TASK 2

Task 2

Advantages and disadvantages of single and multi-camera formats

Definition of single camera

A single camera production is when only one camera is used throughout the whole duration of the footage in order to shoot a film or TV programme. When a director is filming with one camera, the 180 degree rule is crucial, it is also used in conversation scenes, the shot used for this will be a reverse shot. this means that the footage will only show half the set and nothing behind the camera. 

Advantages

The advantages of using single camera formats are that the scenes that are recorded can be easily edited in a studio. Another advantage is that they are cheaper rather than using loads of cameras at the same time, this is ideal for producers who are working with a low budget. Another advantage for using single camera is that you won’t have to worry about seeing other cameras in the shot as opposed to using multi camera formats. Another advantage is the amount of time you will spend editing the footage, it will be done quickly with ease because all of the footage is one camera.

Disadvantages

There is one big disadvantage when using single camera, when shooting a scene the camera man must film the same scene multiple times in order to get the right shot, where as if it is done multi camera it only has to be shot once. Another disadvantage is that you will not get the right scene that you wanted at the right time, because there is only one camera to pick it up. With single camera footage you only get one shit at filming, so you’re stuck with the shots that you film.

Definition

Multi camera production is when there is more than one camera used at the same time, for example there will be several cameras set up around stage, this allows the director to get more shots at different angles.

Advantages

The advantages of using multi camera are that you will be able to cover more area as there are more cameras on the set. Another advantage is that there will be more cameras to get more shots. You will also be able to get more reactions and emotions through different angles. It is also much quicker to film as you can get different shots from different angles and you won’t have to re do shots.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages would include the time it takes to set up all the cameras as there is more than one so there is more work to do. The locations that the director uses will be sets and not anything real, which may show equipment or maybe even another camera. A big disadvantage is that it will cost way more due to the amount of cameras used on the set and also the camera men that are hired.

TASK 1

Series, serials and single dramas

Single and multi camera formats.

Series 
A series is made up of a number of episodes which are broadcast regularly, usually once in a week. A series may contain between 6 - 40 plus episodes, The characters from the series will remain the same and they will be used to tell a different storyline in each episode. A series may have a narrative. There will be mainly one narrative in an episode which will resolve itself by the end of the episode.

A few examples of series would be:

·       Waterloo road, this is a series that has been going on for a couple of years and each season consist of at least 11 to 12 episodes. Each episode of waterloo road will continue with the same storyline, until the end of the season. The characters remain the same or sometimes with new seasons they might add new characters to make it more interesting. The narrative for waterloo road is more show rather than tell, this way, it makes the audience think for themselves and make up their own conclusion.

Details

Official Sites: BBC

Country: UK

Language: English

Release Date: January 2006

Filming Locations: Hilltop Primary School, Kirkholt, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England, UK

·       Jersey shore

·       Celebrity juice

·       Doctor who

Serials also have the same characters, but usually only have 3 to 6 episodes and is only broadcasted once. The storyline usually continues throughout each episode. Due to the episodes being aired day after day, the narrative will continue throughout the episodes until the series is finished. the equilibrium will in the first episode and as the show progresses the equilibrium will be disrupted and  as the series finishes, the equilibrium will be restored.

A few examples of serials would be:

·       Top boy, this was a one off production which had only four episodes, this also continued with the same storyline from the previous episode. This production contained of four 1 hour episodes which showed the outlaw side of london and who ran the streets.

A thriving but underground drugs business is being run by Dushane ('Ashley Walters' ) and his friend Sully (Kane Robinson) to become the richest men on the block.

·       The ropes

·       The walking dead

·       Tale of two cities

Single dramas are programs that only show once because it is only designed as a one off story. The whole production would be filmed, edited and then perfected before it is aired on tv. The story is usually based on topical issues.

A few examples of single dramas would be:
·   
 Dirty wars, this is a fictional drama based on extensive research on UK’s emergency planners, emergency teams. This is a one off drama which contains a different topic in each episode.

Details

Official Sites: BBC

Country: UK | USA

Language: English

Release Date: 26 September 2004 (UK)  

Filming Locations: London, England, UK

·       Criminal justice

·       NCIS

·       The mighty boosh