Blog report on single camera Techniques

Advantages and Disadvantages.

The advantages of a single camera is that it’s very cheap because you are only using one camera, where as if It was to be multi cameras you would have to spend more money and it will take longer to set up the equipment. Single camera is quick to set up, that means you have more shooting hours. Single camera allows you to create tension and mystery. Single camera also allows you to keep to a story path. Some disadvantages of using a single camera is that it takes longer to plan, as u can only take one shot at a time, not only that but when it comes to editing it will take longer as you want everything to look the same. If this was to be a multi camera it would be done quicker. Another disadvantage of using a single camera is that you cannot always capture every angle; this is where a multi-cam comes in. A disadvantage for a multi-cam is when you have multiple cameras is a scene, but you’ll catch the other camera in the background, that is why single camera is preferred in most cases. Multi-cam allows swift continuity.

  

Comparison

Multi-cam are used in sports, talk shows, game shows and live events, where things cannot be played over again, it is only a one shot thing.

Now if we look at the Jeremy Kyle show, this live event uses Multi-cam. we can tell that this uses a multi-cam, how do we know that? because the cameras are setup is specific positions to capture the object, so its able to switch from one to another, covering all angles. if this was to be a single camera they would have to keep repeating it and having loads of different set ups which is eating away time, where as because its a multi-cam its done there and then, as its a live event. Multi-cam also covers all the aspects and different types of shots in this live show. This is shot as a live event, the audience watching it on Tv will be carried along with the event, as the camera cuts from one person to another, it will make them feel as if they are actually there watching it live.

This is a game-show, then again we can see that this uses Multi-cam, as it is moving at a fast pace and the cameras are able to capture everything that happens accurately. Different cameras had different focuses, you can see some cameras did wide shots, Master shots and also extreme close ups on the characters to show their facial expressions and emotions.

In this Doctor Who episode single camera is used. single camera was used specifically to capture facial expressions and is able to use different types of shots. As the Doctor is on his knees and the woman is above, that is called a 'low Angle' this suggest that the woman has more power and control over the doctor. The way the camera is positioned is usually linked to feelings. You could not have a multi-cam in this Tv series as it would be in shot, and it will just flop the whole thing. That is why single camera would be rather suited for certain types of Tv series/ films.

single camera is good for capturing types of shots. For a wide shot you cannot have a multi-cam, as the cameras would be in vision of the camera that is focusing on the main subject. we used an extreme close up, this shows the characters face and their facial expression it also gives us an insight as to what they might be thinking. Also there was pan movement, now this is focusing on the main object and moving along with them, but only moving the camera left or right or doing a full 360. the purpose of a pan movement is to capture the object in action. over the shoulder shot is used to portray the 180 degree rule which we used. A long-shot is showing how small the object is compared to the location, this will make the object feel small and less significant as the audience would be focusing more on the background and location.

Formats
A serial is where a show starts the next episode where they left off from the last episode. Serials are usually 3-5 episodes. All the characters are seen to be playing a video game, in the beginning of the second episode it starts off with them still playing the video game. 

A series is when a programme is focused on different characters, and every episode will be on a different story. An example of this is shown in skins, this very episode is focused on the guy with the hat, and the next episode will be focused on any of the other characters.

Single drama are usually used in movies. It focuses on only on one character and it follows their story from beginning to end, this is based on real life things, this could be period dramas or documentary. An example of this would be Batman, as the story only focuses on him as he is the main character all throughout the movie.

Narrative

A linear narrative is when an event is portrayed in chronological order, this is also known as the 3 act structure. The advantage of a linear is that you know where to go next, as well as knowing that it is going to have a beginning and an en ending. The main purpose behind linear is for the audience to create sympathy for the character and also so focus on the characters life, and no one else. This tells a story about the man and his wife, in a normal way of how life goes.

Open narrative always has many characters and no foreseeable ending. A good example of open narrative is soap operas such as Eastenders and Hollyoaks. They are usually multi-stranded and in chronological order or in a real time sequence. An open narrative is more than one story line.

A realist narrative is something that can been seen in real life, something that could really take place in reality, where as a anti-realist narrative is something that makes the audience laugh and something that is not real that does not happen in reality. Doctor who is an example of an ANTI-REALIST NARRATIVE, as the events to not ever take place in reality, the main purpose is to create a sense of humor.

Closed narrative are tight the audience is aware that they are watching a complete story so therefore reading with a likely end in mind, often the audience are left  to make judgments of the characters identifying narrative roles such as a hero, villain or victim. Times and events are usually special to this particular story and not linked to the outside world.

Single stranded only include plotlines through out the entire episode. An example of this would be Breaking Bad. The main idea of this, is for the audience to follow the story of the main character, from the start to finish of all episodes.

Multi Stranded, this means that all different types of narratives are shadowing each other all at the same time, this is usually common in television shows such as Holby city and the Bill. An example of this would be Love, which stars Mr bean. There are a range of stories in this, but they all link to each other at the end of the series.

Lighting

Lighting is key in any film or television production. lighting gets the audiences attention as it gives them on what to focus on and what not to focus on, it shows them what is significant in the scene and what they should be more conspired about.

mastershot/dept of field

Depth of field is when, the background is blurred out, this allows the audience to focus on the subject or the character. The purpose of Depth of field is that it highlights the object and makes them significant. I did not use this in my webisode, but for future i will ensure i use this, as it will make my webisode better.

Shot reverse

This is used in the start of the scene as we can see the characters talking to each other, this is also linked to the 180 degree rule. This is between two characters, that is taken from an over the shoulder shot, this also has the other character in view. I did not use this in my webisode as there was snot enough planning.

180 degree rule

180 rule is when focusing on the key characters that are or 'may' be having a conversation. it is used in the start of the scene when the two characters are talking, and they are based on the line of action.

Master Shot/building a sequence

A Master shot is when everyone is in the scene at the same time. They used a mastershot at the start of the scene, this could be used to shown tension and also suspense.

Different camera shots

There are a range of different camera shots. There are close ups, this shows us the characters facial expressions or focuses on a subject. They have a master shot, which captures all the characters in a wide space, this creates tension and suspense. They also used a Two shot this establishes a relationship between the two characters. I used most of these shot types in my webisode.

Shot types

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z03gjEedbZg&feature=youtu.be link for the single camera. i did it this way because the embedded link was not working.

Timmy, Daniel , Maya , Tam ( Thriller)

Mystery man

Preproduction Report On Web-serial

In order for me to produce my web-serial there are several things that I will cover, it will prove to be a challenge but I believe it will be overcome. Kick starter will finance my project as they would love to bring my idea to the real world. My budget requirements will include equipments, talent, materials, and crew production. There is no money spent on getting a camera as the college would be providing that for me out of their own kindness, so that cuts down a lot. Transport would not be included as much, as most of my crew has free oyster cards to travel around. Despite the fact that my friends are a part of my crew, I would hire one and only one highly skilled camera man just to keep things on the watch, I am looking to hire him 3 hours a day, 5 times a week, averagely this would cost me 298pounds a week. Facility hire, would be free as the college has a studio which I can use to edit or do other things in there. My web-serial only involves around 20 people max; this will make it easier for me to organize them. I will have a sheet of cast separate from the crew; this will allow me to see who is doing what and who is not doing anything at the particular time. Depending on when the camera and stand is booked depends on when we can shoot, the college has enough cameras and stand so I don’t think this would be much of a problem for me and my crew.

We will book for all the equipment we need a week in advance so we are first on the list to collect. Thinking about it, the size of my team may be around 18. I will have 3/4 members setting up the lighting and costume, 3 people on the camera this includes the highly skilled worker,  3 cleaners to clear up after each scene so that the location is clear and ready for the next shoot as quickly as possible, keeping in mind that the quicker this works the less I would have to pay the crew as they would do only short hours. And whatever what is left I will assign my crew to different allocated areas. I’m sure the college will provide us with lenses, reflectors and tripods but as for the other equipment all together I am looking about 765pounds as these bits are very expensive. I am going to need lots of lights as in my web there are series of flash backs and the lighting creates the effect and atmosphere. The college studio will b where all the editing is done, but I will then hire a pro editor to overview it and see if anything needs changing on improving. I only need him/her for an hour just for a brief overview this will cost me around 150pounds as he is key and highly significant.

As a team we will meet up and all split into different groups to find suitable locations to shoot the web-serial, also not only that I will hire a online worker to give us a hand, and this will cost me 200pounds every week but that depends on the amount of hours he does. We will try as much to shoot in film free locations, this means that we do not have to pay but only have to take permission to be able to shoot in the location. Depending on our location of shoot, we will have to be weary of the public, as if we are doing serious/dangerous stunts it might cause a scene and we do not want that. This means any loud explosions or loud magnitude noises would have to be added on Macs (logic pro) and this will be free as we have macs in college. Also again depending on the location most of my crew can travel for free as they have oyster cards, I would say only 20% of my crew would have an issue getting to the location, this means I would have to fund them with about 80 pound top up each to get around and about. Bringing the equipment on site, no problem for the camera as it will only be a single camera; this can be put inside a bag or sports bag. As for the other big equipment I will hire a van to bring it on site and this usually tends to go about 50-80 pounds depending on the size of the equipment.

To keep everyone safe during filming we would have police in-place to keep the public out of bounds of the area so that no one gets hurt that way we don’t get blamed for anything. But even before all of this I would have to ask the local council for permission to shoot, which is Greenwich council. After shooting I would take my web to the BBFC to make checks and clarification that it is suitable for a audience of 15 and above, that way I know my web is set and ready to be broadcasted. The only thing that makes this slightly easier is that my team live close there will not be a problem meeting up, only 2% of them would have to do a little bit more travelling.