SINGLE CAM SETUP INFO.

1. Features of a single camera
production

2. PROS VS CONS
pros
The advantages of single camera production is mainly that scenes don’t have to be shot in sequence therefore more
detail or dramatic effect can be added in editing, and cheaper and easier to move and set up than multi camera which
is more expensive and usually only allows for one take.
cons
probably most disadvantageous aspect of shooting with single-camera production is that you only get one angle at a
time. you'll be spending a lot more time in the editing room. Because all of the film will be from one camera, all of
your outtakes and mistakes will be have to be sorted out over time, as opposed to a multi-camera approach, where
you can edit certain sequences, angles and scenes based on the camera that was shooting. The quality of the camera
wouldn't be that clear or realistic.

3. Formats and genre’s
• Single drama used to be common but now rare, usually based on a typical issue it is a one off subject , subject that
is more suitable for television than cinema.
• A drama serial is prewritten with a predetermined number of episodes.
• In addition some full feature films are made using the single camera method
• Television producers make a distinct decision to shoot in single-camera or multiple-camera modes—unlike film
producers who almost always opt for single-camera shooting. In television, single-camera is mostly reserved for
prime-time dramas, made-for-TV movies, music videos and commercial advertisements. Soap operas, talk
shows, some sitcoms and the like more frequently use the multiple-camera setup
• Single camera methods can also be used in documentaries, most TV, single dramas and period dramas.
•
•

4. Examples
‘The Wipers Times’ was a funny, sad and
peculiarly British single drama, it aired once
around the 100 year anniversary of the great
war so the setting was fresh within the audience
memory.
‘The Enfield haunting’ a 2015 a
the episode drama series
(based on true events) the
single camera teqnies would
have been essential to this
production.(filming and
adding the anomalies during
the editing)
Most feature films are made using the
single camera technique, the directors
and editors go through several of the
same shots meticulously in order to
produce the best sequence of scenes.

5. Narrative/storey
• There are realist and anti realist narratives.
• Realist is realistic storey maybe even based on truth e.g. bones, lone survivor
• Whereas anti-realists basically anything can happen like DR. Who
• Ending can be left indifferent ways can be closed using no loose ends like Bonnie and Clyde or open which levees
pathways for possible sequels like the matrix.
• A linier storey progresses in order of event, usually a straight forward storey making the audience follow the
sequence of events, as seen in game of thrones.
•
•
•

6. Examples regarding narrative/story
Lone survivor based on a
true story of a navy seals
operative stuck behind
enemy lines, the perfect
example of realist story or
realist fiction.
Alice in wonderland is the textbook
example of anti realist narrative and
is entirely outside of reality, though
the remake was mostly done with
special effects its still a single camera
production.
The infamous end scene in Bonnie and
Clyde, Were there both caught but decide
to go out on a bang for a dramatic ending

7. TEQNIQES OF SHOOTING
The single-camera setup, or single-camera mode of production, also known as Portable Single Camera, 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 independently. An alternative "single camera" method that actually use
two cameras is more widely used. The latter method is intended to save time by using one camera to capture
a medium shot of the scene while the other can capture a close-up during the same take.
• Long shots, medium shots, close ups, two shots, over the shoulder, medium close up, birds eye, eye level low
angel, high angle, camera angle(Dutch angle), worms eye, panning, till, tracking, zoom, shot reverse shot,
cross cutting and eye line matching.
•
Long shot
The
infamous
‘’here’s
Johnny’’
Close up

9. Comparison to other types of production
• The multiple-camera setup, multiple-camera mode of production, multi-camera or simply multi-cam is a method of
filmmaking and video production. Several cameras—either film or professional video cameras—are employed on the set
and simultaneously record or broadcast a scene. Multi camera productions are mostly used in sops talk shows and some
sitcoms.
• ENG (electronic news gathering) video cameras were originally designed for use by news camera operators. While they have
some similarities to the smaller consumer camcorder, they differ in size, performance and manual adjust of the settings.
• Remote cameras are typically very small camera heads designed to be operated by remote control. Despite their small size,
they are often capable of performance close to that of the larger ENG and EFP types.
• Electronic Field Production cameras are similar to studio cameras in that they are used primarily in multiple camera switched
configurations, but outside the studio environment, for concerts, sports and live news coverage of special events.
Remotecam
ENG Cam Remote cam Electric
field cam

10. Examples of other types of production
Electric field cameras bring shots like this
in most sports.
Remote cameras can be used to get wide
overall shots at concerts or stadiums.
Electronic news gathering camera
used to gather shots on the ground
up close to the action.