Task 2 - Camera Formats

Single & Multiple Camera Format

Single Camera format is done by the use of one camera for all the TV shots taken, the director will have the choice to pan between subjects. There is also availability in the use of taking longer shots, stopping the camera and you are also able to film from another or new angle so that you are able to gain the shot that you require. The single camera setup allows scenes to be filmed in a non-sequential order, this is done by shots of 1, 3, 5 and 7 that will be for one actor and the second person will be 2, 4, 6 and 8. This filming will be done for both actors and then edited to appear fluent and will aim to show a sequence.

Whereas a multiple camera shots can have as many as five cameras at use that will simultaneously gain the same action taking place. For a multiple camera format the shots that are required are then selected to be put together during the editing process of the production. The camera will be connected to a video mixed which will then be mixed to a single. Multi Camera setup is done by recording in an order to the scrip this being less time consuming to do on the multi camera, therefore meaning that the same actors and sets will be filmed at the same time.

Advantages of Single Camera Format

The use of a single camera format provides a variety of shots as you are able to stop the camera but also the fact that you are able to film from new angles allowing a range of shots in selection for the editing process. The use of a master shot plays well as an advantage as you are able to have wide shots of a scene this focusing on the elements as a whole. This will be used as a master shot before the use of closer shots are implemented. In addition to this a single camera format is more realistic for viewers this allowing a better feel for the audience as they are able to connect better.

A advantage for the use of single camera format is that there is a greater creative control over each shot as you are able to have a wide range of shots from the non- sequential order in addition being able to record at different angles allows editing to be more creative as there is a wider range to work from.

The use of a single camera shot also means that the crew and actors will not always be required to be on set as the use of doubles can be implemented, this is a great benefit to the production in the single camera format as it will provide a restriction in amount of costing and will be cheaper. Lookalike doubles can also mean that there will be fewer complications for both the actors and the producers as they will not be required all the time. This shot will be constructed by an over shot of the shoulder. This also allows the scenes in different locations can be done at the same time as the actors required in the scenes may vary. On the left hand Side you are able to see Robert Pattinson Stunt Double.

Advantages of multiple camera formats

The advantages from the use of a multiple camera format is that it is quicker shoot as the use of more than one camera will mean that you are able to capture the events taking place more efficiently, this also including different camera angles.

In addition the use of the multi camera technique may be less expensive this will be down to the fact that the production will require less shooting hours from the crew. The shots taken in a multi camera format will be easier to edit as they are done in sequence therefore limiting confusion in the editing process.

The set up for a multi camera format in terms of the lighting will not be difficult as it is being recorded at that one time therefore will not need continuous adjusting in lighting that the single camera technique may require.

Use of Single & Multi Camera Formats

The use of a single camera format may be dramas this being for example Samantha who. It is an American television sitcom that has a running of time of 22 minutes. It has a total amount of 2 seasons. Other examples of the use of single camera formats in dramas are misfits, come fly with me and the office.

The use of single camera format may also be used in commercial this being for example for the Compare the Market.com. In addition to this it may also include in some music videos and could also be used in some documentaries. They are recorded in this manner as the director will have more control in each shot taken.

The use of multi camera formats may be used for programmes such as the news a main common one being the BBC News or Channel 5 News, this being down to the fact that the camera is just placed in front of the presenter which then provides the daily information for individuals. In addition it can be used for Talk shows such a Jeremy Kyle, these types of talk shows are made to seem more realistic from the format of the multi camera technique. In addition Football games and concerts that take place such as T4 on the beach.