Research

'There are two types of camera formats; single camera and multi-camera. A production using
single camera format is generally used with just one camera and is mostly used in dramas,
documentaries and comedies. Each shot and camera angle is taken by the one camera unlike a
multi-camera format, where there is a camera for every angle and shot needed in a particular
scene, which they are then switched to show these different perspectives.’ To summarize, a
single camera production is as it states in the name a production which includes only one camera
'The single camera setup, or single camera mode of production, is a method of filmmaking and
video production. A single camera—either motion picture camera or professional video camera
is employed on the set and each shot to make up a scene is taken individually.' -
https://www.slideshare.net/saritachander_9/single-camera-production-50007005

Advantages Disadvantages
- Single camera productions allow creative - Because there are less cameras there is less
control to interpret the script, are easily footage captured and that it is more time
editable and allow the producers to shoot consuming and expensive, compared to using
quicker, in one location, e.g. in a house. multiple cameras.
- Saves travels costs for the production teams - As there are less cameras capturing the
and works out cheaper. footage, it means that the important shots may
- Reduces the cost of the whole production, is not be captured and that causes the producer
that this type of format puts the product to go back and re-shoot the whole scene.
makers at a benefit. This is because, as single
camera shots tend to cut individuals out in
close up shot, conversations, this means that
only one person is required and another actor
can be used in place of the original co-actor
for the meanwhile. By doing this, producers
will save money and actors time, as they will
only pay them for the scenes they do and
when doing a large production, involving
many big actors, production expenses can be
large figures. Therefore, if the team can
replace large actors in the meanwhile, they
can save themselves a lot of money and also
be able to shoot for the other actor, whenever
they are available to shoot.

Narrative Structure
When it comes to single camera productions there are mainly three variations of narrative
structures which are commonly used. These are linear, non-linear and multi stranded. However, I
am aware that other types of narratives are existent in the single camera production world such as
flash forwards, realism narratives and anti-realism.
Linear - Linear narrative is when the story is continuous. The story is broken down into episodes
Non-Linear - A non-linear narrative is when the production has no sequel, at the end of the film
or drama the storyline is ended.
Multi-Stranded - Multi strand narrative is when one storyline is shown from different
perspectives.

Single vs. Multi-Camera Script Format

Single-camera sitcoms are written in a more standard format, much like feature film scripts. The
structure is different than features, but the actual format utilized is pretty much the same. For
example, the script displayed below is taken from the pilot episode of ‘The Last Man on Earth’

On the other hand, multi camera productions scripts are the black sheep of format in Hollywood
(if we are referencing sitcoms). Most other scripts single-camera TV, one-hour drama TV,
procedural TV, and feature film scripts generally utilize the same basic format. Multi-camera
sitcom scripts don’t, primarily because they are shot in front of a live audience. They are
produced much faster per episode than single-camera shows, with most sitcoms shooting more
than one episode per day in front of that live audience. Thus, these types of episodes need a more
technical and streamlined format for specific production productivity. For example, the script
shown below is one from The Big Bang Theory and there are evident differences to the script
shown for the single camera production.

The main differences multi camera production scripts hold against the single camera productions
are that all of the action and scene description are in caps. Character names are underlined the
first time that they appear. Character entrances and exits are often underlined, and there are more
stage directions as well, much like a play — i.e. “CHANDLER CROSSES TO THE OTHER
SIDE OF THE COFFEE SHOP.” Sounds and special effects are underlined and the dialogue is
double-spaced.
Techniques of Shooting (most common)
An extreme long shot is used to show a large amount of landscape around the character(s). An
extreme long shot would generally be used when the focus would be to show landscape, show
distance or being alone. Medium shot (MS) - The 'waist up' medium shot is ideal when the
subject is speaking or delivering information and the fine detail isn't needed. It's also useful when
people are gesturing with their arms. The problem with medium shots is that they don't show as
much detail as a close up, but they introduce more of the background. This can be distracting.
Close up shots typically contain just the face and shoulders of a subject, with a little head room
above. This prevents 'floating head syndrome' as the shoulders suggest to the brain that there is a
body below! These shots are the most common of all as they can convey a real sense of emotion
and help the audience to connect with the subject. Bird’s Eye View Shot a Birds – eye view is an
elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer were a bird,
often used in the making of blueprints, floor plans and maps.

Editing a Single Camera Production vs. Multi Camera

(Continuity editing) Where a scene is edited so that the scene transitions properly and doesn’t
leave the audience confused and lost. A single-camera job will involve editing, and it's hard to
estimate how much editing will be required. But, generally, editing time is several times as long
as the material that's being edited. There are several steps the editors take in editing the single
camera production. The following list gives us an insight into how they edit the show: 1. You
watch the unedited material, take notes, and decide which bits to use (this takes at least as long as
how long all the material is). 2. You edit them together (this takes as long as each clip lasts, plus
the time involved in finding the right bits). 3. You check the edits as you go along (either taking
as long as each clip lasts, or just checking the beginning and ending moments). 4. Sound editing
is done separately than video editing (so this takes as long as each sound clip takes).
On the other hand, within, multi-camera productions it is easier to find bits that need as their
different angles and shots that they can use so it will get created in a shorter time. In multi-
camera production they can often edit/ mix on live shows as you see the footage jump between
different cameras. With a single camera it is not possible to edit live and all of the editing will
come after the scenes have been finished. When the footage is going into the editing stage it
would be very handy to have shot logs as you can view the shots that were picked for editing and
then also view the shots that were off and more problematic.

Sound in a Single Camera Production vs. Multi Camera

When recording sound on a single camera production film there will be overlay so the transition
for the next shot isn’t jumpy and that you can’t see that there is much of a cut. With some single
camera productions, they will use a second camera to help record the sound, scenes with loads of
dialogue or to record scene that may be difficult to get with just one camera. In a multi-camera
production, it is easier to capture sound because each camera has a microphone and the
microphone a would be allowed to be visible in the scene. Where as in single camera they would
aim to have the microphone in the center.

Lighting in Single Camera Productions vs. Multi Camera

Lighting on single camera single camera film is much easier to control as each shot can be
lighted differently so it captures the mood of the scene. Each scene can be lit differently to create
a tone or atmosphere as can go from dark to light to make the scene go from a gloomy mood to a
cheerful mood. When using the multi-camera way of filming the light in a little more difficult as
if you switch the angle of the camera it can look flat. It also could look quite fake and unrealistic
as it would look like it had been filmed in a studio. This is an example of a basic lighting set up.
This set up can change and move to create the desired style or mood.

Single Camera Production Examples

Peep Show (comedy) - As a genre, comedy focuses on emphasizing humor. The narrative
structure for these types of shows (The Inbetweeners, The Office and Peep Show) are usually
non-linear.
EastEnders (soap opera) - A soap opera is a continuous Tv serial drama that features the lives
of many characters, this usually indicates that the narrative structure will be broken into separate
stories meaning it has a multi stranded narrative. Otherwise they will feature an ongoing open
narrative. Other examples include, Coronation Street, Neighbors and Doctors.
Doctor Who (sci-fi) - The narrative structure of Doctor Who is non-linear. The single camera
production isn’t typically used for sci-fi shows as the budgets required are usually high, however,
in some episodes of the British hit show it is a single camera set up used.
CSI Miami (crime) - There’s a non-linear narrative with CSI: Miami. Single camera set-ups
have been used in crime shows such as this one and Hollyoaks as the budget for crime dramas
aren't usually extortionate compared to a show such as Stranger Things.

Analysis of Single Camera Techniques in Shows

The Office (US) Season: 1
Episode: 3
Scene: Dwight Schrute Does Healthcare
Directed by Ken Kwapis
Written by Greg Daniels
Scene starring Steve Carell as Michael Scott, Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, John Krasinski as
Jim Halpert, Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly, B.J. Novak as Ryan Howard and Phyllis Smith as
Phyllis Lepan.
(ANALYSIS) Within this scene several quick cuts are used to take the audience around the
location as a VO plays over the top. Camera techniques such as a pan are used to keep the
audience engaged as zooms are often used to capture the emotions of specific characters. The
breaking of the fourth wall makes the audience feel involved in the office itself as they are
brought into the scene via the characters. 'In The Office US, the style of filming subverts the
usual single camera setup because of the documentary style that it includes throughout every
season.' - https://kyrawrightbtecfilm.weebly.com/tutorial.html In this specific scene, the person behind the camera
is within the narrative of the story line, this is shown through the way that Dwight looks into the
camera on several occasions - keeping to the documentary style, a typical format for a single
camera production.'

The Inbetweeners (UK)

Season: 2
Episode: 3
Scene: Wills Dinner Party
Directed by Ben Palmer
Written by Damon Beesley
Scene starring Simon Bird as Will McKenzie, James Buckley as Jay Cartwright, Blake Harrison
as Neil Sutherland, Joe Thomas as Simon Cooper
(ANALYSIS) In this scene several VOs are used as well as establishing shots so that the
audience are amerced in the show, OTS shots are used in order to capture a conversation
between two characters (Will & Patrice) at the beginning of the scene. This type of shot is also
portrayed when answering the door for Neil and Jay. Later on in the scene, the director and
cinematographer had one location to work with (the dining table) by using several over the
shoulder and medium shots focusing upon different characters as well as the dialogue it keeps
the audience interested in the scene. The single camera used here focuses more on the reactions
of the characters which makes them come across as more realistic, supported by handheld, grainy
camera work to make the situation believable.
Peep Show (UK)
Season: 6
Episode: 4
Scene: Mark Works in a Mexican Restaurant
Directed by Becky Martin
Written by Robert Webb, Jesse Armstrong, Sam Bain
Scene starring David Mitchell as Mark Corrigan, Paterson Joseph as Alan Johnson, Robert Webb
as Jeremy Usborne
(ANALYSIS) The Peep Show is 'possibly the best example as they use the single camera
technique to perfection. Using head mounts, the shots featured in Peep Show are almost all from
the point of view of each character, capturing the reaction of current conversation from the
parties involved.' Unlike my other examples, there is behind the scenes footage of this scene
being shot which gives you an insight into how single camera productions are shot.

External Source Links

https://www.slideshare.net/FayAmberYaxley/single-camera-production-techniques

https://www.slideshare.net/saritachander_9/single-camera-production-50007005