Single Camera Production Techniques

In this essay I will be talking about the techniques used within single camera production, recently due to the higher amount of dramas, single camera productions have become very popular among film and TV. 

Camera:

Single camera productions use one camera throughout all of their scenes, this is done because it can make the drama within a program feel more realistic and can really involve the audience with what is going on on-screen. Sometimes single camera production can break the rule and end up using two cameras for certain scenes but this only usually happens when there is a scene with a risky stunt which can only be performed once or there is lots of back and forth dialogue.

Directors tend to enjoy single camera productions a lot more, due to the fact that they can really set up their camera into the perfect shot and really concentrate on how each of their shot will end up, and when certain scenes have to be re-filmed over and over this can really help the actors get into character, which will make the filmed piece better overall because it will be perfected 

Lighting: 

Lighting within single camera productions can end up being a lot better than multiple camera productions, this is because lighting can be perfected for only one camera shot instead of trying to make it look good on lots of different cameras, overall this can make scenes look a lot more realistic when the lighting is correct. 

Sound:

When filming single camera, each shot (especially those with dialogue) there must be a slight overlap/overlay of sound between each shot to ensure there will be not jumpy starts or awkward pauses between each shot's sound. Sometimes single camera productions will use two cameras to ensure their sound overlaps well with the other audio but only two camera will be used in those sorts of scenes with heavy dialogue. Audio you hear in some scenes isn't always from that same shoot, it could be from another take of the same scene and dubbed over. 

Coverage: 

Coverage is simply a term for how many shots/film has been taken, when there is a lot of coverage it makes editing a lot easier because you have lots more shots to add and use, when not much coverage has been made you may find that re-shooting shots is necessary, this isn't always helpful and can waste time. 

When using digital camera the amount of film is restricted by the memory on your SD card, certain clips can always be deleted if they are not needed, if DV tapes are being used then the directors can only shoot things they know they need as these tapes are expensive and outdated.

Master shots are a good shot to take as you can always switch back to them, a master shot is basically a take of an entire scene which is from a long shot angle.

Editing: 

Editing can always take along time with certain production because there will be a lot of footage for you to look at before you can order them and create your product.

A lot of film can be wasted/not used in a multi-camera production, this can end up with it being a lot cheaper to make as it will take far less time to make, whereas in single camera certain scene will be filmed all together if they require the same cast and location.

Multi-camera productions, especially live sport or programs such as The X factor can switch from camera to camera and can be mixed and aired straight away, whereas in this is not possible in singe camera production as all of the footage must be edited and put in order before it can be shown.

Shot logs can be helpful. They explain and shown certain shots needed and basically show which ones could be hard to film and which can be done easily. 

Period:

A period drama is a drama which is set in a specific era in the past. Period films and TV programmes are often romance but can also be adventure themed. Period dramas rely heavily on props costumes and sets to re-create the style.

Crime Drama:

Crime dramas involve criminals and authority figures such as police, they use low lighting which is easier for single camera productions.  An example of this is CSI.

Horror: 

Horror films use the single cameras to their advantage by using angles and certain shots which feel very personal to the character which really involve the audience. An example of this is Insidious 

Comedy:       

Most television sitcoms such as Friends film in studios and sets and use multi-camera techniques but in comedy shows such as My Name Is Earl and Peep Show they are all filmed using single camera productions.

Series: 

Series is a list of episodic programming with the same characters in each episode but there is a different story lines each episode, although there may be a sub-plot throughout every episode. An example of a series is Breaking Bad 

Serial:

A serial may run also for a specific amount of time, but can also be never ending (such as Eastenders), In these the characters are the same in each episode but the story line develops across each episode. There is never a main protagonist instead everyone shares it equally, some characters may get more screen time than others but their story importance is the same.                           

Single Drama:

A single drama is just one self contained story which aires within one (sometimes two or three) episodes, they're like small movies.  The minimum length for a single drama is 5 minutes.

Advantages of single camera production: 

• Director can control each shot much easier, and can end up with a better result than in multiple camera production.

• The overall production will feel more personal and make the audience feel more involved with the story.

• A lot less film will be wasted.

• Larger variety of camera angle which can be advanced or standard.

• The shots can be done all together/in groups so that production team can always be busy.

• A higher amount of locations are available due to less equipment

• The overall production can cost a lot less

• Lighting in different shots can be refined and made perfect.

• Master shots can still be done.

• Due to the fact that there will only be one camera multiple run throughs may be needed, this can help the actor/s get into character.

Disadvantages of single camera production:

• Production can be lengthy and time consuming.

• It can end up being more expensive than multi-camera productions due to the length of time taken to make it.

• Continuity errors occur a lot more due to re-shotting scenes.

• Some of the action filmed can look more staged/stunted.

Alternatives to single camera productions:

Instead of filming by only using one camera you can do multi-camera productions this is using multiple cameras, around 2-4 instead of using just one. 

Advantages of multi-camera productions:

• Fewer re-shoots.

• Less continuity errors.

• Action is continual and does not stop and start (look jumpy and fake).

• Filming is usually completed quicker. 

• You can broadcast the footage live and mix the camera shots together instead of having to edit it all first. 

Disadvantages to multi-camera productions:

• Lighting can be difficult as it must apply for all cameras .

• Directors have very little control over there shots.

• Locations are limited due to amount of cameras and equipment.

Multi-camera productions setup:

Above is the regular four camera set up for an interview/talk between two people, the cameras numbered 1,2,3 and four and all angled in different ways, 2 and 3 would be the master shot/medium shot angles and 1 and four would be close ups of either A or B.  The director would choose when to switch between camera when he felt necessary.

Single-camera production setup:

Each shot is taken on the same camera, so the camera must be moved around for this. Each shot is re-shot from different angles per scene.