Slide 2:

Single camera productions use a single camera for all of the various shots. Reasons for
using single camera is because it is low budget and is normally used for music videos,
prime time dramas, commercial advertisements and sitcoms. However, whilst using
single camera is more time consuming it. Gives directions and more control of each
shot. One camera will be used to film all the different shots rather than multi which
means lots of cameras are filming different types of shots. Multi camera i s a faster
method but with single camera production it gives the director more control over each
shot. Low budget, music videos, prime time dramas, commercial advertisements and
sitcoms all use single production

Slide 3:

Single Camera production is an increasingly popular film making style as both

technologies progresses and more and more filmmakers are picking up on the
techniques and advantages to working with a single camera setup. Primarily,
independent filmmakers and short film creators both commonly use single camera for
their productions for the simplicity. Working on a small low-budget production you
may not have the time or the people to set up multiple cameras and lighting rig, this
will take much more manpower as it would include a lot more crew on set, give the
director and cinematographer a lot more work having to control multiple cameras of
each camera. As opposed to single camera where they get full control over the scene,
the cinematography is more versatile because when you don’t have to worry about
getting in the way of anything, it is also a lot simpler and effective to set up a lighting
rig for one camera angle. Within single camera dramas they still tend to stick to the
majority of film codes and conventions and narrative theories apply.

Slide 4:

Low budget, the process is cheaper

It is easier to film in small spaces

Keeps equipment costs down which is handy for low budget productions

The crew costs are smaller due to the fact that there are fewer cameras

Easier to control aesthetics

Scenery can be read by one camera rather than several

Slide 5:

• May cross the 180-degree line

• May be filmed on one side of line
• Not as much coverage of each scene using single camera set-up
• May interfere with the contiguity of the emotional journey of actors
• With multi camera more likely to get the best performance
• Often means you film a scene out of sequence to save moving camera

You do not get as much coverage of each scene using single camera set up

Slide 6:

The prospect of single camera formats is simple. Single camera uses one camera.

Single camera formats give a director more control over a shot, however it is more
expensive and more time consuming as a shot has to be planned thoroughly giving
actors correct timing in which to step into a shot.

Single camera formats are often used in films having a various amount of tracking and
panning shots. They are useful in films as they circulate the room and set the scene for
the viewing audience.

Slide 7:

A single camera-either film or video-is employed on the set and shots are often taken
out of multiple camera formats are where as many as five cameras are used
simultaneously to catch the same action. The shots that are required are then selected
and put together during the editing process. British films use single camera techniques
a lot. A production using single camera format is generally used with just one camera
and is mostly used in dramas, documentaries and comedies. Each shot and camera
unlike a multi-camera format, where there is a camera for every angle and shot needed
in a particular scene, which they are then switched to show these different
perspectives. The choice of camera format can depend on what is been filmed such as
the genre.
Slide 11:

There are different types of narrative structures that are used in single camera
production, which is linear and nonlinear and they are important for defining the
genre, it also provides a template in film production. The reason why British films use
narrative structures is because it provides engagement with the audiences and it
ensures it attracts target audience.

Linear- The storyline will follow a straight line and it happens like a usual day so it
starts the programmer in day time and finish its at night time and it doesn’t have any
flashbacks.

Non-Linear- This follows a storyline but will often have flashbacks and remember a
time before this. It could happen during the night but then back to day time. Although
it is back and forth in other terms.

Flashback- This is when the scenes may not be set in the present time but the past and
it shows what has previously happened. This could be done to develop the characters
profile.

Single Stranded – This is when there is only one story running throughout the episode.
This structure is used when an important event has happened and the producers want
the audiences whole focus to be on this one event.

Closed/open Endings - Closed endings are when the episode has completely finished
and the next episode will start with something new rather than carrying on the same
storyline. Open ending narratives are when the episode leaves some questions for the
audience unanswered which is used to persuade the audience to come back and watch
the next episode.

Slide 12:

Single camera productions use only one camera, each shot and angle are all captured
on the same camera. But each shot has to be filmed in order to correspond with other
shots so these are arranged during editing, the way these filmed is non-linear and it
can be very hard to match reaction shots with dialogue shots in a conversation scene.

Camera:

• Close-up (for focus of the characters facial expressions)

• Mid-shot (from the knees and the upper part of the characters bodies
• Long shot (to see the whole of the character and some of the background.)
 • Extreme long-shot/establishing shot (see more than one characters, introduce a
new setting and for the audience to focus on the location).
• Zoom – to create disorientation for the audience to relate to the on-screen
characters emotion.
• Two shot – to include two characters in the same shot.

Lighting

The standard lighting setup is known as the three-point lighting.

There are three main lights which are involved:

• Key light
• Fill light
• Black light
• Lighting can be changed dramatically is one of these main lights are moved.
• If the key light is moved backwards, the image will not be as bright and if it is
moved to the left or right, it will produce more shadows.
• If the angle of the fill light is changed, the shadowing effect will not be created
so the fill light is usually aimed to be 15 or 25 degrees.
• The back lights main purpose is to separate the object from the backgr ound and
if this is moved, it can illuminate a small part of the background behind the
subject or create unwanted shadows.

Slide 13:

• Continuity editing – all the scenes are in chronological order and transitions
flow smoothly.
• Match on action - a scene will change with the action.
• Shot reverse shot – Dialogue scenes tend to use this editing transitions as the
camera will face towards a character then will cut to face the other characters
talking.
• Split screen – this is used typically to focus more closely as the important
moments of the scene.
 • Montage – This is where a series of short clips are edited together, usually to
speed up the cinematic time.
• The disadvantage is that more takes are required and repetition of the same
scene multiple times for each angle can be stressful and, in some cases, boring.

Slide 15:

During this film there are different camera techniques which are used. For instance, as
this is a drama film there are close-ups used to enhance the visual facial expressions of
each character. It also links back to the film using individual techniques to create
meaning for the audience. As there is a lot happening in this movie the audie nce needs
to be able to understand the storyline and having close ups, medium shots and extreme
close ups ensures that they do. Linear structure ensures a clear understanding for the
audience.

The single camera production in this film engages the audience and also the narrative
provides clear understanding about the storyline for the audience as it is easy to get
lost while watching a movie. Single camera technique provides a cheaper budget whilst
producing this film.

Slide 16:

This documentary does use different types of camera techniques. For instance, as this
is a documentary, there are POV shots used to make the audience feel like they are with
Shawn Mendes backstage. The documentary uses individual techniques to create
meaning for the audience. As there is a lot happening in Shawn Mendes’s life and the
audience need to understand what is like being a big popstar today. Having POV shots,
close ups and medium shots ensures they do understand it. The single camera
production in this film engages the audience and also makes them feel like they are
there with Shawn Mendes backstage. Single camera technique provides a cheaper
budget whilst producing this documentary.