Single And Multi Camera Productions

Wednesday, 26 February 14

Single Camera Productions

• The single-camera setup, or single-camera mode of production, is a method of filmmaking and video production.

• A single camera—either motion picture camera or professional video camera—is employed on the set, and each shot to make up a scene is taken independently. An alternative production method, which is more widely used is still called a "single-camera", but in actuality two cameras are employed - one to capture a medium shot of the scene while the other to capture a close-up during the same take, which saves time as there are half as many set-ups for each scene.

• Action films will use three or more cameras to capture multiple angles as action scenes take a great deal of time for only seconds to a few minutes of footage. With this method multiple set-ups for the same sequences can be largely avoided.

Wednesday, 26 February 14

Lay Out

Wednesday, 26 February 14

Multi Camera Production

• The multiple-camera setup, multiple-camera mode of production, multi-camera or simply multicam is a method of filmmaking and video production. Several cameras—either film or professional video cameras—are employed on the set and simultaneously record or broadcast a scene. It is often contrasted with single-camera setup, which uses one camera.

• Generally, the two outer cameras shoot close-up shots or "crosses" of the two most active characters on the set at any given time, while the central camera or cameras shoot a wider master shot to capture the overall action and establish the geography of the room. In this way, multiple shots are obtained in a single take without having to start and stop the action. This is more efficient for programs that are to be shown a short time after being shot as it reduces the time spent film editing or video editing the footage. It is also a virtual necessity for regular, high-output shows like daily soap operas. Apart from saving editing time, scenes may be shot far more quickly as there is no need for re-lighting and the set-up of alternate camera angles for the scene to be shot again from the different angle. It also reduces the complexity of tracking continuity issues that crop up when the scene is reshot from the different angles. It is an essential part of live television.

• Drawbacks include a less optimized lighting which needs to provide a compromise for all camera angles and less flexibility in putting the necessary equipment on scene, such as microphone booms and lighting rigs. These can be efficiently hidden from just one camera but can be more complicated to set up and their placement may be inferior in a multiple-camera setup.

• While shooting, the director and assistant director create a line cut by instructing the technical director (or vision mixer in UK coinage) to switch between the feed from the individual cameras. In the case of sitcoms with studio audiences, this line cut is typically displayed to them on studio monitors. The line cut might be refined later in editing, as often the output from all cameras is recorded, both separately and as a combined reference display called the q­ split. The camera currently being recorded to the line cut is indicated by a tally light controlled by a camera control unit (CCU) on the camera as a reference both for the actors and the camera operators.

Wednesday, 26 February 14

Lay Out

Wednesday, 26 February 14

Single Camera Productions - Advantages

• Cheaper; if more cameras were used, each camera man would cost money and lighting and sound units. With multiple cameras running, the costs increase.

• More aesthetic control; lighting and sound for each shot, enhances the detail and excitement.

• Don't need both actors on set at the same time; film the shots for one whilst the other is in their trailer and vice versa.

• Practicality; you aren't limited in how much space you need to set up your shot. 

Wednesday, 26 February 14

Multi Camera Productions - Advantages

• It doesn't take as long to shoot a production because of all the cameras that are recording.

• The reactions are more realistic because you're doing the scene with the other actor so the emotion that you create; therefore enhancing the reactions.

• Using lighting and sound is a lot easier because you don't have to keep packing the equipment to move to the next location like single camera production.

• You get a lot of the scenes covered in a shorter amount of time compared to single camera as you capture various angles and shots within 1 day.

Wednesday, 26 February 14

Single Camera Productions - Disadvantages

• It takes longer to set up because of all the cameras and camera men.

• Less realistic reactions; as one actor gets filmed at a time, the reactions aren't as natural.

• Repetition; repeat the same shot 3 times to get each angle as you can only get one at a time, however use of multiple cameras you're able to capture everything at once.

• Editing time; you'll be spending a lot of time in the editing suit because of all the shots that have been taken. With multiple cameras, you could shoot different angles and takes at the same time, using different people for the cameras.

Wednesday, 26 February 14

Multi Camera Productions - Disadvantages

• It takes longer to set up due to the large amount of equipment unlike single camera production.

• It's definitely more expensive; the camera-men you need to hire and the additional cameras are going to cost a little more than single camera production!

• The locations that the director uses are mostly sets and not real places which, in some cases, you can see through windows or mirrors the cameraman filming or a piece of their equipment.

Wednesday, 26 February 14