Unit 22 P1 - Single Camera Techniques

Single camera is a technique of film making or video production. It is when one camera is filming the
same thing a different amount of times. This could be a motion picture camera or a professional
video camera. This is used on the set so each shot will be done independently. The single-camera
setup provides the director extra control over each shot, but is more time consuming and expensive
than multi camera. The single camera shot can be switched by stopping the actors when filming and
moving the camera and starting the action again. A benefit of single camera is that directors believe
it seems more real to the audience. Furthermore it has a better effect on them making it easier to
relate to what is being shown on screen. Single camera format is more suitable because a whole film
crew team will not have to be hired. The shots that are very difficult are easier to film with single
camera as the person filming can get right between the actors. The differences of single camera and
multi camera in editing are that single camera scenes are shot from different angles and at different
distances. It will also become the editor's job to cut the best takes and scenes together. However for
multi camera editing decisions in live or video productions are done in real time on a second-by-
second and minute-by-minute basis. Therefore there will not really be any time to look back or
rethink to what has been filmed. Multi camera is also less time consuming as every angle is shot the
director will rarely have to re-shoot any scenes while single camera will require actors to repeat their
action for different viewpoints of the camera.
The single camera has a lot of advantages
It can be used to make an atmosphere that is more right to the genre of program.
It is cheaper to film unlike multi camera because only one person will need to be hired to
film.
It is very easy to set up since it will only be one camera.
You only need a small crew to operate the single camera so this will save money.
It will make the shot feel more realistic to the audience.
A single camera format is a series called Malcolm in the middle and the genre is a sitcom. The single-
camera format gives the director more control over each shot, but is more time-consuming and
expensive than multi -camera. Single-camera sitcoms are mostly known for their better graphic style,
use of real filming locations. Some, but not all, single-camera series may also be known as comedy-
drama, a genre which blends comedy and dramatic features however, the difference between a
single-camera sitcom and a comedy-drama series is based on the show's content. Another genre is a
soap that is a series and this is EastEnders. They use the single camera to view the different
characters.
Single Camera Analysis
A single camera format I have chosen is a series called Everybody Hates Chris and the genre is a
sitcom. Another type of show like this is Malcolm in the middle, this is also a sitcom and the genre is
comedy.

A narrative is a story that is created in a constructive format. In the series I have chosen, it uses a
narrative theory. The narrative theory is todorov. Firstly the equilibrium is the main character set to
go to school and while he is there he enjoys himself. Secondly the disequilibrium is the bully at
school affecting the main character and lastly the resolution is the principal of the school stopping
the bully and making sure he gets punished for his actions in the school. The series has used this to
create a beginning, middle and an end. The whole point of doing this is to create suspense. The
beginning starts everything calmly and then the middle makes everyone aware of what is going on
and then the end is what gets everybody anticipated of what will happen next. For example in this
series the bully is disturbing the main character so the viewers will see this and feel emotional for
him and start to think of how is feeling then later the viewers will now think of how the main
character will deal with this problem and this gets their minds to think.


This is a low angle shot. This is a shot where the camera approaches a subject from below eye level.
This shot can make a character seem big and powerful. In this shot it shows the dad of the family,
the fact that he is the head of the family suggests this has be done to make the character look
powerful, leading or dominant. In this particular scene the character is telling off his kids so by doing
this it makes him the authoritve figure and by using this shot it makes it clear for the viewers to see
who is in charge.

This is a close up shot, they are used to draw the viewers closer and to involve them in what is
happening. It is also done to observe reactions and emotions such as happiness. Furthermore it
positions the audience. In this shot it shows the bully character angry and because the camera is
close we can see his face expression clearer.

A master shot is used at the beginning of the beginning of the sequence to show the relationships in
a way to allow the audience to make sense of the action that follows. In this shot it shows the family
is packing their stuff as they are about to move houses, this gets audience to know that the family
are set to move to a new area with a new lifestyle. Master shot is used in single camera by showing
major changes in the scene's basic elements and its cover major talent moves, including the
entrance or exit of actors.

This is a tracking shot. This is when the camera moves along the rails to follow the subject. In this
case the three children are the subject, they are walking to have to school and having a
conversation. The camera is going along them as they are walking. By doing this shot it gives the
viewer a detailed shot of the situation.
Diegetic sounds and non-diegetic sounds are used in this series.
mood, offer us with information about the location of a scene and tell us about the characters in the
story. One way sound is used is when the parents are telling of the children and teaching them
lessons, when this happens you start to hear loud kick drums. This is done to set the mood and make
atmosphere tense. Another non diegetic sound in this series is the narrators commentary. By
having a narrator it tell you the story going on or the story that is set to happen, this gives the
viewers more of an understanding of what is going on.
Lighting is the visible element that dictates how a character or scene is supposed to be understood.
Lighting plays an important part in creating the atmosphere in a film. The amount of light and the
direction of the light source can give meaning to the viewer of the film. For example, lighting is used
to indicate the time of the day in this series.
Props and costume are very important to tell a story of a production. They give context, atmosphere
and texture to a narrative. A propp can also be used to focus the audiences attention and reinforce
the message of a busy scene.

This is an example of a setting in this series. This is the area that they live in and this shows a group
of boys on the pavement putting graffiti on a house. By seeing this it tells a story. It shows that the
neighbourhood they are living in is very bad and corrupt. This will suggest that shows could have bad
events to come.

This shows a costume in the series. It shows the main character wearing a leather jacket, black hat
and glasses. This is him dreaming of what he wants to become in the future. By him wearing this, it
tells us he wants to become rich in the future.




The production is appealing to the target audience. Sitcoms appeal to people of all ages, classes,
nationalities and races, because they focus on certain situations that everyone can relate to. The
reason why this sitcom is so appealing is because for every character there is someone you can
relate to. In this sitcom it is targeted at different ages. For example in this series you have a dad who
is a working man who has to provide for his family. Loads of people can relate to this because they
are going through his situation and know how hard it could be to do this. Secondly the main
character is a teenager going through school life and in his area; also he has two younger siblings so
he has a lot of responsibility to take care of them. Teenagers can relate to this because they will
have a similar lifestyle and also because of the funny side that comes with it.
In this production a lot of editing techniques have been used. This has used a variety of techniques
to make it look more appealing to the audience. It keeps them interested and not become bored of
what they are watching.

A fade is where a moving image gradually fades and disappears leaving to a black or white screen. In
this scene the main character is about to sleep but before this he goes to switch off his light, as this
happens he hears a loud noise from his mum, she shouts his name in a very bad tone, this suggests
she is angry and he has done something wrong. He is now shocked and keeps very still as this
happens the fade effect beings turning the whole screen black. This shows that something bad is set
to happen to him.

This is the slow motion effect. It is used in the editing process to slow down the action for emotional
or comic effect. In this scene the main character is on his way to school and then he sees a girl that
he admires come out of her house walking. As she comes out the slow motion effect starts and this
shows emotional effect because he is attracted to her so it makes her look more glamorous and it
suggests to the audience she is powerful.

Last Man on Earth
Another single camera production is last man on earth. This is a short film and the genre is comedy.
Another type of film like this is Terry Tate Office Line-backer. A narrative theory that has been used
is realist. This is a story that can really happen. By doing this it makes you feel an effect because you
know it could be true. It brings more tension as you think what will happen next. By using this theory
it keeps the audience interested as they will want to know what the solution will be at the end.
Another theory it uses is single strand narrative, this is because there is only one character in this
film and it is all focused on him. This theory has been used in this film so we concentrate on only this
character. It makes the target audience want to understand this character more and see how he is
going to cope with all his problems.


Long shot (Crab shot) This is a long
shot and it shows a lot of objects
being filmed from far away. It is also
an establishing shot which shows
the surroundings of the setting.
High angle shot (Crane shot) This
is a high angle shot to show a view
from above, it makes the character
look vulnerable, small and
powerless. By showing this shot it
already informs us that this man is
the last person on earth and gives us
an understanding.
Close up Shot This is a close up
shot, the camera has zoomed into
his face as he is on his phone doing
a message. By doing this close up
shot you can see the pain in his face
and also his disappointment by his
face expressions.
Establishing shot This is a wide
shot and it shows the entire room.
This shows the relationship between
the set and the characters.
Master shot - This will be the
master shot. It shows the character
and the whole setting. By doing this
it gives the audience a view of the
whole environment and makes
them try to determine how the next
scene will be like.


There was diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, the sounds we could hear was the wind, the door
handle , the cups, the drink , when he slammed his drink to the table and also when his phone was
ringing. There was also non diegetic sounds, when he drank the chemical and was ready to die, there
was a sound playing, this was done to bring tension and to show that something bad is about to
happen but all of a sudden it stopped when the phone was ringing because it now occurred that
something good is going to happen and then it became all silent.
The costume of the characters is just a plain shirt and this could suggest that he is not rich and that
he is just managing his life. The setting is just a quiet area filled with houses, shops and pubs. This
could suggest it is a friendly area to live in.

The film appeals to the target audience because it is very different and mysterious. One way it
appeals to people is because of how the film is set. It shows one man all by himself and he has to
take care of himself because he is all alone in the world. For example when he walks in the pub it is
unusual because a pub is normally loud and packed but when we see him by himself we wonder how
it will be for him because it is very different However this appeal could appeal to some people
because they might be used to living or doing most things alone so I gets them to relate to them and
their standard of living.
Editing techniques are also used in this short film like jump cuts, eye line match and more.



Tracking Shot - This is a tracking
shot. This is when the camera
moves along the rails to follow the
subject. In this scene we see the
man walking on the road and we
can see the camera following his
movements.
Jump Cut - A jump cut is a cut that
moves to a very similar part of the
same scene but missing a piece of
action. In this we see the man enter
the pub them the scene changes to
him being on seat with actually
showing him walking to the seat





Misfits

Misfits is a British science fiction comedy-drama television show, on the network Channel 4, about a
group of young offenders sentenced to work in a community service programme, where they obtain
supernatural powers after a strange electrical storm. Another type of show like this is heroes. The
narrative theory that misfits follows in non- realist. Having superpowers cannot actually happen so
maybe by doing this it gets people excited because they will to see different powers and how they
will be used.
Narrative
The narrative theory that misfits follows is non- realist. Having superpowers cannot actually happen
so maybe by doing this it gets people excited because they will to see different powers and how they
will be used. Misfit is goal orientated; the characters in the series are dedicated to find their real
power. Secondly there other goal is to finish their community service. There are different aims each
episode and also issues that need to be solved. Misfits follows todorov; (equilibrium) the story starts
well and then changes. For example, the characters were having a peaceful life and normal life.
Disequilibrium starts when the characters get in trouble and this leads them having to do
community service. By the time the storms happen this makes everything worse as all the characters
start to feel strange. Misfits also includes propp. Firstly the villain makes the storyline more exciting
and makes a better atmosphere. Supernatural powers are then given to all people that were
involved in storm. The storm make some people turn bad and some good and some cant even
control what the storm has given them and this journey that they are going through is metaphysical.
The series is non-linear and all of the episodes end with a cliff hanger to build up the suspense.
Eye line match This is the type of
editing that maintains eye line or
level when cutting from a character
to what a character sees. In this
scene the man thinks he is the only
one alive but then his friends calls
and the phone is just ringing. The
character is shocked about this and
just sits so still. To make us feel
empathy for him the camera has
made us see what the character
sees.

This is an aerial shot. This is a view from directly overhead to afford a clear view. An extremely high
angle view of a subject usually taken from a crane or a high stationary camera position In this scene
it makes us see all the main characters as they are walking along the lake. This is done so we can see
the characters form a different view. An extremely high angle view of a subject usually taken from a
crane or a high stationary camera position.

This is a close up shot. It is used to draw the viewer closer and involved them in what is happening.
They are also used to observe reactions and emotions such as happiness or tension. In this scene
the character is very frustrated and to show this the camera zooms in his face to shows his emotion
and how he is feeling.

This is the master shot. A master shot is a film recording of an entire dramatized scene, from start to
finish, from an angle that keeps all the players in view. It is often a long shot and can sometimes
perform a double function as an establishing shot. This is used to establish the components in such a
way to allow the audience to make sense of the action that follows. In this scene we see all the
characters standing watching the area that they are based and associated at. By them just staring at
it could mean they ready for what is yet to come in their world.

The tracking shot is when the camera moves along the rails to follow the subject. In this particular
scene the main characters are walking carrying rubbing and at the same time having a conversation.
The camera follows them to catch their movements. Tracking shot may refer to a shot in which the
camera is mounted on a camera dolly, a wheeled platform that is pushed on rails while the picture is
being taken.
Sound
Misfits uses different sounds, it uses diegetic sound like cars. The sound in misfits is very mysterious
and unusual. They add effect to the series because it wants the audience to find out more. For
example it uses ambient sound in the background music. When there is something bad going on or
about to happen the music is very moody or sounds depress to this gives an effect that the situation
happening is not a good thing.
Lighting
In misfits the lighting is very essential because it sets the mood of what is going to happen next. For
example when the something is going wrong the weather is normally bad, it could be large winds,
heavy raining or lighting. When this occurs to make the whole mood set look bad they make the area
look very dark and mysterious and looks like there is evil going on. This is an example

Costume, Setting
In this series the main characters are doing community service so they are required to wear orange
jumpsuits all the time when working. By wearing this they stand out from the rest. The setting of
misfits is very mysterious as it looks like bad things can happen so by using this setting it helps the
show look more entertaining and he makes the series look better for the series.






Target Audience
The series is about science fiction and comedy. Each character has their own unique personality so it
gets the audience to different types of people. The target audience for misfit is teenagers. One of
the things that target the audience is the violent scenes. These are the scenes that the teenagers
find exciting and will relate to as they could have experienced these things in their lifestyle.
Furthermore, its targets them through clothing. The latest clothing styles are very key to them as it
helps their status, for example it could make them look nice and more popular. In conclusion the
characters all wear stylish clothes to make the program look nicer for the audience. Also the age
range for the target audience will be 16- 20 year olds. This is because of what the program shows
like the actual content. Violent and sexual scenes are performed on this program so the really young
teenagers wouldnt be ideal to target this at them. This is because they will find the scenes
disturbing. The older ones will be okay to watch this because they would have done this in their own
personal lifestyle.
Editing Techniques

Eye Line Match - This is the type of editing that maintains eye line or level when cutting from a
character to what a character sees. An eyeline match is a film editing technique related with the
continuity editing. It is built on the idea that the audience will want to see what the character on-
screen is seeing. The eyeline match begins with a character looking at something off-screen,
followed by a cut to the object or person at which he is looking In this series a character is hiding
behind a bush and is watching someone digging up. The camera goes to his eyelevel so we can see
what is seeing through his eyes.

Slow Motion - This is the slow motion effect. It is used in the editing process to slow down the action
for emotional or comic effect. In this scene, the crew find out surprising news thats gets them really
shocked. To use dramatic effect the gradually zooms out in slow motion. This is done to show that
they have done something wrong so they shouldnt be around.
Lost
Lost is an American television series that originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company
(ABC) from September 22, 2004 to May 23, 2010, over six seasons which contained a total of 121
episodes. The survivors of a plane crash are forced to live with each other on a remote island, a
dangerous new world that poses unique threats of its own. Another type of show like this is
continuum or the x files. The narrative theory it follows is non-linear. The first season begins with a
plane crash that leaves the surviving passengers of Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 on what seems to be a
deserted tropical island. Their survival is threatened by a number of mysterious entities, including
polar bears, an unseen creature that roams the jungle (the "Smoke Monster"), and the island's
malevolent inhabitants known as "the others".
Camera angles



This is a master shot. Master shot is used in single camera by showing major changes in the scene's
basic elements It has all the characters in the shot and it has a meaning. The main focus is the baby
that has born. It has everyone in the shot while remaining the attention on the baby. This shows the
audience what to be focusing on and it grabs everyones attention.

This is a two shot. A Two shot is a type of shot used in the film industry in which the frame contains a
view of two people. The shots are also used to show the emotional reactions between the subjects.
In this shot we can see two people and we can tell they are both looking at something. By using this
shot we get to see their reaction of what they are looking at and by this we know their expression.

This is a close up shot. It is used to draw the viewer closer and involved them in what is happening.
They are also used to observe reactions and emotions such as happiness or tension. By using this
show we can see her face expression very clearer and we can have an idea of what they are feeling
deep down.
Sound
Diegetic sounds and non-
mood, offer us with information about the location of a scene and tell us about the characters in the
story. The sound is very normal but when something bad happens it changes a lot . They add effect
to the series because it wants the audience to find out more. For example it uses ambient sound in
the background music. When there is something bad going on or about to happen the music is very
moody or sounds depress to this gives an effect that the situation happening is not a good thing.
Lighting

Lighting is the visible element that dictates how a character or scene is supposed to be understood.
Lighting plays an important part in creating the atmosphere in the series. Most of the series is based
on the island so the lighting will be set out like a real life island.

Costume, Setting
The clothes are not really fashion. The main characters haven fallen out of a plane so after times
goes by the clothes get messed up really easily so there is not really any costumes. Because it is an
island, they will mainly be wearing summer time clothes. The setting of the series is mainly the island
so it is very mysterious and spooky.

Target audience
Lost has a very wide target audience as it appeals to many different types of people. It relates to
different people in many ways. For example the cast is could be because there are different genders,
race, age and nationalities. By having this it attracts a larger audience and the audience will relate to
each characters lifestyle and from having it gets different stories across that people could relate to
with their own life especially as there are different types of characters to relate to. Lastly because of
the storyline there is a lot of drama that involves many conflicts and his keeps the audience very
interested.
Narrative
One of the narrative theories will be goal orientated as the people living on the island are trying their
best to make a plan to leave the island and get home safely. To do this the people make different
ideas that can safely get home and this is their ultimate plan in the series. Another theory its follows
is non realist, for example polar bears come on the island and start terrorising people, this cannot
happen, furthermore there is a monster call the smoke monster that goes around the island
frightening them. This series also follows the multi strand structure as there different plots going on
at the time so there are different stories throughout that eventually get revealed.
Editing Techniques

A fade is where a moving image gradually fades and disappears leaving to a black or white screen. In
this scene it shows two people looking directly at a cave. Then the camera zooms into the cave and
then it eventually fades to black. In this scene it is evening time and the people are about to sleep,
before this happens they all talk and tell each other good night then the camera starts to zoom out
and from there the fade begins to end the whole scene.

Jump cuts- This is a sudden switch from one scene to another similar part of the same scene but
misses a piece of action. This was probably used to speed up the scene and increase then tension
and pressure that was happening between the two characters. From this scene there is a woman
running away from somebody then eventually we see her somewhere else and he front of her body.
American Beauty


American Beauty is a 1999 American drama film directed by Sam Mendes and written by Alan Ball.
Kevin Spacey stars as office worker Lester Burnham, who has a midlife crisis when he becomes
infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend, Angela. The plot - Forty-two-year-old magazine
journalist and advertising executive Lester Burnham hates his job. His wife, Carolyn, is an ambitious
and -estate broker; their sixteen-year-old daughter, Jane, hates her parents.The Burnhams' new
neighbors are retired United States Marine Corps Colonel Frank Fitts and his introverted wife,
Barbara. Their teenage son, Ricky, is an aspiring filmmaker who records his surroundings with a
camcorder and keeps a collection of his filmed footage but secretly acts as a drug dealer and
cannabis smoker. Having been forced into a military academy and mental hospital, Ricky is exposed
by the colonel to a strict disciplinarian lifestyle throughout the film.
Narrative
The narrative structure is non-linear because the story has a narrator which is Lester. At the start of
the film, Lester says that he will die at the end of the film. Signifying to the audience that this film
will be about how and the way he dies. Todorov is also used in the film with different ways. Firstly
the start (equilibrium) of the film has an unusual and unusual sense to it as the narrator which is
Lester lays in bed feeling useless and weak. We know this a non-linear film since the character is
already dead so the film is not in an actual order. The film is a multi-strand narrative since there are
different types of stories occurring with the mum the daughter and the next door neighbour
.Another theory is realist since it might occur in real life, there are some people who actually live
their life like this but it can also be categorised as unrealistic since you will not be able to tell your
story when you are not alive. The resolution is at the end of the film because he dies. This leaves the
story closed since we already know what will happen from the start and there is no cliff hangers. The
Target Audience
The target audience for American beauty is for people aged 18+. The movie is about a man who is
worried of becoming older, losing the faith of true love and not being respected by those who know
him best. It is aimed at older people because only they will understand the true meaning of this film
and it indicates. The movie also deals with lessons as it has characters with different age groups so a
young and old generation can relate to the film and interest them.

Camera Angles


Aerial Shot - This is an aerial shot. This is a view from directly overhead to afford a clear view. In this
scene it makes us see the whole city. An extremely high angle view of a subject usually taken from a
crane or a high stationary camera position. By having this angle it lets us know the location of the
film and where it is mostly based in. Furthermore it also gives us an idea of the time that the film is
set in so we can know what to expect, lastly by seeing this it gives the audience time to think of what
to expect and also to see the whole city.

Medium close up shot- . The medium close-up is half way between a mid-shot and a close up. This
shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close. This includes the head and
shoulders as shown above. In this scene we see a character waking up from his sleep and to show
the tiredness on his face, this camera angle has been used therefore we see the expression of his
face. By seeing this it could suggest that the character is very weak and he is not a man that is in
control, from his face you can see that he is weak and not a powerful man.

Over the shoulder shot - This is a shot of someone or something taken from the perspective or
camera angle from the shoulder of another person. This shot helps to establish the position of each
person, and get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view. In this scene it is
used as one character talks to another character near him. By doing this shot it makes the audience
focus on the person that is in front of him, it makes her look attractive and she now stands out and it
makes her seem superior.


Lighting - Lighting is the visible element that dictates how a character or scene is supposed to be
understood. Lighting plays an important part in creating the atmosphere in a film. The amount of
light and the direction of the light source can give meaning to the viewer of the film. For example,
lighting is used to indicate the time of the day in this series and it determines what kind of mood
people are in.
Costume - The costume element is normal as it is sets out as real life, so most thing worn are very
realistic. For example in the work place you will people dressed very smartly because they have
office jobs. The costume is very simple and normal because it is basic clothes, from this you can see
that they are working class people and also from the image you can see they are taking their work
very serious.

Setting The setting is very simple as it is regular life of people. In this film, a setting used is regular
neighbourhood in a nice environment. The setting is very calm and relaxed however some scenes
could get serious, for example when they are working you can see they are in a business
environment and this shows seriousness in the movie as the main character is not a thoughtful man.

Sound
American beauty uses different sounds; it uses diegetic sound like cars. The sound in misfits is very
mysterious and unusual. They add effect to the series because it wants the audience to find out
more. For example it uses ambient sound in the background music. Also the sound determines the
type of mood the characters are in, it sets out the mood of the situation also so we can know
whether something good or bad will happen in the next scene.
Editing Techniques

Fade to black - A fade is where a moving image gradually fades and disappears leaving to a black. A
fade occurs when the picture slowly goes to a single colour, frequently black, or when a picture
progressively appears on screen. Fade ins generally occur at the beginning of a film or act, while fade
outs are typically found at the end of a film or act In this scene it shows a bedroom while the
camera goes along to show all the beds, eventually it gets to the wall then the screen turns black. In
this scene the fade is used to end the scene and move on to the next scene.


Jump Cut - This is a sudden switch from one scene to another similar part of the same scene but
misses a piece of action. In this scene we see a boy walk into a room then we see him go down to his
knees on the floor as he reacts quickly because of what he sees in front of him. By using jump cutting
it forwards time and advances the scene. This was probably used to speed up the scene and increase
then tension and pressure that was happening between the two characters.