Single Camera Production Ben Vacher
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.