Multi-Camera Case Study (A+B) Task 1

Multi-Camera Case Study

 Part A

The Multi-Camera technique is a method of filmmaking which uses several cameras employed on the set and record at the same time.

These cameras would often be fixed into position, as it would be easier to cut from one camera to another.

For instance, camera 1 and 4 – the outer cameras – usually shoot close-ups of the two most active characters on set, (A and B) while the central cameras – 2 and 3 – shoot at a wider shot to capture the overall action, and get a view of the geography of the room.

This way, multiple shots are obtained in one single take, without having to stop and start the action, giving directors and producers more freedom in the choices of shots that they can use.

The multi-camera technique is mainly used for live events – such as the Olympic Games – to cover all of the action that takes place. It makes many productions seem more interesting, from the varied points of view, and that the use of camera angles are pleasing to the eye.

Multi-Camera is both more aesthetic and practical than single camera, from the visuals of the show, to the easy manageable time constraints.

There are, however, some disadvantages of multi-camera. The process of setting up the equipment can be a lot more time consuming that single camera production, and it also costs more money. The location may be a problem too. As a viewer, you may be able to see a camera and its equipment in a certain shot, which is sometimes unavoidable due to the setup used.

 

Every day we watch multi-camera productions without even thinking about it. The evening news, talk shows, sitcoms sporting events and are all shot with multiple cameras that are connected to a video mixer and mixed onto a single tape. A director may have dozens of camera shots from which to choose. The production team considers every possible angle so they can capture every moment. With multiple cameras, there's less of a chance to miss any action.

Multi-Camera in Live Events

The use of Multi-Camera in live events is to offer viewers multiple angles and to capture all the action, which might be missed when using single camera. The cameras are controlled through a vision mixer to follow what is going on. Concerts, stage productions, and most public events are examples of live events which use multi-camera techniques.  

 

My example is Glastonbury 2011; a concert in which Multi-Camera is used for all the acts. In the first minute or so, the show used around 7 cameras.

The second camera, uses close up shot of the lead singer. This then follows him around for the duration of the gig. The mixer will flip to this camera when the singer is most/more active than the rest.

Next, a wide shot of the band, which expands to show that the camera is behind the audience. This shot captures everything from a distance. While the others focus up on each individual action.

 

Then, a separate camera shows another singer, much like camera two, although begins to zoom out to capture more of the stage later on in the show.

Again, a separate camera films another on stage. This time it is of the drummer, so the camera doesn’t have to move.

 

Multi-Camera in Studio Productions

Many studio-based dramas and comedies rely on the audience’s reaction for effect, these shows have the use of Multi-Camera.

Shows like this also employ multi-camera to create a continuous theme in the shots.

Studio-based productions – such as game shows, chat shows, and studio based drama – are filmed using the Multi-Camera technique.

My example is Alan Carr, Chatty Man; a chat-show that employs the use of multi-camera techniques. Around 4 separate cameras were used in the introduction sequence. While the interview is in progress, some cameras switch around to film the guests.

 The first camera is a crane, which establishes the full stage, and zooms in toward any celebrity guests who walk down the stage stairs. This camera also films the audience when needed.

 The second camera is fixed into the stage stairs, which shows the presenter (Alan Carr) from behind, and the audience’s reactions to the presenter. This camera is rarely used as it doesn’t catch much action, since not much can be captured here.

The third is a side view of Alan, which moves around in from of the audience. This camera is frequently used as it can capture more action than some others.

Shot four is from behind the audience, which captures the full stage, and most of the audience on set. This produces a sense that viewers watching are on the set.

Later on in the show, the camera plan changes master shot, so that the audience get a better view of the interview. These shots include a overall view of both the celebrities.

Then two separate cameras shoot close ups of them, which are only used when an important/long piece of dialogue is being spoken by them.

Part B

Multi-Camera Case Study – Chat Show
This will be an illustrated case study of a multi-camera production of a Chat show, (Alan Carr – Chatty Man) and analyse the use of multi-camera within it.Multi-Camera is often used in chat shows for the things that can only be shot once. For instance, certain celebrity guests may express emotions that can only be captured first hand, and would not be as emphasized if shot multiple times. By using multi-camera, Chat Shows can display each piece of action from a variety of shots. These shots are aesthetic and can make the show slightly more interesting to watch than a single camera production.

At the start of the show, the production uses an establishing shot of the stage; showing where the action is going to be happening, and also the audience on set.

This shot is on a crane camera, it slowly moves in to reveal the star of the show, Alan Carr. This camera is mainly used as an introduction, though it is sometimes used on the audience, if they need to be involved. 

A few minutes later, a new camera is introduced, which focuses on capturing a wide shot of Alan, as he walks about and speaks to the audience; which makes it seem like you’re watching him from the set itself. This camera would most likely be on a track, which moves horizontally in front of the audience. It is then later on used to create a master shot on Alan and his celebrity guests.

This camera is placed behind the sets audience, once again giving the TV audience a sense that they are in the studio.

Once the show has been introduced, a guest star will arrive, which begins the interview. A shot like this is important to deploy as it shows all the coverage of action. A shot like this is usually followed by two separate cameras which take close ups of each person.

The full version of this episode has been linked below. My analysis only covered the first 2-4 minuetes of the show. Chatty Man uses the same technique throughout its show.

Wikipedia (2013) Multi-Camera Setup [Online] Available from:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple-camera_setup. [Accessed: 19th October 2013]

Youtube (2013) Alan.Carr.Chatty.Man.S04E10.WS.PDTV.XviD-aAF [Online] Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BljebTh19oA. [Accessed: 17th October 2013]

Youtube (2011) Chase & Status perform Blind Faith at Glastonbury 2011 [Online] Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN46c6_ptVY. [Accessed: 17th October 2013]

Blog (2000) The Multi-Camera Shoot [Online] Available from http://www.videomaker.com/article/7725-the-multi-camera-shoot [Accessed 16th January 2014]

Website (2009) Multi Camera Solutions [Online] Available from http://www.multicamerasolutions.co.uk/ [Accessd 16th January 2014]

Wiki (2008) TV IV [Online] Available from http://tviv.org/Multi-camera [Accessed 16th January]