LAA Multi Camera Hannah Jenkinson

The difference between single camera and multi camera is that multi camera
produces the impression of a live audience as basically everything is filmed in
front of a live studio audience (or just the production team) whereas single
camera is shot in more of a movie-style, often making the humour different,
playing much more like a feature comedy would.

Analysis of ‘Friends’
https://youtu.be/Tam7KO4qhUI
Friends is an example of a multi camera sitcom that implements genres of
comedy and drama aspects as it details the lives of six friends. Like most
contemporary multi camera comedy sitcoms, Friends has a live audience style
set up behind the main wall of the show meaning the audio of the show can be
recorded rather than being added in. The use of natural diegetic sounds adds to
the atmosphere of the show, making it original and organic as audience laugh at
things that don’t appear to be funny, encouraging the viewers to laugh when the
live audiences do.
In the first minute of this scene, from episode ‘The One with the Cop’, the
camera angle differs between three opposing positions; one from centre front,
one from the left corner and one other that focusses on the character of Rachel.
These differing angles are essentially positioned to capture the interactions and
reactions of the three characters present. I think this show used multiple
cameras to capture the essence of a live theatre show, enhancing the impact the
show will have on the audience as it makes it feel more real.
The typical multi camera setup is as
follows: the two outer cameras mostly
shoot close-up shots or “crosses” of the
two most active characters on the set at
any given time (in this particular Friends
scene there are three characters but they
are all spaced closely together to achieve
the same effects). The central cameras
shoot a wider master shot to capture the overall action and establish the location
and atmosphere of the room. In this way, multiple shots are obtained in a single
take without having to start and stop the action. This is more efficient for
programs that are to be shown a short time after being shot as it reduces the time
spent in film and video editing.

Analysis of ‘EastEnders’
https://youtu.be/MgPUcZbYwSw 0:33-3:41
Soap operas produce hundreds of episodes in a year, with EastEnders creating
on average 210 per year. This type of show that uses a multi-camera setup
differs from shows like live musicals and performances. EastEnders’ must
always keep in mind the efficiency of their production in order to be able to
bring new content almost every day. The use of multiple camera allows them to
do this in a smooth and quick process whilst sticking to the schedule.
EastEnders typically uses a two-camera setup so that they can catch all the
action of the actors in one take, covering different shots and angles in the
process. This is similar to talk show camera set ups where one camera focusses
on the presenter and the other from the audience.
In this scene of Nick Cotton and Dot Cotton, the two-camera set up is widely
used to switch to each character as the speak whilst also capturing the reactions
of both members. This is the layout for the majority of the scene up until 2:24
when two other camera angles are shown, thus creating the typical multi-camera
set-up.
From 0:33-1:05 Dot is continuously on camera, shown through an over-the-
shoulder set-up, as she says a mini monologue to her dying son. The choice of
keeping on her character for a long section of the scene clearly marks her
dominance she possesses in the scene. Nick Cotton is always shown on screen
too however, making it clear his reaction to what is being said to him and that
he has no control in the matter, making the audience feel sympathy towards
him.
From this point on, the scene differs between shots of Dot and Nick as they are
having a conversation. This is so that the reactions are captured from both
people, making it clear the feelings they both have towards this interaction.
At 2:24 a brief shot is shown of Dot putting out a cigarette and then a shot of
them both. This new camera angle tells the audience this is a clear turning point
in the scene as Nick then asks his mother to come closer, putting them both in
the same shot, marking a change in the interaction they are sharing.
The camera set-up scene follows the
main guidelines of the multi camera set
up, with camera C3 being used most
often as it focusses on Dot Cotton.

Analysis of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’

https://youtu.be/Lb1Gc8jiubc
Gameshows, similarly, to soap operas, produced
multiple episodes per week meaning that a multi
camera set up is the necessary choice. They use
multi-camera to capture the reactions of the audience, the host and the player or
the gameshow.
As the people in gameshows are not actors, multi camera becomes necessary in
order to capture true and genuine reactions of each contestant, audience member
and host. Capturing these reactions from multiple camera angles allows the
audience at home to capture the original reactions and interactions of the people
on screen.
In this clip, the camera positions change between close ups of the host and the
contestant and every so often show a further away angle showing both in the
same shot. The choice of close ups when focusing on each person heightens the
suspense of the million-pound question. It allows the audience to be able to
understand how the contestant and host are feeling in this intense situation by
showing up close images of their facial expressions.
When the contestant is in the process of picking his final answer, the camera
remains on him all the way up to when he is announced as a winner. This
highlights the man’s journey and highlights his confidence in the answer.

Analysis of ‘2020 Grammy’s’

Multi camera is used often when recording live shows such as a festival or an
award show. Alike to gameshows, this is to capture the audience and host on
camera and how these interactions bounce off of each other.
In this clip of Tyler, the Creator winning the best rap album, multiple camera is
used to first display all nominees to capture the reaction of each when the
winner is announced. At 0:12 the shot changes to a
mid-shot of Tyler showing his and the people around
him reactions to the win. The camera angles change as
they follow him walking up to the stage to accept his
award in handheld shots which emphasises the chaotic excitedness. At 0:34, we
are shown a wider establishing shot once he has reached the stage, now showing
the reactions of the presenters and Tyler.
Multi camera is a good choice of camera set up for award shows as they are
usually hosted in a large room. This means that single camera would be
impossible to use to catch all of the reactions and interactions going on during
the show, making it less entertaining for the viewers at home.
From this point onwards, we are shown Tyler saying his speech through a left
angle shot and from the front. Based on what Tyler says in his speech, the
camera shot changes to someone sitting in the audience. For example, at 1:18,
Tyler mentions his management, prompting the camera shot to switch to that of
his management to capture the reaction he gets from Tyler’s words. Without
multi cam, this transition would be nearly impossible and would end up looking
messy and rushed. Multi cam allows for the smooth transitions despite people
being on opposite sides of the room.
Multiple camera is the obvious choice when it comes to choosing the camera
setup for a live show, like the Grammy’s. This is to ensure all the action is
captured at the moment it happens and makes sure to not miss anything as it
cannot be filmed again as it’s a live show. Live shows also often involve a lot of
people, especially in the audience, and viewers at home are able to see reactions
of individual audience members through the use of multiple camera as well as
seeing where they are gaining their reaction from. This allows for the audience
to experience the live show as if they were a part of the audience themselves,
only difference is that they are sat at home.

The Roles of Team Members employed in the different Multi Camera

Production Teams.
Studio
Camera Operator
A camera operator has to perform vital roles within the camera
department. They have a duty to support the director of
photography and the director to accurately carry out their
instructions regarding shot angles and developments. The
camera operator is responsible for overlooking of the filming,
operating the camera and maintaining composition and camera
angles throughout a given scene or shot.
Floor Manager
A floor manager is the director’s representative on the studio
floor. They have a responsibility to give instructions and
direction to the rest of the crew and also to the cast and guests.
They are always in direct contact with the director which is
why the floor manager has the closest role of an assistant
manager. They also have the duty of keeping the production
moving to fit the set schedule, make sure the floor is clear and safe for
performance requirements and to check scenery or set pieces are ready to be
used.
Boom Operator
The principal responsibility of the boom operator is
microphone placement, usually using a boom pole with a
microphone attached to the end. Their aim being to hold
the microphone as close to the people talking without
allowing the microphone or boom pole to enter the
camera’s frame. They work to assist the production sound
mixer on the set of television, film and music video
productions. They also work with other sound recording equipment on set. They
work closely with the sound mixers to capture the best quality dialogue and
sound effects possible.
Presenter
A presenter’s job role is to present to the audience the show seen on
screen. It is their job to keep the audience highly entertained
through the way they may talk whether it be serious or comedic
depending on the nature of the program. A presenter needs to adapt
their mode of address to the circumstances, this is important
because if the presenter came across in a different way to the
targeted audience’s, this will lose viewer interest. The presenter
usually is required to read from a script to ensure they do not run over time and,
in interviews, get all the necessary questions out.
Gallery
Director
A director has one of the biggest roles because they have
to manage themselves as well as other people. A director
is usually responsible for directing the actors/actresses etc and other aspects
through the creative side of things. The director is likely to be the assisting in
the hiring of the cast and sometimes the crew. The director also has an
important job to decide the locations for the scenes and will need to create a
plan of shooting.
Vision Mixer
A vision mixers main job is to switch from video to video
which can include different camera shots to different video
inserts. They also have the job role of making the colour
contract on the camera’s in the studio are at the right level
according to the type of scene/shot.
Production Assistant
Production assistants are deployed by the producer and
other production staff to assist wherever they are needed
on productions. Their responsibilities vary considerably
depending on where they are assigned.
Their duties may involve anything from office
administration to crowd control, and from public relations
to cleaning up locations.
Sound Mixer
A sound mixers job is to mix different audio’s together such
as dialogue and music. They are responsible for ensuring
that dialogue recorded during filming is clear for viewers to
hear what the presenter, actress etc is saying. This can be a
difficult role because when they are filming, they have to
deal with unwanted noises when filming.
VT Operator
A video tape operator’s main job is to cue and prepare
video inserts into a program or show such as on talk
shows when separate videos are played over. The VT
operator has the role of making sure they get played at the
right time and so on. They set up and operate the video
tape equipment to record and play back the program.
They also select sources such as satellite or studio from
which the program will be recorded, and they also select the videotaping
equipment on which it will be recorded.