Unit 22: Multi-camera techniques

Task 1: Reality TV shows, Sitcoms and shows with live audiences such as Question time, Use multi cameras. All reality TV shows use a multi camera format. Notable reality shows include Big Brother, the Hills and The Simple Life that used more than one camera. Reality TV shows use a multi camera format so they can constantly capture the live sequences from different angles as the show unfolds. (Big brother, The hills)

Using a multi camera format means that production can be filmed at a faster pace and at a cheaper cost but restricts the director from the level of control he has due to due to the cameras being fixed. Whilst single camera production are shot in takes and shot multiple times to capture the same scene from various angles, a scene with a multi camera set up can be filmed in one shot, due to the multiple cameras being placed around the scene.

An example of how a multi camera set up might be. The director is now able to capture the scene from various angles in one take, rather than shooting the same scene over and over at various angles.

Task 2:

The Kraftwerk video uses many different camera angles varying from long shots, tracking shots and close ups. The video opens with a tracking shot panning in to reveal the four musicians before cutting to an extreme long shot revealing the huge crowd they are playing for. The camera then zooms into the musicians before cutting to a medium shot of the four, displaying the whole stage, making the audience feel like they are sat right in front of them. We are then introduced to the four musicians with a close up of each one. Within the first few minutes of the video, we are shown the audience, room and band (As a group and each individual member) this immediately introduces the audience to the band, and the audience and venue being shown. The huge arena and large crowd anchors that it is an award show. The speed the different cameras move at ties in with the theme of the show. The show is presented as a futuristic, techno show and with the fast paced movements of the camera ranging from high, low and eye level shot angles that have been combined with camera angles, helps further anchor the futuristic theme of the show. The viewer’s interest is maintained by the different shots and various angles being seamlessly put together to show a fast paced and exciting show that ultimately makes the viewers feel like they are in the show.

The Roberto Cavalli show uses camera angles that mirrors the show and set itself. The show is started of with an establishing shot of the runway, instantly getting the audience involved in the show. The camera then cuts to a high angle medium tracking shot of the model walking down the runway. Giving us a good look as her, the outfit and the audience, making us feel like where sat in the front row of the show, the camera then cuts to a high angle shot, back to the medium shot of the runway before finally having a close up of the outfit. Each shot it very quick and snappy giving it a very militant, strict feeling, mirroring the militant clean, pristine environment, models and clothes.

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Task 9: Multi-Cam Evaluation

Our show included both boys and girls; this made it appeal to both genders and stopped it from being unfair to one particular gender. We also used different ethnic origins to appeal to a wider range of people.

To create a personal identity with the viewers, we used language that was appropriate for the audience. This allowed us to reach out to them and keep them entertained. The footage and content that was included on the video also appealed to our target audience to keep them entertained. Out of the uses and the gratifications theory we used surveillance, and personal identity.

In terms of the technical side, we did a very good job of mirroring a professional product. We made sure that our microphones and music where at a appropriate level, making sure they where turned of and on when needed. The only problem that we did encounter with this was forgetting not to turn the mic of at the very end of the show; meaning people could hear the conversation once the show had ended.

The camerawork came across as very professional, due to us having a variety of camera shots and angles. We used close ups and medium shots at various times through out the show. This stopped our show from becoming repetitive, keeping it fresh ad entertaining. The transitions from different VTs and various different shots where done very seamlessly making it come across as effortless and smooth. I felt we did a great job at doing that, as that was my main concern.

The audience feedback had been very positive with people commenting on the transitions being well done, and easy flowing. The presenting being very natural and down to earth and finally the script and content naturally meshing together.

From planning and presenting the show, I became a more tolerant person, learned how to improvise on the spot and gained a vast amount of knowledge on script writing, and the editing process. I feel from presenting the show I have become a more confident person and a better TV presenter.