Sunday 21 November 2010

Advantages and disadvantages of Single camera production and multiple camera production

A single camera production is when only one camera is used to shoot a film or television programme. A huge difference between single camera set-ups and multiple camera set-ups is the order that they’re shot in, for example multiple camera set-ups are filmed chronologically whereas single camera set-ups mean that the shots will be shot in the order of flexibility and will be put in order during editing. An advantage of using a single-camera set-up as opposed to a multiple-camera set-up would be that it is cheaper and this is what makes it popular with producers who are working with a low budget; this is the case because you only need one camera as opposed to three or four like a multiple camera set-up. Another advantage of a single camera set-up is that with using one camera you don’t have to worry about other cameras being in shot. However if you use multiple cameras it is less flexible because you have to take into consideration where the other camera are positioned.
Using a single camera set-up means you will spend less time editing because all the footage is on one camera. Programmes like The Office, Ugly Betty and Scrubs all are shot by a single camera set-up. Multiple Camera set-ups are generally used by bigger studios for example Eastenders is shot with multiple camera set-up. There is one big disadvantage to filming with one camera and that is that it takes a lot longer because the cameraman needs to film the same scene over and over again from different aspects, however with a multiple set-up this is not the case. Multiple camera set-ups are usually used in soaps this is because single camera set-ups are much more difficult to film conversations with, this is because it is hard to catch all the character’s reactions.

Monday 8 November 2010

08/11/10- Analysis of single camera production

"friends"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v68RS3sgt_Q



Following the task that was set today, I was able to analyze this single camera production thoroughly, highlighting the main points such as genre, style of narrative etc. The opening scene has a clock with a black background, which is noticeably a typical documentary sign from years ago. A part near the end is to make it an obvious documentary is when the boom man is in the shot, trying to get the man on the microphone to document everything he says. After this disappears, a man, dressed formally in a suit, strolls up a street towards the camera. There is now a voice over, which introduces what is going to be explored in this episode. The 'mocumentary' is about children and there imaginary friends, which branches out to a grown man and his 'friend'. The genre of this production is clearly comedy, and the style of narrative is linear, with devises such as flashbacks. it constantly uses portrait shots, especially in the interview. However, there are also shaky camera shots, which in some way brings out the interviewee's anger when accused of having an imaginary wife.
The lighting is natural, as most of the shots are outside in the garden. There is no backing music or track, which does not necessarily need to be there in a documentary. 

In addition, there are both long and short cuts, with bright white lights splitting some cuts and a test screen when something has obviously gone wrong or violent. The close-ups are effective because it shows the emotions in there faces, which brings out the comedy. As I touched upon before, the shaky camera adds to the offense that the interviewee feels, as he asks them to bow in apology. The only thing that I think I would do to improve this production is to add a funny backing track.