Unit 22: Multi-Camera Techniques

Unit 22: Multi Camera Techniques

Task 1: Programme Formats

The multi camera format is useful because of the shorter amount of time it take to film the show, in comparison to a single camera production. Multi camera shows allow the filming of live performances, because the camera shots are edited together during the shoot.

In multi camera shows, there is only one scene to be set once, and due to the position of the cameras, they have to be placed carefully so that none of the other cameras can be seen on film. An advantage of having just one set means that the lighting doesn't have to be adjusted as often. As a result of the one location and simpler lighting techniques, multi camera production is cheaper.

Task 2: Programme Formats

The Kraftwerk video is made up of various camera shots; presumably from a multi camera set up- at the beginning, an establishing shot of the stadium is shown, which then moves into a tracking shot that moves closer towards the performers. A cut is then made to a long shot of the performers, and the camera then moves into a steady paced panning shot, giving a clear medium shot of each performer. Following on from the panning shot, the camera them zooms steadily back out, giving yet another establishing shot of the place- showing the amazing various effects that are all happening at the time. The cameras then move into various cuts of tracking shots at different angles- from both the middle and sides. Throughout the video, the camera shots follow a sort of establishing shot- panning shot fashion, until one tracking shot moves into a birds eye view angle above the performers, allowing the viewers to see exactly what is happening upon the stage. The next shot we see is a point of view (POV) shot from the audience, giving the viewers an impression of just how crowded the place is; giving them a sense of what it would be like if they were in the audience too. Low angle shots of the performers are also used, followed by some fast paced establishing shots, where the camera seems to be swirling out; which gives a sense of rhythm and anti-realism to the scenario. The finale of the video is an establishing shot from the centre of the room, focusing on the performers. The effects in the video are all technological- with letters in neon green surrounding the room; getting bigger as the camera moves past. this was done to create a sort of verfremdung effect to the viewers- it is a surreal, yet wonderful experience to watch. I think that these futuristic effects, along with the multi camera set up, and their variously paced camera shots does keep the audience interested- the design has been set purposefully to grab their attention, for them to work out some sort of meaning from the show.

Task 3: Mind Map of Ideas

Task 4: Production Table

Task 5: Shooting Script

Task 6: Risk Assessment

Task 8: Evaluation

I think that our team achieved our aim of creating a diverse show that would appeal to a range of different teenagers. We included a mixture of different genres- from pop, to alternative music, and funny films to our students own events and media works.

After the show we decided to get some audience feedback. The people we asked said that they thought the presenters looked very natural in front of the cameras, and that the show ran smoothly- with just one minor glitch at the end when a presenter left a mic on for a few more seconds. The audience got the preferred reading of the show- we wanted the audience to feel they could relate to the presenters, and we aimed to stay away from an over the top children's presenter approach- we thought the teenage audience was too old for this style. The feedback at gave us the information that we originally aimed to achieve.

We gave positive messages out to the audience, keeping the tone informal and with slight humour every now and again, so that the audience could feel a better personal relationship with the presenters. The presenters were a male and a female, of two different ethnicities in order to create a sense of equality and differentiation within the show- Friday World is for everyone.

There were two cameras used in the studio, which was a colourful, vibrant setting with the Friday World Logo in the background, there were two camera operators- one for each, and one was used for close up shots of the presenters, whereas the other was for medium and long shots to give variation on the presenters every action and facial expression.

The presenters had their own clip-on microphones, which worked well in the setting, giving a more professional look to the show, and ensuring that the sound levels were always good, avoiding any issues.

From planning and producing the TV show, I learnt a variety of new skills, from being able to organise the different elements of a show, to how to work multi cameras so they look professional when put together to form different shots. I think I was a good team member, as we decided to share out the number of tasks we had to complete in order to make the show run, and this helped us avoid any problems whilst on air. Furthermore, each of us also discussed what types of material we thought the teenagers would want to see on the show, doing research into the latest trends- so by working as a team we came up with a variety of material that appealed to our target audience.