single camera techniques report

Single camera production is using the same camera to capture various shots and angles using the same camera. The camera is moved and reset to get each shot and angle. If in a scene between to conversing actors, first it will face actor A, then to actor B once he speaks, and it will keep rotating back and forth till the end of the scene. Then in post production then can decide to choose when who the camera will be facing. It could face actor A as actor B is listening, or face actor B as they are listening and actor A is speaking.

The single-camera setup was developed in Hollywood cinema in the 1910s and has remained the standard mode of production for cinema; in television, both single cameras and multiple-camera productions are common.

Single camera production

Multiple camera production

Multiple-camera setup consists of multiple cameras arranged to capture all of the different angles of a scene simultaneously, and the set must be lit to accommodate all camera setups concurrently. This is different as multi-camera production generally results in faster but less versatile videography, however the single-camera setup is more time-consuming but will give the director more control over each shot.

5 Advantages of single camera techniques

• It's cheaper than multiple camera techniques. This is because less equipment is required i.e cameras, tripods, lenses, etc.
• Because less equipment is required it allows budgets to be achieved easier. This is it important for smaller budget projects, corporate video, less commercial material productions.
• Due to there being less equipment there is also less staff needed to operate, saving costs in wages.
• Another benefit is that filming is more simple. As you won't need to worry about additional cameras appearing in the shot.
• Also with single camera technique it is not always essential to have all actors available at any one time. This will help if reshooting is needed.

5 Disadvantages of single camera techniques

• Using single camera production you are limited by the fact you can only film one angle at a time. This means multiple individual takes are required for a variety of camera angles in the final edit. Which means it will take longer in both production and post production to assemble a suitable sequence.
• There is a potential that it will be more challenging for actors as they will have less natural reactions. This is due to only one actor being filmed at a time.
• Due to shots being taken one at a time, careful staging and framing must take place. This is to ensure continuity and care matching in the editing process. This means it will take longer to film and edit.
• Sometimes can be longer than multi camera production due to the length of filming.
• Continuity errors are more frequent.

Single camera production in drama's
Luther uses single camera production. Drama's are similar to film as in they are very popular with single camera technique, it's purpose is to entertain. Drama's have started to rival films in popularity. They feature smaller casts and have less pressure in terms of time constraints of production. Single camera is ideal for drama's as there is a lot of different locations, so there is less costs needed for setting up when moving locations.

Luther uses a lot of techniques with a single camera such as over the shoulder shot, which is effective in drama as it tells you who is in the conversation and who is the focus. Close-ups are used a lot too which is effective for showing emotion, which is key in drama.
Single camera production in corporate videos
This example of a corporate video is a short film made to promote a business. They are often made in vocational surroundings, so there is a need for flexibility/ability to work in non-designed spaces. They often use voiceover and imagery. They also often use static single camera with a one lighting set up. Since a lot of corporate videos are low-budget single camera is ideal as it isn't expensive to set up and requires less crew to film.

Camera techniques used for soap operas

Friends 1994 is a show that used multi camera technique.The show is made to entertain. It repeats the same locations, which is effective for multi camera as it is easier for setting up multiple cameras since you will need to set up less.Soap operas feature lots of conversations so there is no surprise that over the shoulder shots are used frequently in Friends. 

Modern Family 2009 is a recent example of a sitcom that uses single camera technique. It uses various locations, which is ideal for single camera techniques as less time for set up is needed.
Modern Family frequently has 'interviews' with the family. This helps as single camera technique is ideal for interviews as the setup is super simple, and other angles are not needed in interviews.

Camera techniques used for horrors
In Jaws 1975, a very popular horror film, this camera technique was used. This technique is called 'Dolly Zoom'. It is done by moving the camera backwards whilst zooming in. The technique tells the audience that the character has realized there is danger. It gives an effect of panic/fear.
Camera movement for single cameras
Panning in films is a popular technique for single cameras. It is used to show the surroundings so the viewer knows what is in the area.
Using dolly's for movement is a popular technique in films it allows you to track movement without the camera seeming shakey.
Body cams are also used often in chase scenes and are effective of getting a close-up of the characters face whilst being chased to show the characters face expression.