BTEC Extended Diploma Creative Media Production Level 3 – Unit 23 Multi-Camera Techniques
Multi-Camera
Setup otherwise known Multi-Cam is way of making a film and producing videos. It is a technique that involves using several cameras either film or professional video camera's are setup on a set to simultaneously record a scene. Multi Camera usually consists of two outer cameras and they shoot close-up shots or crosses of the two most active characters on the set at that given time. Then there is usually a central camera or central cameras that shoot a wide master shot to capture the overall action of that scene. Using this technique multiple shots are obtained in one single take without having to start and stop the scene. This is a more efficient way for programs that are shown a short time after filming such as daily soaps like Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.
Using this technique is more time efficient when it comes to post production as it will mean less time is spent on editing the footage. Also scenes might be shot a lot more quickly as there is no need for re-lighting and the setup of alternative camera angles in different locations on every new scene. It also reduces the complexity of tracking continuity issues that may occur when the scene is reshot from different angles, and this is an essential part of live television broadcasts.
The use of the Multi-Camera technique dates back to the development of silent films with the earliest example being the first Russian Feature film "Defence of Sevastopol" which was written and directed by Vasily Goncharov and Aleksandr Khanzhonkov in 1911. Sound came into the picture when multiple cameras were used to film multiple sets at a single time. The use of multiple video cameras to cover a scene dates back to the earliest days of TV where three cameras were used with the broadcast of The Queen's Messenger in 1928 which was the first performed drama on television. BBC have used multiple cameras for their live TV shows since 1936 onwards. Although it is often claimed Multi-Cam setup was pioneered for TV by Desi Arnas and cinematographer Karl Freund with "I Love Lucy" which was released in 1951.
In the late 1970's Garry Marshall was credited with adding a fourth camera which was known as the 'X Camera" and occasionally known now as the "D Camera" which he used to film his series "Mork & Mindy" which featured popular actor Robin Williams. The multiple-camera method gives the director less control over each shot but it is faster and less expensive than a single camera setup. Multi-Cam is usually used for genres such as Sports Programming, Soaps, Talk Show, Game Shows and some Sitcoms. Multiple Cameras can take different shots of a live situation as the action unfolds chronologically and is suitable for shows which require a live audience such as Big Bang Theory and Mrs. Browns Boys. For this reason, multiple camera productions can be filmed or taped much faster than single camera.
Most British sitcoms and dramas from the 1950's to early 1990's were made using the Multi-Camera format. Unlike the United States Of America
