Single Camera filming: an Introduction to genre, formats and uses

Short Film

Techniques, genres & formats

Welcometo short film…

Over this unit you will be learning about single camera techniques,

before making your own single camera drama in small groups.

By the end of today, youMUST understand how single camera techniques are used to create videos

SHOULD explain different formats and genres of single camera videos

COULD identify examples of different single camera videos

As we go through the lesson fill in your worksheet… it’ll help you to write your report later on…

1st offWhat do we think a single camera

production is?

There are 2 different types of video production technique we can use when making a film…

Multi-camera

There are 2 different types of video production technique we can use when making a film…

Single camera

Multi-cameraFilms the action with several cameras, all at the same time.

Multi-cameraIs often filmed in a TV studio

Multi-cameraThis footage is then edited live, in

real time, by the vision mixer.

Lighting is above the studio floor and controlled remotely

What does each camera need, in order to work?

Single cameraFilms the action with just one

camera.

Which is quicker…Filming the action with just one

camera or with several cameras at the same time?

Filming with multiple cameras allows us to capture the action from several angles, in just 1 take.

Its quick as its *mostly* filmed just the once, in REAL-TIME

And we also get a variety of different shots to use

Filming using a single camera takes more time

As we just have 1 camera we can only film the actors from 1 angle.

If we want to get a different shot, we need to refilm the scene from a different angle.

As we just have 1 camera we can only film the actors from 1 angle.

If we want to get a different shot, we need to refilm the scene from a

different angle.

Whenever we re-film a scene we have to move & relight….

After we’ve finished filming what else do we still need to do?

(much) of the film & TV industry is motivated by 1 thing…

Which sounds cheaper?Multicamera

• Lots of cameras• Lots of camera

operators• TV studio• Gallery

• Full lighting rig

Single-camera

• 1 camera• 1 camera

operator• 3 lights

Filming using single camera techniques is:

• Cheaper• Easier with a small crew• Easier with a small budget • But it takes longer• But crucially…..• Its also more creative and liberating.

We can create more beautiful looking shots

We can take time to setup the perfect shot

We don’t have to worry about other camera operators being in shot so we

can get closer to the action.

FormatsWhat does Format mean?

“The way in which something is laid out.”

With TV shows Formats describe how the story & episodes are related.

Genres

TASKWorking in small groups….

List as many film genres as you can on the flipchart

5 minutes

TASK 2Working in small groups….

Each person take 1 film / TV genre and list everything you could expect to

see in that type of genre

(eg/ for sci-fi you might put “aliens”)

15 minutes

TASK 3Working in small groups….

For each film / TV genre find an example of a series, a serial and single

stand-alone and write these down.

(eg/ for sci-fi you might put “Prometheus” as a single)

10 minutes

Lets hang the posters up….

Make sure to keep hold of the worksheets you have.

• You will need it for your report, so don’t lose it…..

• If you need a spare you can find it on Moodle.

Pre-Production.• See PPT2

PlenaryWhat are the different formats which use single

camera dramas?

What are the different genres which use single camera dramas?

What are the benefits of filming using single camera techniques?

What are the drawbacks of using single camera techniques?