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'There are two types of camera formats; single camera and multi-camera. A production using
single camera format is generally used with just one camera and is mostly used in dramas,
documentaries and comedies. Each shot and camera angle is taken by the one camera unlike a
multi-camera format, where there is a camera for every angle and shot needed in a particular
scene, which they are then switched to show these different perspectives.’ To summarize, a
single camera production is as it states in the name a production which includes only one camera
'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 individually.' -
https://www.slideshare.net/saritachander_9/single-camera-production-50007005
Advantages Disadvantages
- Single camera productions allow creative - Because there are less cameras there is less
control to interpret the script, are easily footage captured and that it is more time
editable and allow the producers to shoot consuming and expensive, compared to using
quicker, in one location, e.g. in a house. multiple cameras.
- Saves travels costs for the production teams - As there are less cameras capturing the
and works out cheaper. footage, it means that the important shots may
- Reduces the cost of the whole production, is not be captured and that causes the producer
that this type of format puts the product to go back and re-shoot the whole scene.
makers at a benefit. This is because, as single
camera shots tend to cut individuals out in
close up shot, conversations, this means that
only one person is required and another actor
can be used in place of the original co-actor
for the meanwhile. By doing this, producers
will save money and actors time, as they will
only pay them for the scenes they do and
when doing a large production, involving
many big actors, production expenses can be
large figures. Therefore, if the team can
replace large actors in the meanwhile, they
can save themselves a lot of money and also
be able to shoot for the other actor, whenever
they are available to shoot.
Narrative Structure
When it comes to single camera productions there are mainly three variations of narrative
structures which are commonly used. These are linear, non-linear and multi stranded. However, I
am aware that other types of narratives are existent in the single camera production world such as
flash forwards, realism narratives and anti-realism.
Linear - Linear narrative is when the story is continuous. The story is broken down into episodes
Non-Linear - A non-linear narrative is when the production has no sequel, at the end of the film
or drama the storyline is ended.
Multi-Stranded - Multi strand narrative is when one storyline is shown from different
perspectives.
On the other hand, multi camera productions scripts are the black sheep of format in Hollywood
(if we are referencing sitcoms). Most other scripts single-camera TV, one-hour drama TV,
procedural TV, and feature film scripts generally utilize the same basic format. Multi-camera
sitcom scripts don’t, primarily because they are shot in front of a live audience. They are
produced much faster per episode than single-camera shows, with most sitcoms shooting more
than one episode per day in front of that live audience. Thus, these types of episodes need a more
technical and streamlined format for specific production productivity. For example, the script
shown below is one from The Big Bang Theory and there are evident differences to the script
shown for the single camera production.
The main differences multi camera production scripts hold against the single camera productions
are that all of the action and scene description are in caps. Character names are underlined the
first time that they appear. Character entrances and exits are often underlined, and there are more
stage directions as well, much like a play — i.e. “CHANDLER CROSSES TO THE OTHER
SIDE OF THE COFFEE SHOP.” Sounds and special effects are underlined and the dialogue is
double-spaced.
Techniques of Shooting (most common)
An extreme long shot is used to show a large amount of landscape around the character(s). An
extreme long shot would generally be used when the focus would be to show landscape, show
distance or being alone. Medium shot (MS) - The 'waist up' medium shot is ideal when the
subject is speaking or delivering information and the fine detail isn't needed. It's also useful when
people are gesturing with their arms. The problem with medium shots is that they don't show as
much detail as a close up, but they introduce more of the background. This can be distracting.
Close up shots typically contain just the face and shoulders of a subject, with a little head room
above. This prevents 'floating head syndrome' as the shoulders suggest to the brain that there is a
body below! These shots are the most common of all as they can convey a real sense of emotion
and help the audience to connect with the subject. Bird’s Eye View Shot a Birds – eye view is an
elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer were a bird,
often used in the making of blueprints, floor plans and maps.
Scene starring Steve Carell as Michael Scott, Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, John Krasinski as
Jim Halpert, Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly, B.J. Novak as Ryan Howard and Phyllis Smith as
Phyllis Lepan.
(ANALYSIS) Within this scene several quick cuts are used to take the
audience around the location as a VO plays over the top. Camera
techniques such as a pan are used to keep the audience engaged as
zooms are often used to capture the emotions of specific characters.
The breaking of the fourth wall makes the audience feel involved in the
office itself as they are brought into the scene via the characters. 'In
The Office US, the style of filming subverts the usual single camera
setup because of the documentary style that it includes throughout
every season.' - https://kyrawrightbtecfilm.weebly.com/tutorial.html In this specific
scene, the person behind the camera is within the narrative of the story
line, this is shown through the way that Dwight looks into the camera
on several occasions - keeping to the documentary style, a typical
format for a single camera production.'
The Inbetweeners (UK)
Season: 2
Episode: 3
Scene: Wills Dinner Party
Directed by Ben Palmer
Written by Damon Beesley
Scene starring Simon Bird as Will McKenzie, James Buckley as Jay Cartwright, Blake Harrison
as Neil Sutherland, Joe Thomas as Simon Cooper
(ANALYSIS) In this scene several VOs are used as well as
establishing shots so that the audience are amerced in the show,
OTS shots are used in order to capture a conversation between two
characters (Will & Patrice) at the beginning of the scene. This type
of shot is also portrayed when answering the door for Neil and Jay.
Later on in the scene, the director and cinematographer had one
location to work with (the dining table) by using several over the
shoulder and medium shots focusing upon different characters as
well as the dialogue it keeps the audience interested in the scene.
The single camera used here focuses more on the reactions of the
characters which makes them come across as more realistic,
supported by handheld, grainy camera work to make the situation
believable.
https://www.slideshare.net/FayAmberYaxley/single-camera-production-techniques
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