Single Cam Vs Multi Cam

Single Cam (SCT) vs Muli cam

Advantages of single camera

What is Single Cam Technique aka SCT?

Single cam technique is when a film or sequence is only filmed with one camera, for example in soap operas, films and drama series and serials.

What is Multi cam technique aka MCT?

Multi cam technique is when a series of different cameras are used to film. This can be used for atmospheric effects such as making the audience feeling like they are there. This is why it is often used in sports matches, festivals such as Glastonbury to capture all the coverage for people who could not make it or shows such as The Jeremy Kyle Show where it is filmed live so the viewers at home are almost a part of the audience.

One of the benefits of single cam is that you come back to the shots more than once unlike with multi cam where you have can only film the action there and then and you can can't come back to perfect a shot because there is no stopping when the camera is rolling.

It is cheaper to film with because there is only one camera and you don't have to film in storyboard order, you can group shots together that are like for example scenes with a reccuring actors.
You can also adjust the lighting better with SCT as you can take individual shots.

For example serials, series and single drama, All use SCT to film because shots can be re done to perfection and creative flair can be added.

Disadvantages are it can be time consuming because of having to place the camera in different positions whereas with multicam it is already set upm
Daylight may also be a problem if filming takes too long because it would effect continuity. Another disadvantage is the 180 degree rule which can ruin comtinuity in a film if the rule is broken because it would confuse the eye.
Lastly another disadvantage is that through all the shots you take there will be a number of bad shots that have been retaken numerous times to get them to perfection and this may take up time in post production to sort out.

Disdvantages of multicam
The disadvantages are that you cannot capture detailed shots and that once you start filming you can't stop which is bad because you can't perfect shots this way.
   
Another disadvantage is that with multicam you can't adjust the cameras to your liking you can only position them before hand then film whereas with SCT you can position the camera at different angles whenever you feel like.

Advantages of multicam
It is quicker to film, better to film live action with such as football matches or live events such as music festivals like glastonbury becauase it can capture all the action through several different cameras being used which is better because the audience/viewer would want to feel like they are a part of them event which is what multicam technique brings.

Formats

Formats Reports
Series - In a TV series they will show a different story every week for example showing a different characters story each week so we learn about their background. This is normally multi stranded because  it focuses on several different characters. An example of this could be Dr Who

Serial - A serial is a continuous story which is on going for several episodes. So through out every episode a little more is revealed about the overal storyline. So the end of the storyline is will be an insight and the start of the next episode. This is usually single stranded. This includes dramas such as The Indian Doctor.

Single Drama - A single drama is technically the same as a film as it only has one storyline lasts around an hour long which will allow the story to develop and end as well. This will commonly be a drama or thriller as these genres are easy to follow and can have deep story lines.

Narrative Structures

Narrative Structures

3 Act structure/Linear -  This parts the story into 3 different parts. Normally referred to as the setup or the incident, the confrontation (mid point) and the resolution (climax). The effect of this is to create suspense between each episode and extend a storyline between different parts.

Non linear - Non linear is a storyline that is not in chronological order for example a dream sequence or a flash back sequence. This can be used to create confusion and show the audience things that have happened in the past and create an interesting narrative.

Multi-stranded - This is a storyline that focuses on a series of characters of example in soap operas and serials such as Skins which focuses on a group of characters instead of just focusing on one main character which is single stranded such as Everybody Hates Chris. This is also when the plot has multiple story lines but then links and the end of the episode.


This is Hollyoaks a multi stranded soap opera. This trailer clearly shows this because it is not focusing on one specific character.

Single Stranded - Single stranded is when the storyline is only focused on a single character. Such as Breaking Bad.

Episodic - Episodic narrative is when the story is told over a series of episodes/segments. The effect of this is to create tension. This will also contain flash backs of the previous episode at the beginning of the next.

Closed Narrative - Closed narratives usually last around 60 minutes which then means there is no need for a continuation.

Open Narrative - Open narratives usually have a lot of characters and no real ending, this is a man convention for soap operas.



The thing that makes my webisode episodic is that fact that at the end of the film it leaves the audience a cliff hanger which will then lead onto the next episode, the purpose for this was to make the audience feel intrigued as to what will happen next. The film also focuses on three main characters all as equal as each other therefor making it multi-straned. This was used because the genre of this film is teen thriller and focusing on more than one character adds to the excitement of the film.
It was open ended because the ending of this film was not predictable, adding to the suspense.
The film was also non linear because there are shot flash backs of parts of the antagonists body and also the shots are not in chronological order.

SCT

Shot Types
Extreme close ups (XCU) - This is shot is filmed by zooming into the actors face before to a feature of the actors face for example eyes or lips, then filming. It allows the audience to feel the characters emotions because it is an intimate shot.
Wide shot - A wide shot is filmed in the same way as a long shot by capture the characters whole body but it is used to capture backgrounds and things that may be related to the character aswell.
Zoom - A zoom is set up usually by setting up the camera a good distance away so the camera has enough room to zoom in and out.




180 degree rule
The 180 degree rule is set up as an invisible line between both actors used to keep both actors looking in the same direction without the audience getting confused. You film this by only filming on one side of the line. If you step of the line this could mess up the shot and confuse the audience.



Building a sequence
This is many shots pieced together to build a moving sequence.
This is set up by filming a lot of different shots at different angles and shots to show a match on action type shot.




Shot reverse shot
Shot reverse shot is used for continuity, this shot is filmed by filmed from both characters point of view giving a more realistic and natural feel to the audience.



Angles and tilts
Angles and tilts are set up by holding the camera in different positions to capture different feelings or to give off impressions to the audience about the character such authority or weakness.



Framing: Lead & Head
Framing is used to give shots enough space and to structure shots.
It is often set up using the rule of thirds so the head room and lead room is clear.




Lighting
3 Point lighting is set up using 3 different cameras set up at different angles around the character. Which are back light, fill light and key light.
It can be used to show fear in thriller films by making the light only on one side of a persons face.

webisode production sct

Webisode Production SCT

Advantages in cinematography are that you get to create more detailed pieces of work, for example using techniques such as depth of field to create a sense of mystery or subconsciously tell the audience that this is the main character. It also allows you to use creativity within shots by using different angles to show dominance and weakness and also create shots with meaning and emotion by using different shot types which would not be as carefully though out with multi-cam technique.

We used SCT for our webisode because it creates more meaning for example we can take from the storyboard easier and create more dramatic effects and make the viewer feel a part of the film.

Advantages in taking multiple takes of the action are that you have a variety of shots to choose from when editing this is helpful because it can dramatically improve your film.

We began filming with a master shot in order to capture the overall location of the scene and to show transitions and changes within the scenes primary elements.
It also covers exits and entrances swell as all the talents moves.
In single camera production this is important because you can capture the whole film and also if the crew are unable to film the rest of the shots the master shot can be used as a replacement.

We followed the 180 degree rule in order to keep continuity within our shots so they flow together, if the 180 degree rule was not in place then the shots would look out of order and not look flow with the sequence. This is because in single camera productions this rule is needed for continuity.

Because we were shooting each shot individually, we grouped all the close ups on one scene and shot all of them together. Because we were shooting each shot individually, we were able to compose each shot using the rule of thirds to create a guid line and structure each shot carefully. This also allowed us to use depth of field to create a shallow focus to create a sense of mystery and focus of the main character.

During the conversation scene we used shot reverse shot to show the conversation in better detail and make the viewer feel like they are a part of the conversation, also to add continuity to the scene.

We used a high and low angle on certain scenes to show dominance and weakness with different characters. Due to the fact that we were shooting with one camera, we had to set up these shots individually. This makes our webisode more intense, emotional and interesting rather than if we were to use multiple cameras this is because with multiple cameras you can only take one take and attention to detail will not be taken.

During the shot of the pills on the bedroom floor we used panning to express what the character was going through and to show his lifestyle. This makes the audience feel more inclined to want to know more about the character and question what is going on.

To involve the audience and create a sense of realism we used a variety of close ups and high angle and low angle shots to give of different impressions to the audience such as dominance and different emotions such as fear. We also used continuity to create a sense of realism and detailed shots. For example using shot reverse shots within conversations makes the viewer feel a part of the conversation.

webisode

SCT Practical Assignment

Rule of thirds - This technique is used as a guideline in the viewfinder to help create structure within a shot by giving us a 3 by 3 grid.

180 degree rule - This is used to help the viewer understand where the scene is and not get confused.
It is referred to as the 180 degree rule because the 2 characters acting can only stay on a line which is 180 degrees and also the camera can only film on one side of the line due to continuity there fire it can only film in the shape of semi circle.

Building a sequence of shots - (Master shot) This is the recording of an entire dramatised scene, it is often used as a back up if filming has to be cut early. It is generally a long but can sometimes be done as an establishing shot.
(Coverage) Coverage is different individual shots and the amount of footage shot and with cameras angles used to create a scene.

Blocking
This is used to block the action.

Framing Lead room (often referred to as nose room) is the space in front of something to show whether it is moving or stationary. Head room is the distance between the top of someones head and the top of the frame, it changes varying on how much of the subjects head fills the frame.

Continuity: Match on action
Match on action is the editors cut from two different scenes to match the other. For example, a man walking up to a door and reaching for the handle.

Continuity: Shot reverse shot This is the transition between shots to show that the characters are looking at each other.

Coverage: Movement - This is the amount of footage shot, more coverage gives the editor more to work with.

Coverage: Shot types 

Coverage: Establishing Shot
These are often wider exterior shots. You can use a single shot to establish or portray a quick sequence of different shots that gives the viewer a clear view of the atmosphere and location.

Pre Production Report

Pre Production Report

Pre production is the planning, though and back bone behind production. For example tasks that go on before the production task such as script-writing, story boarding. location scouting and production scheduling.
I believe script writing and story boarding are the key factors of each production because they give an outline of what will happen in filming and editing. For example, a storyboard can depict, shape and give us a clear vision of what the final out come will be.
Story boarding is essentially drawing different shots in boxes (that represent the screen) we can also describe/draw different angles and editing features using this.

Script writing gives the directer or the producer a vision to abide by and allows the directer to put written words into actions. It also carries the same effects as story boarding but but with drawn visuals.

Finance
My Program will not require a huge amount of money as most of my equipment will be provided by the school such as camera's, microphones, lights etc.
Although if I didn't the budget would come to roughly £1000 due to the price of a professional camera and the cost of renting lights for lighting,

Because all the equipment needed will be from the school it will need to be booked in advance.

I will also need to consider transport and facility to hire which could cos £150 for half a day or £250 for a full day. My sources of finance will be from investors so I can be more flexible with the money.

Hiring talent for my selected amount of time may come across as a challenge due to the fact that most of the actors may not be from the same agency and may work freelance, this could cause a problem with the budget.

Within the crew, everyone has their own selected job that they can each individually do and as pre production they will need to be hired beforehand. There are people such as the directer, camera man, video editor, casting director etc but since this will be film as single cam the budget and cos of crew members should be lower.
Due to that fact that this is a web-serial some of the rules and legislation's may be a bit more slack for example shooting on location will not be as big of a problem because it is not a mainstream serial we are making. But on the other side, with locations you have a strict set time limit and the time you use on that location needs to be used carefully and wisely other money that could have been used for other things would have just been wasted.
This means working to a deadline is vital.

In the media industry time means everything because the majority of times you have to work to deadlines for example if you have a specific set time to film shots and you don't get all of them filmed in that specified time legal repercussions could be taken against you for not carrying out the task. Also if you are working independently and you are renting a studio you could be a risk of wasting your own money that could have been used to fund another 
project or help out with this one.

Talent
To hire actors it may cost around £500 - £700 meaning this would eat in to my budget a lot. But, this would not be a problem for me as I will be using close friends who are experienced actors from taking it as an A level and would not require to pay a fee.

Production Equipment list
Boomike with pole - £50.98
Professional camera can range from £270 to £1200 (to hire a professional it may cost £500 per day)
Lights - This can range from £50 to £180 

Health and safety
Working with a crew requires health and safety checks constantly needing to take place. For example if we were to film on location a health and safety check would need to be carried out before anyone filmed or stepped foot there. Also actors must be trained if there are to carry out any stunts and props and items must always be kept clear because of any safety hazards that may occur.