You must comprehensively explain the features of single camera production with reference to elucidated examples to a group of KS4 Media Studies students, consistently using subject terminology correctly.
Introduction
Sources:
https://prezi.com/z8ifjvhncb7m/unit-22-single-camera-techniques/
https://prezi.com/h5uw7edh2nlk/unit-22-single-camera-techniques/
There are two main kinds of camera techniques when it comes to video production: single camera and multi-camera, and in this unit I will be exploring the former. Single-camera filmmaking is ideal for low budgets and typically used in the production of music videos, commercial advertisements, prime time dramas and sitcoms. However it can also be quite time consuming as the filmmakers must set up every single shot with the same camera, which can prove to be difficult when a sequence consists of several camera angles and movements, although this can give the director more control over each shot. Before learning more about single camera techniques I would like to explore multi-camera techniques in order to understand the difference between the two.
The multi camera technique is a method of filmmaking and video production that uses more than one camera to film on set. This setup is popular in broadcasting media like television networks that may use one camera for close-ups, another one for long shots or “crosses”, following the 180 degree rule, and a central camera shooting a wide angle central shot that establishes the geography of the room. Hence this technique allows multiple shots to be captured all at the same time. However this can lead to lighting issues that need to be resolved taking into consideration all camera angles being shot. It can also hinder the hiding of other equipment like boom mics and it also costs a lot more than a single camera production. This kind of equipment is ideal for studios, and a lot harder to execute outdoors.
https://prezi.com/z8ifjvhncb7m/unit-22-single-camera-techniques/
https://prezi.com/h5uw7edh2nlk/unit-22-single-camera-techniques/
There are two main kinds of camera techniques when it comes to video production: single camera and multi-camera, and in this unit I will be exploring the former. Single-camera filmmaking is ideal for low budgets and typically used in the production of music videos, commercial advertisements, prime time dramas and sitcoms. However it can also be quite time consuming as the filmmakers must set up every single shot with the same camera, which can prove to be difficult when a sequence consists of several camera angles and movements, although this can give the director more control over each shot. Before learning more about single camera techniques I would like to explore multi-camera techniques in order to understand the difference between the two.
The multi camera technique is a method of filmmaking and video production that uses more than one camera to film on set. This setup is popular in broadcasting media like television networks that may use one camera for close-ups, another one for long shots or “crosses”, following the 180 degree rule, and a central camera shooting a wide angle central shot that establishes the geography of the room. Hence this technique allows multiple shots to be captured all at the same time. However this can lead to lighting issues that need to be resolved taking into consideration all camera angles being shot. It can also hinder the hiding of other equipment like boom mics and it also costs a lot more than a single camera production. This kind of equipment is ideal for studios, and a lot harder to execute outdoors.
Single camera video production has grown much more popular these past decades due to technological and media convergence and new emerging technology that allows for high quality filmmaking with smartphones, drones, waterproof cameras, etc. This is simplistic style is especially popular among independent filmmakers who have low budgets, small crews and a limited amount of equipment for their short films and other projects. Moreover, indie filmmakers may not have enough crew members to set up the lighting rigs and multiple cameras. Critics argue that this often results in a more “versatile” cinematography as the filmmakers are much more focused on specific shots, compositions, lighting and mise en scenes. Lighting and sound setups are also much simpler in single camera productions, while maintaining the same level of depth of film codes, conventions and narrative theories. Single camera formats give the director more control over shot although it can be expensive as the set up for each shot has to be carefully times and crafted, guiding the actors through the blocking per shot. Single camera techniques are useful for tracking and panning shots as they circulate the room well and set the scene for the audience.
Advantages of Single Camera Techniques:
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Disadvantages of Single Camera Techniques:
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Single Camera Production Genres
Formats of Single Camera Productions:
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Popular Genres in Single Camera Productions:
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Single Camera Techniques In Television & Film
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The Good Place
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy, Utopian & Dystopian Fiction Season: 3 Episode: 4 Scene: In the midst of an existential crisis, Chidi loses his mind as he gives his class a lecture on ethical thought. Directed By: Trent O'Donnell Written By: Megan Amram Scene Starring: Kristen Bell as Eleanor Shellstrop; William Jackson Harper as Chidi Anagonye; Jameela Jamil as Tahani Al-Jamil; Manny Jacinto as Jason Mendoza |
Analysis: This scene from The Good Place utilises several conventions like non-diegetic music, slo-motion and voiceover than overlap into another shot away from the main on-set location in this scene, that The Office does not. This gives The Good Place a much more dramatic serious and dramatic effect, rendering it a more subtle comedy derived from the odd placement of the character’s state of mind, rather than the entirely over-the-top comical personalities in The Office. The characters here are more focused on the words spoken on screen and the meaning behind them though the voiceover that becomes non-diegetic during the slo-mo shots of Tahani and Jason on the street and shots of Elanor committing an act of kindness. This scene also contains several shot reverse shots between Chidi and his class to show the matter of conflict between the two. The establishing long shot at the start of the scene is voiced over by Chidi singing about his Chili, cutting to a close up of said Chili pot. This use of mise-en-res generates interest within the audience as it creates actions codes which are later resolved by Chidi’s speech about ethics. As the scene introduces us to a college setting with a teacher having a mental breakdown, the target audience of ages 16-30 becomes more clear as the show often deals with themes of life, death, ethics and existentialism. Moreover, during his speech of practicing ethics, the characteristics he talks about are displayed on screen by each of the main characters in turn, indicating change and their development as people living in this odd world. Several high angled long shots of Chidi create the impression that the audience is sitting in his class, becoming a part of the scene itself, it also highlight the character’s lack of power in the moment. This scene also utilises several mid-close ups to emphasize the emotions on the actor’s face while also keeping track of his body language.
The Brady Bunch
Genre: Sitcom Season: 4 Episode: 4 Scene: Marcia learns she's accepted into the Boosters club but decides she doesn't want to be in the elitist group. Directed By: Hal Cooper Written By: Myles Wilder Scene Starring: Maureen McCormick as Marcia Brady; Christopher Knight as Peter Brady; Florence Henderson as Carol Brady |
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Analysis: This scene from The Brady Bunch uses several shot reverse shots during the conversation between Marcia and the Boosters, with both of them taking centre frame in the rule of thirds whilst following the 180 degree rule. Most shots are continuous - shot in one go with the same camera and later edited together with other angles also taken from the same camera, to create a sequence. This is a convention of single camera production as it limits the amount of takes actors have to do and makes editing much easier. Numerous long shots and mid closeups remain mostly static with a few occasional pans to follow the movements of the characters and three-shots and two-shots are also used briefly.
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The Office US
Genre: Mockumentary Season: 5 Episode: 14 Scene: Michael Scott is performing first aid techniques when the office suddenly breaks in to 'Staying Alive' by The Bee Gees. Directed By: Jeffrey Blitz Written By: Paul Lieberstein Scene Starring: Steve Carrell, |
Analysis: This scene contains 52 jump cuts due to its fast paced escalation of events which is reflected in the editing of this scene. Several shot reverse shots are used to explore the reactions of the large ensemble cast to the events taking place before their eyes, like the open conversation between Michael and his co-workers. Infamous camera movements often associated with The Office and other shows of the mockumentary genre include the quick zoom in and zoom out, alongside the quick pans and tracking shots that literally follow the characters on their journey, creating a deeper audience immersion in the scene. This also creates a comic effect that almost renders the camera movement into a character all of its own giving a visual voice to what the audience must be thinking and highlighting the absurdity of the characters on screen by keeping them in frame for just a little too long; creating a subtle mocking tone. Moreover, the characters often look into the cameras themselves directly addressing the audience keeping in line with the classic documentary format of the show and this scene.
Conventional Camera Types/Angles/Movements
The most common types of camera angles and movements in single camera productions include long shots, mid-close ups, close ups, extreme close ups, single, two and three shots, pans, tracking, zooms, dolly zoom and hand-held tilt and crane tilt, shot reverse shots, eye level and over the shoulder shots.
Cold Opens
Cold opens, aka teaser sequences, popularized in the mid-1960s, are a narrative tactic used in television and film that jump directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown. This is often done to keep the audience engaged by involving them into the plot as early as possible, which reduces their chances of switching channels. Although a cold open may also be used recap what happened in the previous episode or any relevant storylines in regards to the current episode as well.
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180 Degree Rule
The 180 degree line is a rule used in filmmaking that helps the audience maintain a constant orientation during the scene; the breaking of this line is called crossing the line or jumping the line. This is done by placing the camera on one side of an imaginary axis between two characters, with the first character always in frame right and the second in frame left. Although, filmmakers like Spike Lee and David Benioff have broken the 180 degree rule to incite different emotions of unsettlement, chaos or power struggles.
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