Unit 22- Multi Camera Techniques

Task 1: (P1, M1, D1)

Define Multi-camera techniques through a written report or an audio-visual presentation

Single camera format is when one singular camera is the only camera used for all the shots used in a production. The director hs the authority to use long or short takes of footage and when to stop filming so that the angle of the shot can be changed. For example switching from a close up angle to an establishing shot. The multiple camera format is when a group of cameras are used simultaneously and therefore capture the same footage but from different angle. The shots are then viewed and the ones that are appropriate for use are selected and put together when the footage is edited.

The advantages of the multiple camera format is that there is a wide variety of different shots, therefore this will make the production more varied and makes the film or television programme more exciting to watch and also gives the end production a more professional edge. However the disadvantages of the multiple camera formats are that the editing process may take longer because of having to look through all of the different angles of footage and decide which angle would suit the production the best. On the other hand, the advantages of the single camera format is that depending how the camera is used it can adopt different effects, for example a professional movie or a TV series which is supposed to look amateur. The disadvantage of the single camera technique is that it is not as adventurous as a multi-camera production as there is not as much variety in comparison between the two different formats.

Examples of multi-camera productions are typically talk shows such as 'Loose Women' and 'Jeremy Kyle'. This is because a close up shot can be used to capture the host's, guests or a member of the audiences’ reaction to what has been said. An example of a single camera production is The Office; this is because the programme is meant to have an amateur edge to it.

Task 2: (P1, M1, D1)

Create a written report or an audio-visual commentary for several shows which explain the various techniques used in the clips.

Task 3 (P1, M1, D1)
Watch the clips and explain how the clips communicate meaning to the viewer and maintain viewers’ interest

Kraftwerk Awards Show

This clip often zooms out into an establishing shot of the stage where the band are performing, which signifies to the reader that the performance is to an audience and that the band are at an awards show event. To keep the audience interested in the performance a variety of camera angles are used such as close up, establishing, and mid-point shots. This makes the audience feel like they are in the actual audience and are literally watching the performance from the venue instead of in their homes. The constant change of angle makes the performance more interesting and different whereas the performance would be viewed as boring if the establishing shot was the only shot used throughout the performance.

Roberto Cavalli Fall Winter 2009/2010

The typical camera conventions of a fashion show are the establishing shot at the end of the runway; this also doubles as a long shot of the models which enables the audience to the models designer outfit from head to toe without missing any elements such as the shoes. The camera also then switches to a close up of the models feet and then pans slowly up her body until eventually reaching her face; this gives the audience an insight into the detail which is on the clothing or accessories. Both of these conventions help to communicate the meaning of the footage to the audience. Although the camera work doesn’t make the footage particularly interesting as not a wide variety of shots are used, I think the basic fashion show principal of using a selection of different models makes the show fun to watch, also I think that as an individual you have to be interested in fashion to be interested in such a programme or event.

“The Scream of Science” BBC Formula 1 2009

By using shots such as a close up of a racing cars tyre this shows the audience the meaning behind the programme which they are about to watch. The change of shots keep the viewer interested in the programme as it is quick and fast paced which may connote that an exciting show will follow this. This is also similar to a racing car it’s self as they are very intricately designed to drive at extremely high speeds. A variety of zooming techniques show the cars in detail, which is interesting for viewers that have a deep interest of passion about the topic of Formula One and racing in a general overview.

Match of the Day 2008/2009

The beginning of the clip shows Barclays Premier League that is digitally projected on to the screen, this displays the information, which the viewers want to find out about in a clear and precise format. This communicates the meaning of the programme to the viewer; another way that this is achieved is by the shots of presenters such as Garry Lineker speaking in front of the football field. The quick montage of various football related footage keeps the viewer interested due to the fast change of clips. Towards the end of the clip the names of the months are displayed on the bottom of the screen, this keeps the audience interested as they can view the football highlights of each month. This achieves both the primary purpose, inform and also the secondary purpose to entertain simultaneously.

Task 4: Produce a mind-map of ideas

Task 5: Create a production table which states the equipment which is required.

Task 6: Create a final shooting script and floor plan for your multi-camera programme

Final Shooting Script:

Floor Plans:

Task 7: Complete the relevant risk assessment form

Task 8: (P1, M1, D1)
Final multi-camera-drama


FRIDAY WORLD WAS RECORDED AS EVIDENCE.

Task 9: (P1, M1, D1)

Evaluation.

The purpose of our multi-camera drama, was to entertain a live audience as the project was to broadcast a live episode of Friday World. The primary target audience of our Friday World was school students in years 7-13. The secondary target audience was teachers of the school. To make the programme connect with the audiences we ensured that we used footage that included both audience groups. By using this technique we achieved the purpose of our multi-camera drama.

We asked our primary target audience for feedback after watching the programme and they gave us feedback such as “I enjoyed the show because it entertained me and I found the content funny.” “I liked the music videos because they were recent and appealed to everyone.” and “it lightened my mood after I had a bad morning.” By receiving comments such as these I can be certain that our preferred reading was met and therefore as a result of this we achieved our main aim. By including a student-made music video of Amarillo starring the schools teachers this gave the students the opportunity to see the teachers in a different light which went down well especially with the younger students of the school.

Our program was a completely positive episode of Friday World because we decided that after a mornings worth of lessons the students want to be entertained and not bored with depressing footage about bullying or fighting. The location of the multi-camera set up was a TV studio in the school simply for the reason that all the professional equipment was available to us in that room. As a method of keeping the audience interested and entertained we used a wide variety of camera shots. However as I was a vision mixer I received clear instructions as to what shot to change to at what time and luckily there was no mistakes in regards to that. The only mistake was when a microphone of one of the presenters battery died, however the presenter with the working microphone managed to pick up on the complication and took over presenting that specific link. Apart from this minor incident the Friday World episode tan smoothly with no other complications or issues.  

The personal development that I experienced was learning how to use the vision mixer effectively as I had no previous experience with this. However I have developed my skills in a positive way and feel confident enough to do it again.