Unit 1 - Single camera production/ types of production

Single camera production 

What is a single camera production?

Single camera production is a method of film making and video production. A single camera is when each shot is taken individually. Single camera productions are mostly used in low budget films or music videos. When using a single camera it tends to be moved around a lot so when filming the cameraman  get the characters playing at a different angle. The picture to the right is an example of what a single camera would look like on set. 

Single camera productions have a few techniques when being used. Such as camera angles. Camera angles are important in a single camera production as only one camera is being used. This one camera would need to take different angles as there wont be many camera in different places like in a multi camera. When using a single camera there are three camera angles which are mainly used. These consist of close-up, medium close-up and long shot. 

Another technique which would be used in a single camera production is mise-en-scene. When applied to film mise-en-scene refers to everything that appears before the camera and its arrangement - composition, sets, props, actors, costumes and lighting. For example, because only one camera is used the cameraman can focus on the actor doing that scene. The camera will immediately highlight specific things we would take for granted when watching a movie. Like the lighting. lighting helps to create a certain mood and if this is used when doing a scene it keeps the audience entertained and makes them feel sad,angry or happy. This is why single camera is favored as it helps to make the scene look real. 

Benefits of a single camera

-  More aesthetic control; lighting and sound for each shot, enhances the detail and excitement 

- Don't need both actors on set at the same time; film the shots for one whilst the other is in their trailer and vice versa. 

- Practicality; you aren't limited on how much space you need to set up your shot

- Portability; able to move around with the camera. There's no hassle with bumping in other camera or taking too much space as there is only one being used. 

Disadvantages of a single camera  

- Time; you can only get one angle at a time, so people would spend more editing each shot

- Because of all the film will be from one camera, all of the outtakes and mistakes will have to be sorted out over time

- Only having one camera means you will have to keep setting it up and taking it down when changing scenes

- Repetition; repeat the same shot three times to get each angle as you can only get one at a time

How does it impact the audience?

When using a single camera it is easier to engage with the audience. There aren't a lot of camera’s around and using only one can help build up a scene. For example, if there were a sad moment, using a single camera helps to make the scene look realistic. This is because there is only one camera focuses on the scene. This would help to make the audience sad and maybe even cry at the events happening

Types of single camera production

Film producers usually use single camera production for a range of shooting. It usually falls under different types of production such as music videos, talk shows, a few sitcoms, quiz shows and finally soap operas.

Here are a few types of productions that would use a single camera:

Sherlock Holmes (BBC ONE)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnYs3Zesxyg

This is a screenshot of a single camera being used. I choose this specific shot because the single camera is able to make the scene look intense and dangerous. This is what is good at using a single camera, as the camera isn’t at different angles, this shot makes the scene look realistic and intense. Something a single camera can only do.

Even though using a multi camera is good for interviews a single camera can also be good when doing an interview. While using a multi camera is better it can increase cost and complexity. With a single camera there is more space to move around, you are able to focus on the person. For example, if there is an emotional scene we are able zoom in and get a better look at the person's face. Although when using a single camera you have to stop and change angle, it can benefit the person being interviewed as they can have a break and have time to have breather before going back. 

Comi-con panel

A panel. This is when people from different TV shows are interviewed and give spoilers about their shows. This is shot with a single camera. Throughout the panel we only focus on the actors/actress on. The camera doesn't move much unless it is going to a different person. However, this is good to use and usually there are a lot of people who attend these panels and with only using one camera there isn't a lot of space being taken. However, using a single camera for a panel can be very difficult as seen above we only get to see the actors/actresses. We don't get to see the audience which can be annoying for the audience watching as sometimes the audiences are given complimented for their dressing up but we don't get to see. It's not like factor where we can see the audiences in the backgrounds reactions to certain things which may make the panel boring. Finally, the camera cannot get everyone in so the cameraman has to keep on changing angles when somebody new speaks. 

Reference 

https://prezi.com/rmqe0txwzgrm/single-camera-production/

http://singlecameraproductiondavekpenyong.blogspot.co.uk/

http://mml3srbrocklehurst.blogspot.co.uk/p/single-camera-production.html