SINGLE CAMERA PRODUCTIONS
Firstly, rather aptly considering the name, single-camera productions are mostly filmed with just one camera. But there is still multiple angles and shot distances, right? This is because on a single-camera set the action is typically filmed multiple times, moving the camera into a different place each time. This is the preferred format for smaller or lower-budget productions since it's multitudes more expensive to hire multiple cameras and sets that accommodate multi-camera set-ups. This being said, single-camera shoots tend to take a lot longer than multi-camera shoots because of the fact that scenes have to be done again and again.
LIGHTING
Single camera productions tend to be lit using what's known as the '3-point lighting system' wherein 3 lights are placed around the subject in a certain way: two lights placed either side of the camera (key lights #1 and #2) and one lighting the subject from behind (back light). It's much easier to handle lighting single camera productions since each shot can be lit individually, and if one set-up doesn't work between shots then that's no problem because it can be changed between shots.
SOUND
Sound in a single-camera production offers more flexibility than with a multi-camera, especially in regards to post-production. Since there are most likely multiple takes of each scene and shot, during post the editor will have multiple takes to work with sound-wise, so if one take works visually but another works better audially then they can be combined. As far as methods of capturing audio on set go, there are a number of options:
A boom mic is one of the more preferable options, especially if one is filming on location outside. It consists of a directional 'shotgun' mic placed on a long arm which is then held over the actors while they perform, either plugged into a separate audio recorder or into the camera itself. If recording audio separately to video, it's necessary to use some form of sync marker such as a clapper board. This helps because in post the editor can sync the sound of the clap specifically to the moment the board closes. Nowadays modern clapperboards also have blocks of colour to help adjust white balance and colour correction both in-camera and in post.
Speaking of post, when editing it's important to make sure you layer your sound correctly, in that you should always film a little extra either way on each clip, so that when you cut between clips that there isn't any clipping in the audio. Audio can also be added in post, such as ADR or foley sound effects.
MULTI-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS
Multi-camera productions tend to use more embedded forms of audio recording, such as multiple wireless mics taped onto the actors, or multiple mics hidden in various spots on set. This is because it's more difficult to fix any problems multi-cameras have in post because a lot of the time there is no post since it's a live production.
EDITING
Editing is a long process on a single-camera production. It's important. Each 5 minute scene can have up to an hour of footage shot specifically for that scene, and it's important to make sure you have everything organized and you know where everything is so that the right takes are easier to find later on.
Multi-camera productions can be 'edited' live through a mixing room, where the editor/producer can choose which camera to go to 'on the fly'. This isn't possible with single camera productions, as they must be edited after the fact. This can be seen in live productions such as chat shows like The Graham Norton Show or Conan, or sports broadcasts.
GENRES
Certain genres and formats naturally lend themselves to single camera productions. Genres such as thrillers and crime dramas benefit from the added flexibility in lighting and camera angles given by single camera techniques, as well as period dramas and horror. Horror benefits from single-camera as the camera is able to get really close to the actors to achieve a much more 'personal' and relatable feel within the film.
This being said there are certain genres and formats that are more suited to multi-camera productions, such as soap operas or sitcoms. Soap operas like Eastenders need to churn outs lots of episodes very quickly as they're on the air multiple days a week without breaks between seasons or series, so multi-camera helps with that as it's much quicker to film and can be quicker to edit. Certain sitcoms benefit from a similar perspective but there are certain sitcoms that use single-camera techniques instead, such as Modern Family, The Office, Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Community.
LIGHTING
Single camera productions tend to be lit using what's known as the '3-point lighting system' wherein 3 lights are placed around the subject in a certain way: two lights placed either side of the camera (key lights #1 and #2) and one lighting the subject from behind (back light). It's much easier to handle lighting single camera productions since each shot can be lit individually, and if one set-up doesn't work between shots then that's no problem because it can be changed between shots.SOUND
Sound in a single-camera production offers more flexibility than with a multi-camera, especially in regards to post-production. Since there are most likely multiple takes of each scene and shot, during post the editor will have multiple takes to work with sound-wise, so if one take works visually but another works better audially then they can be combined. As far as methods of capturing audio on set go, there are a number of options:
A boom mic is one of the more preferable options, especially if one is filming on location outside. It consists of a directional 'shotgun' mic placed on a long arm which is then held over the actors while they perform, either plugged into a separate audio recorder or into the camera itself. If recording audio separately to video, it's necessary to use some form of sync marker such as a clapper board. This helps because in post the editor can sync the sound of the clap specifically to the moment the board closes. Nowadays modern clapperboards also have blocks of colour to help adjust white balance and colour correction both in-camera and in post.Speaking of post, when editing it's important to make sure you layer your sound correctly, in that you should always film a little extra either way on each clip, so that when you cut between clips that there isn't any clipping in the audio. Audio can also be added in post, such as ADR or foley sound effects.
MULTI-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS
Multi-camera productions tend to use more embedded forms of audio recording, such as multiple wireless mics taped onto the actors, or multiple mics hidden in various spots on set. This is because it's more difficult to fix any problems multi-cameras have in post because a lot of the time there is no post since it's a live production.
EDITING
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| It's a vision mixer used in live broadcasts |
Multi-camera productions can be 'edited' live through a mixing room, where the editor/producer can choose which camera to go to 'on the fly'. This isn't possible with single camera productions, as they must be edited after the fact. This can be seen in live productions such as chat shows like The Graham Norton Show or Conan, or sports broadcasts.
GENRES
Certain genres and formats naturally lend themselves to single camera productions. Genres such as thrillers and crime dramas benefit from the added flexibility in lighting and camera angles given by single camera techniques, as well as period dramas and horror. Horror benefits from single-camera as the camera is able to get really close to the actors to achieve a much more 'personal' and relatable feel within the film.This being said there are certain genres and formats that are more suited to multi-camera productions, such as soap operas or sitcoms. Soap operas like Eastenders need to churn outs lots of episodes very quickly as they're on the air multiple days a week without breaks between seasons or series, so multi-camera helps with that as it's much quicker to film and can be quicker to edit. Certain sitcoms benefit from a similar perspective but there are certain sitcoms that use single-camera techniques instead, such as Modern Family, The Office, Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Community.
Alex,
ReplyDeleteYou have got the fundamentals here and you have explained the method of shooting well - what we need now is detailed examples and illustrations to back up what you have said.
Add images, clips, floor-plans etc., that demonstrate what you have said and that would tell a layman exactly what they need to know. Also, italicise titles and add images to make full use of the blog. You need references too.
Good start,
Ellie