minds back to Multi-Camera and

the benefits with such techniques.

The Big Bang Theory is a perfect example of a modern Multi-Camera

Production. The majority of the show is shot in studio in front of a live

audience, using such techniques. A Multi-Cam setup also allows The

Big Bang Theory to be recorded in a similar way to the original Doctor

Who, in front of a live audience. Additionally, it aides the actors to

bounce off each other without any breaks, enhancing their comedic

timing and improvisation. All these factors mean Single-Camera

techniques would not work for a show like this, where the focus is

more on the comedy, rather than the filmmaking itself.

Stranger Things is an American, Horror, Science-Fiction series.

Stranger Things is another great example of a Single-Camera

Production. This is because the television show relies greatly on

post-production. Similarly to Doctor Who, it contains vast amounts of

special effects. Filming the show as a Single-Camera Production allows

for smoother editing in post, for the creators have full control over

lighting; an aspect that needs to be perfect when adding special effects.

Additionally, Stranger Things also consists of more experimental

filmmaking. There are dream sequences and visual illusions; segments

that would prove difficult to film as a Multi-Camera setup, for the

operator needs a great amount of flexibility, with the camera getting

quite close to its subject. Again, not every shot needs to be filmed in

multiple angles, cutting down on excess footage.

Examples of Single-Camera Productions:Stranger Things

The End.