Television Production Research

Multiple camera production is a method of shooting films and television programs. Several cameras, either film or video, are employed on the set and simultaneously record or/and broadcast a scene. It is often contrasted with single-camera setup, which uses one camera. As it’s name suggests, a production using the single-camera setup generally employs just one camera. Additional cameras may be used simultaneously on occasion; usually in order to save time shooting a dialogue scene or to film that would be impractical to stage more than once.

Single camera production:

Pros- A single camera can get a lot closer and personal, which sucks you into the world that the film or program is trying to create.
Although it’s a time consuming and tedious process, at the same time, it provides the opportunity for maximum technical and artistic quality. Plus, all footage is on one camera.

Cons- In typical video dramas actors often have to memorize lines for a complete production, and they may even have to go through the whole production without stopping. Lighting, audio, make-up, etc., have to work for long shots and close-ups, and for variety of different camera angles.

Multiple camera production:

Pros- Generally, the two outer cameras shoot close shots or "crosses" of the two most active characters on the set at any given time, while the central camera or cameras shoot a wider master shot to capture the overall action and establish the geography of the room. In this way, multiple shots are obtained in a single take without having to start and stop the action. This is more efficient for programs that are to be shown a short time after being shot as it reduces the time spent editing the footage.

Cons- Many takes may be necessary before directors feel they have the best possible take. Some film scenes are shot dozens of times before a director is satisfied. Also, you have to edit the shots, which may take weeks or even months.

The different Genres are:

. Comedy
. Horror
. Thriller
. Romance
. Tragedy
. Children’s
. Drama & Soaps
. Entertainment
. Factual
. Films
. Learning
. Learning & Leisure
. News & Current Affairs
. Religion & Ethnics
. Sport
. Documentary

A certain television program that uses single-camera production is “cougar town”.

Serials, series and soaps


‘Soaps’ are an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction that is presented in serial format on television. Soaps are based on real life situations, however extravagant the story line may become. Examples of a Soap are Eastenders and Coronation Street. A ‘Series’ is a string of a number of episodes, usually called miniseries or serial. A series usually consists of 12-26 instalments like Ugly Betty or Desperate Housewives. ‘Serials’ are series that rely on a counting plot that unfolds in a sequential episode-by-episode fashion. Serials are predominantly taken from books, like the Vampire Diaries.