Unit 22 - Multi Camera Techniques

Task 1(P1, M1, D1)

Multi-Camera Techniques

Multi-Camera techniques are used in programs that feature a live audience. They use several cameras, constantly recording; the product that is broadcast is actually constructed through editing.

Take a football game for example; cameras are set up along the pitch and in ‘action’ areas, such as behind the goals. As the game proceeds and the action moves around the pitch, whichever camera has the best shot is switched to, instructed by the director and switched by the technical director. Another example, a live gig, would be filmed in the same way. One or two cameras would be set up around the stage, one for close ups, one for a full shot of the band, a roaming cam for unique shots, whilst several other cameras would be filming the audience.

Some programs that use multi cam setups;

• · The Addams Family (1960’s)
  
• · Friends (later years)
• · The Match of the Day
  
• · Top of the Pops
  

This kind of filming has many advantages. On a production level, multi camera sets ups are cheaper, compared to single camera, in the long run. Single camera setups take longer and more manpower to achieve the required results, as things like lighting, sets and angles need to be set up for each shot. Whereas; multi camera productions are usually filmed in one shot, using a variety of different shots and finalised in editing, saving time, costs and labour.

However, for a typical multi cam setup sets with elaborate rigs and tracks are set up, making it difficult to use multi cam on location, sometimes impossible. Also, responsibility put on the directors/producers in charge of what is broadcast would cause a lot of pressure, especially during live productions.

Task 2(P1, M1, D1)

Multi-Camera Techniques Continued

Almost instantly in the ‘Kraftwerk’ video, the camera positioning and the movement of the camera are used effectively. As the music starts to progress, the camera is ‘progressing’ towards the artists. The speed of the camera movement also mirrors the slow pace beat as it slowly creeps towards the stage. When the music kicks in quick transitions are used in time with the beats, this combined with various camera shots, maintains the viewer’s interest. Video effects are used to communicate the meaning to the viewer; a very techno styled set with green lights, along with the performers own stage costumes, give viewers a technological yet dystopian-future feeling, which the music being played signifies.

Another example of camera positing and the speed of movement being used effectively is during Motorsport, such as the F1. As the cars scream past a corner, the camera will be positioned to catch the action, as the race passes the camera, it will quickly track the cars as they pass. The speed at which the movement is made maintains the viewer interest as it gives the impression of nail biting speed, plus the positioning is just in front of the barriers, so that the audience feel as if they are actually at the race.

At a live football game, cameras will be positioned around the pitch to catch all of the action. However, several cameras are used to capture the reactions of the massive crowds and others watching the dugout, where the managers and substitute players sit. Again, the positioning of the cameras is to maintain viewer interest, as these cameras capture the heart of the game; the vast amount of supporters, anxious subs, frustrated managers, etc it turns a fairly simple sports game almost into a Drama.

Task 3(P1, M1, D1)

Mind Map

Task 4(P1, M1, D1)

Equipment

*Opening Sequence*

* Camera 2 * (Medium shot)

Eddie: Welcome to Friday World! We’ve got an awesome line-up for you this week, and the first of these features is going to be introduced by Arran.

* Camera 1 on Arran * (Close up)

Arran: Hello everybody! This film has been produced by year 13 students for their media course, we bring to you The Silent Treatment.

* Roll VT: The Silent Treatment *

* Camera 2 - Back to Arran & Eddie in the studio * (Medium Shot)

Eddie: Awesome Film. And there will be more single camera drama’s coming up in the next few weeks

Arran: Coming up now we’ve got a trailer that will take you back to your childhood. Here’s toy story 3

* Roll VT: Toy Story 3 *

* Camera 1 on Eddie * (Close up)

Eddie: Arran, what are you doing?

* Camera 2 on both * ( Medium Shot)

Arran: Well Eddie, I’m wearing this banana suit because YOU ATE MY ENCHILADAS!

* Roll VT: Enchiladas *

* Camera 1* (Close up)*

Eddie: Well that was unexpected, and quite br00tal to say the least.

* Camera 2 * (Medium Shot)

Arran: Shut up Eddie, we have breaking news! We go to our man on the ground Christian Place, Christian?

* Roll VT: Zombie Sequence *

* Camera 2 on both * (Medium Shot)

Eddie: Well this could quite possibly be the last episode of Friday world ever! So I think we should all enjoy this next video!

Arran: So here’s MC Hammer voicing his opinions on the zombies!

* Roll VT: MC Hammer – Can’t Touch This *

* Camera 2 on both * (Medium Shot)

Arran: It’s been a pleasure to be your hosts, I’m Arran

Eddie: And I’m Eddie

Arran: Goodbye!

* Outro *

Task 5(P1, M1, D1)

Shooting Script & Floor plan

Task 6 (P1, M1, D1)

Risk Assessment

Task 7 (P1, M1, D1)

Evaluation

Our multi-camera production aimed to create a professional show that came in the form off our weekly broadcast ‘Friday World’. We produced various VT’s as well as assigned roles to each member off our team, mine being one of the cameramen. Our show ran smoothly and members of our team carried out their role perfectly, due to this I feel that our production was a success.

It was difficult to judge the audience reaction, as it was a live audience off over 200, however I personally spoke to a small handful of our primary audience members who all gave positive comments. Also, due to the overall reaction of the audience (Judged by laughter and dancing) and the comments I heard, I believe that the majority of our audience took the preferred reading.

The messages we gave out were mostly humours and light hearted, and gave out good vibes. Thus I feel our production was very positive. The locations that were chosen for our VT (which was a quick zombie news story) were very appropriate and realistic to the genre. We filmed in a local graveyard, which is very typical to the zombie survival genre. Also, the original footage was edited in Adobe After Effects to add special effects to make it look similar to a news story.

Technically our production was fine, aside from one unintentional error. The voices of our presenters were clear and loud enough for them to be audible to the crowd. However, one technical glitch caused the sound to be cut for a few seconds, which was unexplained so there is no way it could have been prevented. Regardless, we continued with the show. This kind of error is typical for live TV and can be viewed as a positive situation as it put is in a situation that our team had to deal with. The camerawork was spot on in my opinion, partially as I took the role of one of the cameramen and found the limited movement that I had to do easy. The close up shots that I had to perform were set up during the VT’s, so there wasn’t any pressure. The content of our show contained student made dramas, music videos, film trailers and our zombie new story. This is without a doubt enough variety to keep our primary target audience entertained.

Our production was similar to a professional production in a few ways, such as the way we organised our team and assigned roles to each member according to our skills and previous experience. Also, we were broadcasting to a live audience, which is an essential part of most professional multi-camera productions. On the other hand the amount of funding and a wider target audience will give professional productions a huge advantage. Narrative structures were applied to the single VT we filmed specifically for our show, an enigma was set up and played upon using a news broadcast style. Progressively the audience are introduced to the aspect of zombies.

Personally I feel that a played my part to the full, be in taking part is pre-production, such as filming the VT, too completing my role as cameraman. Having been a cameraman in previous tasks I did not encounter any problems, however this also means that I did not learn any new skills. I feel that everyone played a vital role in keeping the team together and achieving what we did. As with everyone in our team, each person’s role was small, but essential in getting to result we did.