Wednesday, 20 March 2019

single camera techniques

Single camera is a method used by filmmakers in genres such as comedy and drama. The single camera technique means that purely one camera is used in production, catching every shot and angle. If there is a scene that cuts from actor A to actor B back and forth, the director will point the camera towards actor A and run through the scene in this angle, before changing and doing the same with actor B. This technique can be seen in various sitcoms, however the best example can be seen in Peep Show. In this sitcom, the camera is continuously changing perspective from actor A to actor B, in a first person perspective. An example of this can be seen below.


Peep Show uses a form of single camera that differentiates from most sitcoms, it uses the POV shot (point of view) in the vast majority of its scenes. Peep show uses this angle, the point of view shot, to capture everything from a characters perspective. It is used to give the audience an idea that the person is cheek to cheek with the subject, and it gives an idea of what the subject is looking at during the point of shooting.

With single camera, there are many more close ups as opposed to tv shows and films that use multi camera, another example of a single camera show is The Big Bang Theory.


The advantages of camera techniques

Cost Benefits- Less equipment is required, therefore you don't have to fund extra equipment to purchase or hire. Including tripods, lenses and microphones. Therefore budgets can be achieved realistically, this is vital for projects with a small budget, for example, a corporate video. You're also saving money on staff wages, as less crew is required to operate the equipment. Facility hire is also cheaper, as less space will be required as less equipment is required, therefore bringing the price down.

Simplifying the filming process- The set ups in the filming process can be streamlined to make for a leaner shoot, in addition to this, you won't need to worry about extra cameras appearing in shots as the only camera on set is the one used for production. With multiple cameras they will require extra setup time to find the right lighting and angle.

Shots don't need to be shot in sequence- The most effective way to shoot is by doing shooting chronologically, and that can only be achieved in single camera production.

Exciting and stylised camera angles

More control from the director for every shot, as they get to decide what is best

The footage can be shot as and when needed so cast and crew are not hanging around

The lighting for each shot can be controlled as it is individual, therefore making for a more appropriate lighting scheme

The drawbacks of single camera productions:

Time consuming- You're limited to shooting only one angle at a time during single camera production , meaning multiple takes are required of the same shot in the same angle each time. It allows for greater control of lighting, however, it takes longer in production and in post production to assemble a sequence. In addition to this, the staging and framing must be done very carefully, to ensure continuity and careful matching during the editing process. If this isn't finely done, it may have to be repeated, dipping into further time that was allocated for other shots.

Challenging for actors- Single camera production may be challenging for actors as their actions may become less natural if they're required to engage with another actor on set as only one shot is filmed at a time, this impacts the flow of the piece, again, generally relating to being time consuming.

The length of filming and shooting could prove to be more expensive than multi camera

Errors with continuity are more frequent as opposed to multi camera

The filmed action can stop and start continuously, which may appear stunted

Shot framing
Point of view shot- This shot is typically used in sitcom 'Peep Show'. This shot is an unusual shot, and has been criticised from time to time. A point of view shot includes a person shooting a character with a camera strapped to their head to get in the right position. The point of view shot is typically a close up. The effect of a point of view shot is to show what the character is looking at.



Over the shoulder- An over the shoulder shot is taken from over the shoulder of a character. This type of shot is typically seen during a discussion in a movie, and will be followed by an establishing shot.



Establishing shot- This shot typically follows an over the shoulder shot, once a discussion ends and a new scene takes place. Although it is not as common in the modern era, it can still be seen. An establishing shot is generally an extreme long shot.



Shot reverse shot- A shot reverse shot is a shooting technique where one character is seen looking at the other character, which then reverses to the second character looking at the first character. This shot is typically seen during a heated discussion, which could include a negotiation.



180 degree rule- The 180 degree rule in a film relates to the relationship of two characters on set. The director positions the camera on an imaginary axis between two characters. The purpose of the 180 degree rule is to enable the audience to visually connect with unseen movement happening in and around the scene. This can be particularly important in scenes that include a battle.

Rule of thirds- The rule of thirds is a theory how an image or shot should be aesthetically pleasing once composed. The rule of thirds is more of a guideline than a rule, but helps to create the perfect outcome. This includes having 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines, the important elements are positioned accordingly.



Shot types

Establishing shot-  This shot typically follows an over the shoulder shot, once a discussion ends and a new scene takes place. Although it is not as common in the modern era, it can still be seen. An establishing shot is generally an extreme long shot.



Master shot- A master shot is a film recording of an entire dramatised scene, from an angle that keeps everyone in sight. An example of a master shot, could be 5 people playing cards, and everyone is kept in sight to see how they're playing and what they're doing. Another example could be a family having dinner round their table and having a discussion throughout.



Tracking shot- A tracking shot is where the camera follows the action that is unfolding, whether it is forwards, backwards or even following alongside the action. In many cases, tracking shots can be seen as a camera mounted onto a dolly that is placed on rails. In the scene below, the camera is tracking the child from behind as he makes his way down a hallway to make a discovery. The photo on the left is of the camera mounted onto a dolly.




Cut in/aways- A cutaway shot is a shot that can be seen very often on comedy show Family Guy. A cutaway would show a person talking about that has previously happened or is happening, and whilst the person is talking about what is happening, the cutaway would be the action taking place.






Shot framing

Wide shot- A wide/long shot is shows an entire object or human body, sometimes relating to its surroundings.










Medium shot- A medium shot in cinematography is typically a shot of a character from the waist above. They can be used to allow the viewer to pick up on any character movements and gestures that they make.














Close up- A close up in cinematography is a shot that tightly frames an object or person. The purpose of a close up is to show a persons emotion and details on their face.

Extreme close up- An extreme close up shot is a shot on the face, between the forehead and nose in most instances. The purpose of the shot, in many dramatic scenes, is to get up close and personal with the character to see their ultimate emotion. The picture below is seen from 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly'. It's taken from a scene where 3 characters are pointing guns at each other and ultimately, with the chance of death, this character is clearly nervous. This is clear through the use of an extreme close up.












Camera angles

Eye level- The purpose of an eye level camera angle is so that an actor can look into the camera without moving his/her eyes up or down, depending on whether they look into the lens. The eye level angle is very common, as it is emotionally neutral.



Birds/Worms eye- A birds eye angle is shot from high above, with the perspective through the eye of a bird. This angle shot would show something down below. The purpose of this shot could be to give the audience an introduction to a city where the action takes place, or where something is happening.



High angle- A high angle shot in cinematography is a technique where the camera looks down on the subject from high above and the point of focus gets 'swallowed up'. Given the right setting, for example, in a marvel film where a person is outnumbered, they may use a high angle shot to portray the character as vulnerable and powerless. The example picture i have used is from 'Jaws', and it gives the impression that the character is vulnerable and powerless as he is being attacked by the shark, and has little to no chance of survival.


Low angle- The low angle shot is opposed to that of the high angle shot. The purpose of the low angle shot is to give a sense that the character in focus is in control, they have power and will not be defeated. This shot is from the matrix, and the characters in focus look as if they're in control and mean business. A sense that they can't be defeated is present. 

Dutch tilt- A dutch tilt shot is deliberately slanted to one side and has a number of meanings behind it. The dutch tilt is used for dramatic effect and can be used to cause a sense of unease, disorientation and a cause of desperate action. The dutch tilt shot below is used below to show a sense of desperation from the character, you can infer this, not only from his facial expression, but from the cuts and scars that he has on his face.  













Camera movement
Dolly- A camera dolly is a wheeled cart, in some instances attached to a track, is used to create smooth, horizontal movements. The camera is mounted to a dolly which is pushed back and forth by the camera operator and assistant, to create the perfect movement.












Zooming- Zooming is a camera movement everyone is familiar with, it includes moving the focal length of the camera to make something appear closer or further away than it actually is.

Dolly zoom- The dolly zoom camera movement is an in-camera effect that deceives the audience in believing it undermines normal visual perception. The dolly zoom is achieved by zooming the lens to adjust the view while the camera dollies toward or away from the subject. This effect makes expands and stretches the background, however the subject will remain the same size throughout.




















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