Single Camera Production. Ben Vacher

Transcription

1 Single Camera Production Ben Vacher

2 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.

3 Multi-Camera VS Single-Camera Talk shows, news channels, sports, soaps, reality TV - Studio Productions 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) Dramas, movies, (modern) sitcoms, commercials, music videos - Cinematic Productions 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)

4 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.

5 Doctor Who: Then VS Now

6 Examples of Single-Camera Productions: Hinterland 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.

7 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.

8 Examples of Single-Camera Productions: Stranger Things 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.

9 The End.