UNIT 22 P1 ASSIGNMENTS: SINGLE CAMERA

SINGLE CAMERA
A single camera is the use of one camera and all the camera shots and angles are captured
by that one camera, and everything is edited on that one camera. A single camera is not
filmed in order of script but according to the setting and cast, and then the director will
arrange the editing in order of how its supposed to be. This is usually because of the
weather conditions and since some actors are not always available. A single camera is used
when there is scenes were two characters (or more) are speaking; the scene will be cutting
back and forth between the two actors. This means the director first pointed the camera at
one of the actors and shot that specific scene more than once, then shot the next actor and
he takes a shot of that character more than once as well, and then put them together by
editing to make it stand out. A single camera is used because it gives the director more
control of each shot as he can focus on each performance in turn, which increases the
actors level of performance.
Advantages & Disadvantages
A single camera uses one camera whereas a multi camera uses more than two cameras. This
means that a single camera is time-consuming whilst using a multi camera is less time-
consuming because you have more cameras to film more actors. For example, if they were
three characters in a scene speaking, a single camera will be filming each actor three times
at three different angles (this is time consuming). That means the scene was cutting back
and forth between three actors. This means that the director first pointed the camera at
one of the actors and shot that specific scene more than once. Then the director will take a
shot at the next actor more than once as well. This will happen till the director is content
with each scene. But, if this was multi camera, the director would just set three camera or
more to shoot three actors at three different angles allowing each scene to be done at a
quicker pace with minimum difficulties. Apart from the advantage it brings to the set, its
main problem would most likely be the amount of space having more cameras on set can
hold. Additionally, the lighting is better as it can be changed for each shot, easier to move
the camera around with less limitation and easier to set up, and its closer to the action.
Finally, a single camera is more likely to have a continuity problem, whilst its unlikely for a
multi camera to have a continuity problem.
Formats & Genres
Different formats and genres which could be filmed with a single camera are TV series that
are mainly Sitcoms such as Malcom in the Middle, The Big Bang Theory and The Fresh Prince
of Bel Air, and the genre for these three TV series is comedy. Shorts films such as The Last
Man on Earth and Lazy Teenage Superheroes also uses a single camera and they are also a
comedy genre.
THE BIG BANG THEORY
Narrative Theories & Structures
The single camera format Ive chosen is the sitcom series, The Big Bang Theory, and the
genre of the series is comedy. A series that also follows the same format and genre, and it
also uses a single camera is My Wife and Kids. In episode 1, season 6 of The Big Bang
Theory, the scene begins and follows the narrative theory of Todorov as the beginning of
the scene focuses on three main characters, Sheldon, Raj, and Leonard positively conversing
about one of their friends, Howard, in space and this stability continues on to where
Sheldon and Leonard are seen having a meal together in their university. This is a state of
equilibrium because everything is as it should be and everyone seems content with the way
things are taking place. However, this state of equilibrium is changed to a state of
disequilibrium as Raj makes his appearance to the dinner table enquiring whenever Sheldon
and Leonard are free tonight in order for the group to spend time together, but only for
the pair to state that they have dates with their girlfriends. As a result, this left Raj
devastated, lonely and depressed due to the absent of his friends and being the only one
with no girlfriend. However, this does not truly begin the state of disequilibrium until after
Raj goes to disrupt his friends date only for him to get forced to leave; leaving him in a state
loneliness. Nonetheless, near the end, this state of disequilibrium is resolved when Raj finds
himself a date.
This episode in particular is linear as it follows the chronological order: it started with the
beginning, middle and end. However, some episodes in The Big Bang Theory are non linear
as the order is reversed to allow the audience to see the events the way a specific character
sees it such as placing the audience in the minds of characters who have a strange way of
thinking. This particular episode came to a conclusion thus it was a closed structure because
the story was resolved. This episode also followed a multi-strand structure because they
were sub-stories that followed more than one narrative occurring in this episode at the
same time; giving the audience more opportunities to view different characters. This
episode and the series as a whole is realistic because it is set in the real world, characters go
university and rent apartment to read comic books in their spare time and is also depicted in
real life as most people in real life rent apartments. The theme of the series possibly
exposes the binary oppositions between the intellect and geekiness of the four guys, and
(contrasted with) the common sense and social skills of one female.




Camera Shots
Long Shot & Wide Shot
In episode 1, season 6 of The Big Bang Theory,
the director has decided to use varied camera
shots, shot angles and editing techniques. For
example, the director gives us a long shot of
Sheldon, Raj and Leonard in a comic book
store simply to establish the interior setting;
alerting the audience that this scene is
located in a comic book store. Not only was
this used for establishing the interior setting, but to also establish the relationship
between the location and the characters. This gives the audience an insight of the
characters that they are massive comic book fans. The wide shot also facilitated the
participation of four characters in one shot.
Hand-Held Shot
This particular scene was indeed taken in a space
shuttle from space and you can tell since the camera
is seen floating rather slowly because it was being
held. A hand-held shot is a camera held in hand
instead of the use of tripod which will cause a shaky
movement and the director decided to use this shot
in this specific scene because he wanted the audience to have a realistic experience and
make the audience feel as if they are part of the action.
Editing Techniques
Shot Reverse Shot & Over the Shoulder
This editing technique is known as shot reverse shot and the
director decided to cut between Raj and Sheldon having a
conversation, instead of including them both in one static mid
shot, to show a contrast between these two characters, to
possibly show their binary oppositions, and their different
reactions (Raj is seen making a joke that isnt very pleasing
to Sheldon). This shot is also taken over the shoulder of Raj
whilst the shot reverse shot is occurring.


Continuity Editing
The director has decided to use continuity editing to
create a smooth transition between each shot where
Leonard is approaching to open the door and when he
opens the door. This editing process was used to make the
viewer unaware of the techniques used and to create a
logical consistency between shots.

Sound & Lighting
Sound used in The Big Bang Theory helps the story move along. Dialogue is essential in any
formats because it basically helps the audience hear and understand what the characters
are saying. In The Big Bang Theory, there is the use of Diegetic sound. These are the sound
that the audience and the characters in the story can hear. Additionally, there are also the
uses of sound effects. This sets the mood for the series and gives it a sense of realism.
However, if there was a car passing by and the sound effect of the car passing by is entirely
different, it loses it sense realism.
Lighting is very important and has a big influence on the entire look of a film, especially
when used in a single camera. The most apparent use of lighting is that it helps the audience
distinguish characters, props and the setting and permits everything to be seen noticeably
by the audience especially the setting which is important. Poor lighting undermines the
quality of scenes and in return undermines the directors directing capability. Lighting sets
the mood and the atmosphere of a scene. It makes the scene look natural and sometimes it
can create tension and feelings of excitement. In a single camera, lighting is at its best
because the director is able to control each shot. Lighting in The Big Bang Theory brings out
the setting and clothing of the characters in more depth and detail. A specific lighting used
most commonly in The Big Bang Theory is high-key lighting where there is less shadows
which could be a metaphor indicating the positive side of each characters in the series. This
reflected on the series as the characters in most episodes are usually, always, full of
entertainment, enjoyment and excitement.






Costume, Setting & Props
Costume plays a very significant part in filming as it helps in storytelling, helping the
characters to come alive; help the characters become new characters that the director has
envisioned them to be. In The Big Bang Theory, the main male characters are portrayed as
very intellectual geeks and massive fan-boys of comic books and this is reinforced in the
clothes worn by them. Lets take Sheldon in particular, he wears casual and simple clothing
just like how a nerd would dress themselves, but what stands out the most is that he
accompanies this style of clothing with a batman superhero shirt which directly matches the
characters interest and personality. This also instantly communicates small information of
each characters attitude to the audience.
The setting is important as it shows the audience the environment in which the characters
live in. The setting is centered in a rented apartment, where two characters that live
together with a female character that lives across the hall. The only realistic thing about this
setting is that it reflects how university students tend to live which is usually in a rented
house or apartment shared with other students because of their low income. Some scenes
are taken in the university to reinforce realism and relationships between the characters
and the setting.
Props used in the Big Bang Theory, by the main characters, are comic books, superheroes
toys and collections. This is an authentic approach because youd expect and find in real life
people that have comic books and superheroes toys. This is a realistic approach to how
nerds are actually like realistically.
Target Audience & Production
The big bang theory has a wide target audience. The Big Bang Theory is aimed at both male
and female gender simply because there are starring female characters that appear in the
series frequently. The shows target age range is in the age of 14-49 which is really diverse
and wide, therefore, appealing to more people. The big bang theory is more likely to appeal
to very smart people because the main starting characters in the show are supposedly geeks
with high intellect. However, this is contrasted with Penny, also one of the starting
characters who live across the hall, as she is not smart but blessed with social skills and
common sense which the male characters lack. So this series could still appeal to the
audience that are not very intellectual. Additionally, this show could also appeal to Indians
because there is an Indian character that is the one of the main starting characters.
Furthermore, the main starting characters are very much obsessed with comic books and
Star wars. This could appeal to people that are into American comics and star wars fan. The
production really appeals to the target audience because it relates to intelligent and geeks
audience who attend universities and lives in rented houses, miles away from their parents
and who have to put in much effort before getting girlfriends.
LAZY TEENAGE SUPERHEROES
The single camera format Ive chosen is a short film, Lazy Teenage Superheroes, and the
genre of the short film is comedy. The short film does not follow Todorovs narrative theory
as there isnt a resolution, only the beginning and the middle. However, the structure of the
short film is linear because it follows the chronological order which is the beginning, middle
and the end; although, the end is left with a cliff hanger. The beginning shows the lazy
superheroes one by one as they appear while displaying their powers. The middle is the
appearance of two main villains as they are seen fighting the lazy superheroes. The end
which is left as a cliff hanger shows the lazy superheroes fighting the villain but time was
stopped by one of the superheroes. So this follows a linear storyline because the order isnt
reversed. Additionally, the structure of the short film was left as an open structure because
the fight didnt come to a conclusion thus it was left with a cliff hanger. Furthermore, the
film follows a single-strand structure because there was only one story taking place in the
story, which is basically the superheroes are fighting back the villain for disturbing their
peace. The story is non realist because they are superpowers involved making it
supernatural and unrealistic. The binary opposition was displaying the power of good and
evil to the audience to help them understand the concept of the short film. Binary
opposition is also shown in Lazy Teenage Superheroes because there is a battle amongst
good and evil. The short film does not follow Propps narrative theory as there isnt

CAMERA SHOTS & ANGLES
Low Angle
The director uses a low angle shot of this alien-
robot to make it seem big, powerful and dominant
over the feeble humans. This does not only create
such an effect, but it also makes the audience
seem weak and invulnerable to this supernatural
being.
Rule of Third Shot
This is a rule of third shot where we see one of the main characters smoking. The director
clearly positioned him by the side of the frame rather
than the middle because this makes the shot look
more interesting and it gives space for director to
show more of the surrounding of the characters so
the audience can identify the setting in which the
characters are placed in.

CAMERA MOVEMENTS
Following Pan
Following pan was used in this scene to follow the
movement of one of the main characters. With this type
of movement, the director wanted the audience to feel a
certain mood, which in this case was a foreshadowing of
a situation that is about to become dramatic.
EDITING TECHNIQUE
Motivated Cut
The director decided to use a motivated cut to cut this scene
that will make the audience to immediately want to see this
scene to either conclude or carry on. This is because the
director wanted to leave the audience with a cliff hanger,
and this editing technique was used alongside shot reverse
shot to show the reactions
of the two characters.



Eyeline Match
Eyeline match as you can is when the director cut from the
character to what the character sees and he used this
techniques in this particular shot to create a sense of that
what the camera sees is what the character sees and its us
in the position of these characters and makes the audience
feel connected towards them.




LIGHTING
Lighting is extremely vital and can have a huge influence on the entire look of a film and also
your decision skills in choosing the right director of photography, especially when used in a
single camera. The most evident use of lighting is that it helps the audience distinguish
characters, props and the setting and allows everything to be seen noticeably by the
audience and mainly the setting and time which is important. Poor lighting undermines the
quality of scenes and in return undermines the directors directing capability. Lighting sets
the mood and the atmosphere of a scene. It makes the scene look natural and sometimes it
can create tension and feelings of excitement. In a single camera, lighting is at its best
because the director is able to control each shot.
Lighting in Lazy Teenage Superheroes gives you the time and day in which the events are
happening as well the outfits worn by the characters in detail. Lighting that was used in Lazy
Teenage Superheroes was most likely natural light since half the scenes was outdoor. The
natural light was clear and sunny, and changes to softer sunlight whilst there are in door.
The Lighting changes when we are taken to the basement where the light source was a
lamp; creating side lighting on the characters face. Like The Big Bang Theory, Lazy Teenage
Superheroes also uses high-key lighting.
COSTUME, SETTING & PROPS
Costume plays an important part in filming because it helps in storytelling, helping the
characters to come alive to play as a different character; help the characters become new
characters that the director has envisioned them to be. The setting is important as it shows
the audience the environment in which the action is going to take place. Props are used to
make the setting and characters more realistic to the audience.
In Lazy Teenage Superheroes, the main characters are five teenagers (one being a female)
with superpowers that dont fight crimes and only use their abilities for their own purpose.
It could be said that their style of clothing does not match their roles as superheroes
because everybody are aware that superheroes usually wear attires that would conceal
their identities and fight crimes. However, these superheroes are lazy and are teenagers. So,
it is only reasonable that their style of clothing is simple and straightforward compared to
how teenagers dress when they have free time, which are usually jeans and t-shirts.
The setting is situated in what seems to be like an abandon warehouse where the male
characters reside in. What is realistic about the setting is that it is uninhabited by people
other than the key characters. This matches with their roles as superheroes because
superheroes tend to keep their whereabouts hidden from the public in order to facilitate
their job and privacy.

There are many props used in this short film, but the props that stand out are the sword, a
cigarette and an asthma inhaler used by the main characters. The use of a sword works well
with the non-superhero character because he has no special powers therefore he will most
likely use weapons to help him in fights. The use of a cigarette and asthma inhaler only helps
the audience to identify with their personalities and interest.
TARGET AUDIENCE & PRODUCTION
Lazy teenager superheroes will appeal to a broad audience. It will most likely attract more
male audience than females because there are more male characters and only one female
character who doesnt participate in the action as much as the male gender. The target age
range will most likely be between anyone below 19 years of age because teenagers and
young adults are usually huge fans of comic books and superheroes films. This is a varied
target audience therefore it would appeal to more people. Additionally, this short film will
appeal to more to comic book fans and people who enjoy superhero movies. Furthermore,
this could possibly appeal to people who smoke and have asthma simply because they can
relate to it. The production appeals to the target audience because it focuses mainly on the
characters fighting whilst using their overpowered superpowers.

LAST MAN ON EARTH
The single camera format Ive chosen is a short film, The Last Man standing and the genre of
the series is comedy. A series that follows the same format and genre is a short film such as
Colour Bleed and Black Hole. The short film follows Todorovs narrative theory as there is a
state of equilibrium where the character is seen walking down in an isolated street
presumably being the last man on earth; then the state of disequilibrium begins when the
phone rings suggesting that he is not the last man on earth; and the resolution is that we
assume he will die because he was seen taking pills that can kill him; however, the short film
ends with a cliff-hanger but we can assume he will die. The story follows a linear storyline
because there is a beginning when we see this man walking down the street; the middle
when he consumes pills; and the end when the phone rings. If we presume that the last
man on earth dies, then the story becomes a closed structure since we find out that he is
not the last man on earth. However, looking at the film from a different perspective, we
could also state the structure is open as there isnt really a conclusion to the story. It also
follows a single-strand structure as there is only one narrative taking place in the story.
Whether it is realist or not it is debatable. The short film being realist will be understandable
because it is likely for a particular location to be uninhabited. The main characters goal
could have been to die by consuming drugs, therefore it was goal orientated as well. The
structure of the film was arguably a closed structure because at the end, the assumed last
man on earth got a phone call suggesting that he wasnt the last man on earth, and also
he wouldve died regardless due to the consumption of the drugs.
CAMERA SHOTS
Long Shot
In this short film the director has camera shots and angles.
In the beginning of the film, there was a shot of the
character walking down the street. The director used a very
long shot to set the scene and to let the audience be aware
of the exterior location for whatever action thats going to
take place.
Establishing Shot
There was a shot were the character entered a pub.
The director used an establishing shot to show a new
scene and to establish the exact location of the
character, which in this instance the character was in a
pub.
EDITING TECHNIQUES
Cut
The director used cut numerous times in this short film. The director used this editing to
switch between different scenes, in this instance; the character was walking down an
isolated scene and the scene cut to the character entering a pub.
Jump Cut
Furthermore, the director used jumped cut when we, the audience saw the character enter
the pub then suddenly he sat down without any action taking place in between. The
director used this because he wanted to speed time a little bit.








SOUND & LIGHTING
There was the use of different sounds in The Last Man standing. There was the use of
diegetic sound used. This is when the character was speaking and us the audience can hear
him. For example, the sound of the characters phone ringing, the sound made when the
character was walking, and the sound made when the character placed it back on the table,
which made a banging sound. Furthermore, there was a moment of silence for a while. This
was when the character finished recording his voice on the phone, and then his phone was
ringing, which kept him silent for a moment. This was used by the director to create tension.
Finally, the tone of which the character was speaking in was soft and quiet. This showed fear
and anxiety from the character. Lighting in The Last Man on Earth was filled with natural
light, key and fill light. As you can see in most part of the short film that the left side of the
characters face is well lit while the right side has some shadow. You can also see the soft
light created by the fill light. The key and fill light provides direct lighting at the last man
earth to focus solely on him.
SETTING, PROPS & COSTUME
Costume plays an important part in filming because it helps in storytelling, helping the
characters to come alive on a different character; help the characters become new
characters that the director has envisioned them to be. The setting is important as it shows
the audience the environment in which action is going to take place. Props are used to make
the setting and characters more realistic to the audience.
The costume worn by the main character in this short film reflects the setting and the theme
of this film. The main character was wearing costumes that travellers normally wear; this
was almost to show that he was travelling to places. This is evident from the fact that he
went to search for medicines that could kill him. The setting is important in this short film
because it shows the audience how isolated the area was. This also made the audience feel
sympathy for the characters. Also, were taken to the pub where there is not a single person
to really show his loneliness. The props that were used such as the drugs and phone also
helped with the storytelling and made it more realistic. These props were significant for the
progression of the story as the phone was used to signify that he was not the last man on
earth, and the drugs was used to conclude the film with and reinforce that this short film
was comedy.




TARGET AUDIENCE & PRODUCTION
The short film may appeal to anyone who takes on drugs as it may remind them that it is
wrong to try to commit suicide and you should always try to live on. Just because you have
been disappointed due an unfortunate event doesnt mean you should want to kill yourself.
This could also appeal to male and middle aged men because the last man on earth seems
to be a middle aged man. The production does appeal to its target audience because you
wouldnt expect a teenager or young adults to be able to alone wandering as they wouldnt
be able to take care of themselves. So the use of a middle aged man was a wise decision
because at least they have enough knowledge to take care of themselves.
THE BLACKLIST
The single camera format Ive chosen is the series, The Blacklist, and the genre of the series
is crime drama. Series that also follow the same format and genre, and also uses single
camera technique is The Mob.
On the first season of The Blacklist, episode 10, Anslo Garrick, it begins with a non linear
storyline where the order of the narrative is reversed as we are shown the main character,
Reddington Red Raymond, in captive and heavily beaten. The story was then able to retell
how everything took place through Reds mind. The director started the episode in this
manner to allow the audience to see the event the way Red sees it (as he is able to recount
what took place) such as placing the audience in the minds of Red. The structure of this
episode was closed because at the end, Red managed to kill Anslo Garrick (the villain) and
escape and therefore the problem in the story ended and was resolved. The Blacklist usually
has a multi-strand structure as more stories occur at the same time. However, this episode
was a season finale so there was only one narrative occurring in the story which was FBI task
force trying to locate Reds whereabouts and free him from Anslo Garrick but Red managed
to escape by himself.
The story is realist because there are crimes that take place all over the world and there are
the FBI and secret agents who fight against crime. The series as a whole follows the main
character, Red; one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives surrenders at FBI Headquarters in
Washington, D.C. claims the FBI and he have similar interests in getting rid of dangerous
criminals and terrorists. Reddington will cooperate only with Elizabeth Keen, a rookie
FBI profiler. Over the course of his own criminal career, he has made a list of global criminals
who he believes are truly dangerous to society, most of whom are unknown to the FBI. He
calls it The Blacklist. You can say the series is goal orientated as Red wants to find global
criminals. The story also follows Red on a physical and Metaphysical journey because he is
fighting all these renowned criminals whilst he is growing in knowledge. It is clearly also an
investigative narrative because he is in search for criminals and seems like he is in search
for people who murdered his family. Most important of all, the binary oppositions in the
blacklist is stressed on all the time. Since this is a crime drama, the binary oppositions is
between good and evil but whats interesting is that the bad guy works for the good guys.
In each and every episode, a lot binary opposition is shown to help the audience
understand how concepts and meanings are being shaped or created or reinforced within
the narrative.
CAMERA & EDITING TECHNIQUES
Point of view shot
The director decided to take a shot from the position of the
character where the camera is positioned close to the line of
sight of this individual who is to be watching the action shown as
if the audience is looking at the action through the characters
eyes. The director decided to show what the character is looking
at which is represented through the camera to enhance a sense of realism and audience
involvement in the scene.
Shot reverse shot
This editing technique is known as shot reverse shot. The director decided to cut between
Raymond Ray Reddinton and Anslov having a conversation instead of including them both
in one static mid shot to show a contrast between these two characters, and to possibly
show their binary oppositions and their different reactions.




Shallow focus
When an individual or object at the front of a shot is
in focus, whilst everything behind is out of focus is an
editing technique called shallow focus and the
director would use this to emphasize that the
person or object is more significant. In this case,
there is a woman picking up a glove that has a chip
inside. It appears to be more important and the
director wanted to show this to the audience and so he decided to blur everything behind
making it out of focus.

LIGHTING
Lighting is extremely vital and can have a huge influence on the entire look of a film and also
your decision skills in choosing the right director of photography, especially when used in a
single camera. The most evident use of lighting is that it helps the audience distinguish
characters, props and the setting and allows everything to be seen noticeably by the
audience and mainly the setting and time which is important. Poor lighting undermines the
quality of scenes and in return undermines the directors directing capability. Lighting sets
the mood and the atmosphere of a scene. It makes the scene look natural and sometimes it
can create tension and feelings of excitement. In a single camera, lighting is at its best
because the director is able to control each shot. The Blacklist is composed of different
lighting techniques such as low-key lighting, high-key lighting, key-lighting, fill light, and
backlight that are used to set the mood and the atmosphere for specific scenes. In this
particular episode, during the scene where Reddington Red Raymond is hanged up while
beaten up on the basement by Anslo Garrick, there were natural light and a mixture of key,
fill and backlight.
SETTING, PROPS & COSTUME
Costume plays an important part in filming because it helps in storytelling, helping the
characters to come alive on a different character; help the characters become new
characters that the director has envisioned them to be. The setting is important as it shows
the audience the environment in which action is going to take place. Props are used to make
the setting and characters more realistic to the audience. The costume worn by characters
in The Blacklist is very mature and reflects to the characters job roles and personalities. The
main character Raymond Red Reddington is seen wearing suits most of the time. Even
though he is a world class criminal, it is still expected as he is working with the governments
agency and task force therefore he has to be well dressed. The same goes for the rest of the
characters that work with the governments. The main setting takes place in an office and
the second main characters house, Elizabeth Kean, most of the times. It is only reasonable
and acceptable for governments agents to work in an office. Elizabeth Kean, although an
agent, she is still a profiler who lives in a house with her husband. The setting is suitable
because most married couples live in a home. Props used are guns, cars and special
weapons. This is appropriate because the series evolves around the governments fighting
criminals so they have to use weapons whenever it is necessary.




TARGET AUDIENCE & PRODUCTION
The Blacklist is a new series but it grows in popularity in accordance to the amount of
episodes and season it can reach. The Blacklist could potentially have a diverse target
audience. The genre of this series is crime drama so it will appeal to people who are
interested in films regarding drama. It could possibly appeal to maybe police officers as well.
This series could appeal to both genders as theres almost an equivalent amount male &
female, and also both the main characters consist of female and male characters. The age
range varies as in each episode the characters range from teenagers to adults, both
participating whilst crime is taking place. Some particular episodes contain children most
likely for plot purpose. The production really appeals to the target audience because it
relates to how crimes take place and how it is solved, more or less.