Single Camera Techniques Task 1

Single camera techniques refer to productions made with the use of only one camera. This
means that every shot and angle you see is all filmed with the same camera. In order to
make these shots correspond they are arranged during the editing process. Single camera
productions can be both non-linear and linear however it can often be difficult to match up
shots taken from a conversation with reactions. Single camera techniques are useful
because it allows greater control over each shot that has been taken however unlike multicamera techniques it can be costly on time. The use of single camera techniques look like
the makers used more than one camera because of shot variety and editing. The budget for
filming a production is much cheaper because multiple cameras and operators are not
required. The director has greater control with use of one camera with what is being filmed
and what is happening in the scenes being shot. This is an advantage because the director
can choose what is selected and filmed within the scenes. Because one camera is being used
alterations to visual elements and the sound are less common. Lots of equipment is not
required for a single camera production therefore mobility for the camera crew is easier.
However there are disadvantages to single camera techniques. There are more takes and
clips involved often due to repetition of having to rerecord scenes. With only one camera
the shots captured must be good because in the case of failing to capture a good scene
there are no backup shots like you would have using multi-camera techniques. This in turn
causes the editing process to be longer as there is a lot more to filter through. A lot of
movement is required too, as the cameraman has to keep changing position and the camera
angle.

Formats
A TV format describes the idea, premise and stigmatization of a proprietary program. The
format is accredited by TV networks, in order that they'll manufacture a version of the show
tailored to their position and audience. Examples of formats include series, serial and single
drama.
A series is a programme broadcast regularly, usually once a week where the same
characters and situation will be used to tell a story. It has a set number of episodes and
though a story might continue into more than one series, there is a definite end to it. E.g.
The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Lost.
A serial format is more like soap, where stories are continuous and it doesnt run for a set
amount of episodes, but continues all year round. E.g. Holby City, Eastenders, Neighbours. A
single drama used to be a staple of television but is now quite rare. It is designed as a oneoff story for television.

Single dramas are often based on topical issues subject matter that producers think is
more appropriate for television than cinema. Described as a self contained one off drama
with a beginning, middle and end.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2445478169
The Walking Dead is a series. It is based in a post-apocalyptic zombie world which
progresses through the survival of the characters within it. It also presents a lot of different
situations away from the flesh eating side of it, with drama, comedy and horror. There are
currently 5 Seasons with a 6th confirmed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhesaQXLuRY
Breaking Bad is a series, but it is also very much a serial format. It is about a chemistry
teacher that discovers he has lung cancer and starts a partnership with another man to
make amphetamines. It is in serial format because each week and new problem comes to
light and it often dealt with by the end of the episode, featuring a dark under story which is
slowly revealed throughout episode progression.

Genre
Genre is a French word meaning type. It is used categorise art or products which have
similar characteristics such as music and films. Genres have sets rules. What make a product
part of a genre are its generic conventions which are the characteristics or typical elements
of the product.
Crime Fiction
Crime fiction stories are centered on criminal enterprise, and can be told from the point of
view of the people doing the crime or those involved in its detection. They range from
lighthearted stories to darker plots involving organized crime. These TV programs usually
last between 45 and 90 minutes long.

CSI New York

Twin Peaks

Teen Drama
Teen dramas are based around what teenagers come across in their lives. This can include:
prom, alcohol, college, drugs, parties, losing their virginity, relationships, social groups and
coming of age. Teen dramas are situations that occur in the characters lives which the
audience may relate to. The program would include more than one main character which
then other characters will be introduced throughout the series. Some parts in teen dramas
can be comedic.

Skins
Misfits

Narrative Structures
Narrative is often confused with story. They are two different things. A story is a sequence
of events also known as a plot. A narrative is the way these events are stringed together and
presented to its viewers. Therefore, when analysing a narrative we analyse the construction
of the story and the way it has been put together, not the story itself.
Examples of narratives include: linear, non-linear, flashback, realist and anti-realist.
Linear has a beginning, middle and end therefore following a set storyline.
Example: Pirate of the Caribbean.

Non- linear is often when the order of events is

rearranged or deconstructed in a way that reflects the
central characters psychological state or the storys theme. Non-linear
narratives are often used to place audiences in the minds of characters
who have unusual ways of thinking or whose ability to process
information is impaired.
Example: Pulp Fiction.

Flashback is an interjected scene that takes the narrative back in time from the
current point the story has reached. Flashbacks are often used to recount events
that happened before the storys primary sequence of events to fill in crucial
backstory.

Example: Saving Private Ryan.

Realist narratives are story lines that are believable by the audience
because they appear real, or are based on a true story that has happened in
the past.
Example: 127 Hours.

Anti-realist storylines arent as believable and are based on

fictional situations.
Example: Lord of the Rings

Film endings can be either open endings which leave matters

unresolved within the film. A closed ending is an ending which ties
the events together and closes all the key issues.
Example: American Psycho (Open ending)

Technical
Shot Types
Extreme long shot a shot taken from a far distance, often used as an establishing shot.
Generally used to
set a
scene with little
detail
available.

Long shot a long shot is considered life sized showing you the whole actor and the scene
around
them.

Medium shot usually has a shot of a person from the waist up and is typically used for
dialogue scenes and the distance for a shot reverse shot (over the shoulder).

Close-up Contains very little background and usually focuses on a characters face or a
specific detail of mise en scene. A film maker will use this to make us feel more or less
comfortable with a character.

Extreme close up an extreme close-up of a face would only show the mouth or eyes with
no background detail to create a more dramatic effect.

Camera Angles
Birds eye view this angle faces down at the scene making the audience seem god like
looking down.

High angle this looks down at the characters, often used to show a character with little
power or inferiority.

Eye level this is an angle which meets the height of the characters eyes making the
audience feel more equal with the character.

Low angle this looks up to a character, making them seem superior and powerful. It makes
the audience feel insignificant.

Worms eye view a shot looking up from the ground.

Canted angle when the camera is tilted to show something unusual or off-balance.

Movement
Pans movement which scans a scene horizontally. The camera is placed on a tripod, which
operates as a stationary axis point as the camera is turned, often to follow a moving object
which is kept in the centre of the frame. Also used to survey a scene.

Tilts similar to a pan however the camera moves vertically.

Dolly shots this is when the camera is placed on a dolly or a vehicle and follows the action.

Hand held shots this makes the shot have a more homemade feel and is often used in a
low budget production.

Crane shots shot from a high point.

Aerial shot a high variation of the crane shot however taken often in a helicopter.

Lighting
High key lighting high-key lighting is a style of lighting for film, television, or photography
that aims to reduce the lighting ratio present in the scene. This was originally done partially
for technological reasons, since early film and television did not deal well with high contrast
ratios, but now is used to suggest an upbeat mood. It is often used in sitcoms, comedies and
romance. High key lighting is free from shadows.
Low key lighting this is often used to hide features using a single light to display only what
is wanted to be seen in shot. It produces many shadows and is effective in horror and
mystery films.
Natural lighting this is used to create a natural feeling to the shot only relying on the sun
or moons light.

Sound
Diegetic sound that can be heard by the characters in the scene such as voices.
Non-diegetic sound that cannot be heard by the characters such as music.
SFX (Sound effects) artificially created sound.
Ambient sound the background sound to a scene which can be used to create calm or
tension.
Dialogue the voice of the characters or narrator.
Voice over a voice over is someone talking over the top of the scenes, often used in
documentaries or directors commentaries.
Synchronous sound when the sound matches the action within the scene; when the sound
and visuals are synchronised.
Asynchronous sound when the sound doesnt synchronise with the visuals often used to
create a distortion effect within the scene.
On screen sound this is where the source of the sound is visible to the audience.
Off screen sound this is where the source of the sound is not visible to the audience, used
to startle the audience or when transitioning into the next scene.

Editing
Continuity editing where the scene is edited to not leave the audience confused using a
smooth transition between clips and the contents of the scene remain the same.
Match on action this will be used so that a scene changes with the action. For example one
character will begin to open and door the character will then be seen on the other side
coming out of the door. This creates a smooth transition from one side to the other.
Shot reverse shot filmed from over the shoulder of character used in conversations. Allows
the audience to see which character is speaking and view the reactions of the characters.
180 degree rule this is the rule where the camera can pivot on a 180 degree space
meaning the characters will always be on one side of the shot keeping the scene fluent and
not confusing the audience.
POV a shot taken in first person.
Cross-cutting when a scene cuts to another keeping it relevant to the story.
Montage - used to show the passing of time and a story. They are usually to music and cut
to the beat.
Split screen when two or more shots are placed next to one another in a scene to show
action taking place in different locations or highlighting objects at the same time.

Building a Scene
To build a scene you need to find an appropriate setting depending on the story. Filming
must also be done to a professional standard. For example is you were to create a scene for
a period drama a large Victorian building would be a suitable setting whereas an adventure
film you would need a natural landscape with trees, rivers etc.
Building a Story
When building a story you need to think about what time setting and universe it is set in.
For example in the universe of Star Wars, sci-fi, you would want to appeal to a large crowd
of sci-fi lovers and understand the conventions of what makes the film enjoyable. You also
need to focus on the age your production is meant to appeal to, from younger, older or
universal.
In a single camera production, each shot is lit individually, so it is easier than using multiple
cameras as every scene in a multi camera production has to have the same lighting balance.
However because it takes longer to set up it looks better. Also, because every scene in a
single camera production is lit individually, the director can manipulate the light to add the
desired style or tone he wants to the scene. The shots are usually lit by placing the subject in

the centre of all the required equipment. The camera will be placed at the angle you want it
to be, with the key light placed on the right of the subject and the reflector on its left. There
will also be a dark background placed behind the subject.
Sound in single camera productions also has advantages and disadvantages. The
disadvantages are if you choose to utilise just the built in microphone in a single camera,
you will usually pick up too many background noises and can make the scenes sound poor
and amateurish.