Single Camera Production Techniques

Single camera production is when  one camera is used for the product. This style of filming is preferred by directors as it allows more freedom in the shots taken, furthermore this style  allows for bigger movement cone per shot, meaning that it allows certain camera movements such as an arching shot to be used as there are no cameras in the background. However when compared to a multiple camera production which has a smaller cone of movement allowing for the shots to be taken continuously. While the single camera does this more systematically, almost out of order, meaning that  if we have two characters that  interact it is customary to set a master shot and then set retake multiple shots  to get a variety of shots compared to a multi - camera production where the variety of shots is limited by  the cone of movement.

Lighting for a single camera production is easier to control  as shots get filmed individually and therefore a shot can be individually lit  making it more uniform. However, this is different  from a multi camera production where the lighting has to be set for the scene making it more polished but blander as there is no light difference.

Further more when we refer to lighting we take in considerations creating shadow because shadow  can be effectively used to create mood. However this can not happen in multi camera production as
as more  light equipment is used in order to allow the image to be evenly light and com paste for any possible under exposure.

Sound can cause problems in single camera production. However, these can be fixed by using overlay
sound, this means that sound recording should start a little bit earlier than the action. Also, it's important to know that not all sound has be diagetic, This is proved by Shaun of the Dead where the dialogue starts in one scene but finishes in another via a voice over.

Coverage is also very important; coverage means that you should not settle for one shot but redo and re-film it until it is perfected. It allows the editing team to have enough materials to work, allowing the best shots to be  used; furthermore this will take away from the problem of shots which are not at the same standard as the rest to be used to fill the gaps. Also this can allow for better use of cutaways .



Editing is the post- production of a film, or any other product. At this stage, the editing teams put together the final  product, making sure that one item follows the next in smooth transition, Furthermore they have to make sure  that the edited sequences are not too hard to follow while on screen
However editing also includes also special effects such as Chroma-key , and enhanging physical effects such  explosion and cable work

Genre:
Period; or costume dramas are usually filmed on  a set or locations however, they have a very atmospheric feel which is reinforced by the use of sound and lighting. This lighting keeps the atmosphere and is mainly a single camera technique as it is not manufactured to keep the film or programme uniform and therefore making it dull.  Whitechapel is an example of a period drama which fits the description of a single camera proggrame.
                                                     
                                                      White chapel  2 February 2009 – 9 October 2013

Crime drama:is very technical and has a lot of camera movement involved; also it has shots from different angles, angles that would catch another camera in the frame if it was there.Therefore, this would easily be classes as a single camera production. this is being reinforced by the use of lighting to set moods and mystery.For example NCIS 23 september 23, 2003

Horror: this uses very low light and a variety of angles, such as high and canted angles in order to create  moods such as fear or to put the audience at unease. Furthermore, it's also sometimes using the camera as a character or to show the audience the world through the eyes of the character or often the monster, (the catalyst).Mirrors Alexandre Aja August 15 2008

Comedy: this genre is a mix between single and multi camera productions. Differing in style, for example situational comedies, sit-coms, use mutliple camera techniques to get faster reactions and produce more content. Furthermore they are filmed through a three walled set with cameras in front of the set in order to get a view of the action. Additionally, they use live audiences instead of canned sound to give a more realistic audience response. However there are comedies such as Peep Show which use single camera techniques in order to create relations between the character  and the audience and be able to follow the action in a more profound way for example Scrubs.

                                               Peep Show 19 September 2003

Soap Operas: are a predominantly multi camera product; although Brookside was a single camera soap that had been going for over 21 years before it stopped in 2003. This is because it is on a set and also relies very much on reactions and does not go into much diversity as a single camera production. This is because when you have more cameras you have to think where the camera has to point in order not to see another one in its vision. this has been countered by making the set smaller than usual in order to allow for  smaller camera  movements. This created a genre that relies on  close ups.
                                         
                                                                     Brookside   2 November 1982 –4 November 2003

Formats:Series, is a media format incorporating different story lines per episode however this involves the same characters sometimes even showing a background story line for some of them. Example of this are CSI and NCIS which are both single camera series and have many of the same conventions.                            
                                                        CSI    September 27, 2001 – May 16, 2002

Serial: is a set of storylines that can go on for a predestined amount of time or  a multiply line of story arcs that can go on for an indefinite time. Examples are Eastenders and Coronation Street are continuing today;  however Pride and Prejudice stopped after a set time period.