Introduction and Initial Task
You must comprehensively explain the features of single camera production with reference to elucidated examples to a group of KS4 Media Studies students, consistently using subject terminology correctly.
What is a single camera technique?
A single camera production is generally used while filming dramas, documentaries and comedies. In total, there are two types of camera technical formats, this includes the following:
- a multi-camera.
- a single camera.
The difference of a single camera would be that unlike a multi-camera format which generally includes multiple angled shots of the same scene, a single camera only gathers one angle of footage.
180-degree camera rule
According to indiefilmhustle.com, the 180 degree rule is a cinematography guideline that states that two characters in a scene should maintain the same left/right relationship to one another. When the camera passes over the invisible axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line and the shot becomes what is called a reverse angle.
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Single Camera vs. Multi Camera Production
Single Camera ProductionAdvantages
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Multi-Camera ProductionAdvantages
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Disadvantages
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Disadvantages
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Narrative/Story:
There are 5 types of narratives used during single camera productions:
- Linear - a story line that runs start to end in chronological order
- Non-Linear - can be made in anyway possible including random orders, flashbacks or flash- forwards. This type of narrative structure can be very effective when making a film, as you may want to reveal the end of the story before you begin to tell the start.
- Flash Forwards - opposites of flashbacks; they are used to show the audience a section of the future that is important to the story line
- Realism Narratives - are story lines that are believable by that audience because they appear real, or are based on a true story that has happened in the past
- Anti-Realism - a narrative that is blatantly not realistically filmed, and used a lot of after effects
Types of single camera productions and Genres:
- Series - A Series is one that has a set number of episodes and gives during certain times of the year. Even though a series may have a definate end to it. The story might continue into series two.
- Serial - A serial is more like a soap, where stories are continuous and it doesn't run for a set amount of episodes, but continues all year round.
Sci Fi - Dr Who
Doctor Who has shown examples of single camera techniques used when The Doctor is having a conversation with his sidekick, Rose. This shows proof of the use of single camera techniques as there are edits of over the shoulder shots showing the conversation.
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Comedy - Miranda
Miranda shows use of single camera techniques because when the protagonist is making a joke, she talks directly at the audience to engage them in the program. To signify that she is talking to the audience, the camera angles shift to show that she is jumping out of the context she is in, to talk to the audience. This effect uses editing and single camera techniques.
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Teen Drama - Hollyoaks
The use of single camera techniques are shown in a teen drama when they switch from different storylines. This is proof of single camera production because the camera uses editing to switch characters/settings/storylines.
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Crime - CSI:Miami
CSI: Miami shows use of single camera techniques when it uses editing and takes in showing a surrounding environment in a crime scene. There are different camera angles and shots taken to show the surrounding of a scene and they are joined together using editing techniques to show the audience what is happening.
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links used:
https://www.slideshare.net/saritachander_9/single-camera-production-50007005
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0487189/
https://indiefilmhustle.com/180-degree-rule/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0487189/
https://indiefilmhustle.com/180-degree-rule/