Single Camera Techniques

For this unit we have had to use a single camera for all our filming. There are many reasons why people use single camera techniques and also why people choose not to. This essay will be exploring single camera techniques and the pros and cons as I am trying to discover whether using a single camera for filming is still a good alternative. I’ll be exploring all the different arguments for and against the use of single camera techniques in comparison to multiple cameras.

As the name gives away the single camera technique involves using only one camera however, this rule can be broken in rare situations for example, if the scene is extremely heavy on dialogue having just one shot would make the scene really tedious. Another disadvantage of using single cameras would be when the scene has a stunt, this is because you’d only be able to cover it from one angle and that wouldn’t do the stunt justice.  This has its plus points over multi camera productions as it can create a more intimate feel with the viewer which could help the viewer engage with the film. The directors sometimes favour the single camera route as they feel it gives them more control. It is known to be easier to light a single camera production as it’s a lot easier to control as you can light each shot individually whereas when you use multiple cameras you have to make sure the lights good for each shot which could affect the quality of the scene. This means single camera productions have a chance to add character to their scene just through the lighting. Sound in single camera production is much like that of multi camera as you can add in Foley sounds, ambient noise and dialogue or even just enhance them. If anything it is probably harder to mic sound with a single camera as with multi camera products it allows for mics to be visible within the scene.  With both it could need a few cuts from different takes as some audio maybe sketchy. With our production it is going to be difficult with sound as we have got many of the professional equipment. Also with single camera production it requires a certain amount of overlay. Editing is a part of post-production you can’t really avoid. Single camera production leaves a lot of waste at the end however it saves money when it comes to filming as it takes a lot less time. With multi camera productions you can sometimes edit live by switching to a different camera with the use of a vision mixer like for example on X Factor. In contrast when it comes to single camera productions there is no avoiding post production editing in a studio.

When you think about building story you have to give thought to a few of different things. First of all, it is best to choose something that interests you. This would lead to you making a better choice of characters as you would pick characters which fit to the picture you have in your head. The plot of the story then has to fit with your idea whilst also being able to attract viewers this also links with style and structure as although it’s important you do something you enjoy it is vital that you can build an audience which could show interested also. With building a scene you have to be aware of the five Ps so to speak. Those are people, place, plot, progression and point. First of all you have to make sure you have the right characters in the right scenes so your production looks professional and works better.  Next you have to make sure the place is relevant to the scene so it fits the plot which is another P. The plot needs to be considered in the location as it needs to be able to fit where the plot is going and not be irrelevant. Progression and point are the next two Ps. The scene has to be in a place to progress as there is no point of having a scene which doesn’t compliment your plot in anyway and this links well with point as the overall intention of a scene would be to develop the overall plot.

There are many different genres covered by single camera productions. An example of a dramadoc and also period production would be Call the Midwife. A comedy example would be Peep Show. Other genres include crime horror and you have soap operas which are a good example of multi camera techniques as it needs a lot of cameras in order to speed up production. An example of a crime single camera production would be CSI. Soap operas tend to be filmed with multiple cameras as it’s easier and quicker to edit and at the rate they are produced they need to be. However, when a soap is filmed in a real house it can be done so with a single camera as there is less need for space around the house if there is only one camera. A good example of this being done would’ve been in Brookside. In some cases horror series use the technique of single camera as it gives the audience a more intimate feel with the plot and could ultimately involve them in the scares. This is because every shots mise en scene has been done individually. Different formats are often used with single camera techniques; these are serial, series and single. Serial is when the show is never ending for example, Eastenders. Series is when the drama is a sequel/ storyline which can end, for example, Luther. Single dramas are also shown for example Our Girl.

Single camera productions offer various narrative structures. First of all the production doesn’t have to be linear which means it doesn’t have to flow chronologically (beginning-middle-end) or it can be non-linear which is the opposite where it can be shown through flashbacks which would disrupt the linear flow. An example of this would be in Citizen Kane (Orson Welles, 1941) which is told predominantly through flashback narration. Realist dramas tend to be a bit slow to get into as the aim of them is to be realistic and relatable which entice you to carry on watching as you could imagine the storyline happening to them or in their area. In contrast the viewer would know in anti-realist production everything is fictional. The aim would be to entice the viewer with plenty of action like for example in Misfits. Sometimes the endings can be different as well, for example in some occasions the ending can be open, like a cliff hanger would leave the audience guessing what’s happened which tends to lead to a sequel. In other cases the open ending can be used in order for the director/writer to add tone to the text. This however can sometimes leave the audience irritated as there isn’t any closure to the narrative. Closed endings however make it clear the story has finished and offers closure and resolution to the characters.  This leaves the audience able to go away from the film feeling fulfilled. You would be more likely to see happy endings when watching more romanticised texts.

Multi-Camera techniques can be the only alternatives in some cases as all of the action has to be covered for example with football matches, talk shows, concerts or reality TV like Big Brother. Multiple camera tend to be needed the most in live productions and action filled adventures as there is far too much action needed to be covered and that would be very difficult to do with a single camera. The main advantages of a multi-camera production are: fewer reshoots, less continuity errors, action can flow better, shorter filming time and can broadcast live using various cameras. In contrast the main advantages of a single camera productions are: director has more control, the production would have a more personal feel, far less film is wasted when using one camera, can lead to exciting and stylish camera angles, footage can be shot in clusters, can use a variety of locations, more control over the lighting, possible to produce a master shot for each scene and the multiple run-throughs can help actors feel their character more. In conclusion, both techniques have their own pros and cons, so deciding what technique to use would be solely based on what you’re aiming for with your production for example if you want a realistic drama you’d go for single camera production where as if you are going for an action packed drama you’d use multiple cameras.