Single Camera Techniques

 In this essay I will be addressing how camera, lighting, sound and editing are used in a single camera production and explain why they are used. I will also be covering how and why do certain genres and formats lend themselves to single or multi-camera production as well as how single camera productions differ from multi-camera techniques.

Camera
Single camera productions are filmed using one camera however they do on occasion shoot with more than one camera but only if there is a difficulty with a scene such as one with a stunt or heavy dialogue. There is often a favor of single camera productions as you have more control over the camera and allows you to shoot anywhere as well as give you the ability to set up each and every shot individually. However, single camera productions require entire scenes as well as sections of scenes to be acted over and over so that the director can capture that scene from various angles and shot lengths which then makes filming more expensive(if filming onto actual film as film stock is expensive) but it does allow actors to get into character. However using a single camera is more time consuming.

Lighting
When it comes to lighting in a single camera production it is far easier to control as you can light each shot individually and is far more intricate and adds to the tone and style of individual scenes. Most if not all single camera productions will use a three point set up since it is the best way of lighting the subject and the scene. However when shooting with multiple cameras the light must be adequate for each shot, this can result in scenes being flat and unvaried.

Sound
In a single camera production, a single central or directional microphone will suffice. when recording the sound in a single camera production it is important to allow some overlap between the start of the sound and when the recording begins. this technique is done because of how frequently the camera will start and stop so the microphone will start recording a few seconds before the take starts to ensure there are no jumpy transitions.  In a multi camera production it can be acceptable to show microphones in a scene since a lot of multi camera productions are talk or quiz shows which don't have a narrative or rely on suspension of disbelief.

Editing

In single camera productions some scenes will be shot multiple times at different angles and accounting for any retakes and outtakes there ends up being a lot of footage which means a lot of work for the editor. However, single camera productions are far more cheaper to produce since only one camera is running therefor a lot less footage is wasted than a multi camera production. Single camera production can only be edited in post unlike some multi camera productions which can be 'edited' while they are being recorded an example of this is that the Jeremy Kyle show can switch between cameras to show a different angle or location instead of moving the camera.

Single camera genres and formats

Period/costume drama

A costume drama or period drama is a period piece in which elaborate costumes, sets and properties are featured in order to capture the ambiance of a particular era. The term is usually used in the context of film and television. It is an informal, crossover term that can apply to several genres but is most often heard in the context of historical dramas and romances, adventure films and swashbucklers. The implication is that the audience is attracted as much by the lavish costumes as by the content. Period television shows are often single camera in order to fully capture the sets and give better control of the lighting to enhance the atmosphere. One example of a period/costume drama that uses a single camera set up is Downton Abbey.

Crime Drama

Crime dramas focus on the lives of criminals. The stylistic approach to a crime film varies from realistic portrayals of real- life criminal figures, to the far-fetched evil doings of imaginary arch-villains. Criminal acts are almost always glorified in these movies. The popularity of TV brought about the emergence of TV series featuring detectives, investigators, special agents, lawyers, and the police. Low key lighting is very important for crime dramas as it helps set the scene and create a dark atmosphere for the show. Low key lighting is a lot easier when using single camera set ups hence why most crime dramas use them. One example of a crime drama that is a single camera production is Luther.

Horror

Horrors are often single camera since they want to the audince to feel closer to the action and dont want to get the 'flat' feeling that inherently comes with multi camera set up. Especially in found footage horror movies, single camera is used since it is onle one camera that the character is using in the diagesis of the film/television show. One example of a single camera horror is the Blair Witch Project.

Comedy

Comedy is a genre of theatre, film, and television that combines elements of comedy and drama, having both humorous and sometimes serious content. depending on the type of the show, comedies can either use single or multi camera set ups. For example, sitcoms filmed in front of a live studio audience such as friends and the Big Bang Theory are often filmed using multi camera set ups to work around the set and to help produce them at a faster rate. However comedies such as Malcolm In The Middle  use single camera set ups since their sets are real places rather then studio lots.

Soap Opera

A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an on-going, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. These early radio series were broadcast in weekday daytime slots, usually five days a week, when most listeners would be housewives; thus the shows were aimed at and consumed by a predominantly female audience. Soap operas are mainly single camera productions since they need to be produced so quickly, For example, one british soap opera that uses a multi camera set up is Eastenders.

Multi camera techniques 

Multi camera techniques differ from single camera techniques in a few ways, For example, multi camera productions dont take as long to film since they do not have to re-position the camera so frequently. However, multi camera productions can cost a lot more since there are more than one camera running at a time, although this means that is can be produced at a much quicker rate. 

Overall there is no way of saying that one technique is better than the other due to the fact that they both have their advantages and disadvantages.