task 1 - single camera vs multi camera

Single and Multi Camera Set Ups

In media production there are two different types of camera set ups. These set ups are called single camera set up and multi camera set ups. These set ups are very popular in different areas of film and TV. Single camera set ups are used frequently in films and high budget TV series where as multi camera set ups are used more in soaps and documentarys to capture real life/live events.

Single camera set ups are when the film production is filmed using only one camera. This technique has always been very popular since it was discovered. There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages of using a single camera set up. The advantages are that using a singles camera set up allows you to film the production in a different order and then put it back into chronological order later on when editing. This means different scenes can be filmed on different days so this can be helpful. Single camera set ups also make the films look alot more realistic as they allow the director to have more control over each scene. It will allow him to be alot more precise with the positioning and the lighting of each scene. Its also more convinent when you have to retake a scene as theres only one camera filming. The disadvantages of using a single camera set up are that it is very time consuming as every scene has to be filmed using one camera. Its is also very time consuming when editing as there is only one camera so there will be lots of outakes.

Below is an example of a single camera set up. The graphic labelled 1 is the camera as you can see there is only one camera used in a single camera set up. The graphics labelled A and B are the subjects. Single camera set ups are used to pay more attention to detail. In this setting in particular it looks as if the camera (graphic 1) is focusing on subject B.

  Multi-camera set ups are when more than one camera is used when filming a scene. Each camera films at the same time but from different angles and are focused on different points. Usually the two central cameras are focused on the general action and pan around the scene. Unlike the central cameras the two outer cameras are used to focus on close up shots of the subject(s). An advantage of using a multi camera set up is that it is a lot quicker than using a single camera set up as there are multiple cameras which means more shots can be taken from different angles. This speeds the editing process up as well as the filming. Multi-camera set ups are most commonly used in things such as soap operas as the gave a strict time schedule and are aired on a regular basis. Multi camera set ups are great for filming live productions as the multipule cameras film different angles of the scene at the same time. It also provides more footage of the scene which could create a better production. A dissadvantage of using multi camera techniques is that if there is a mistake or a flaw in the scene the whole scene will have to be retaken as it will show on all cameras this problem is unlikely to occur when using a single camera technique. Another problem is that sometimes on a smaller set the cameras may capture something that is unwanted in the shot for example a light, microphone or camera. Using a multi camera set up may be cheaper and quicker however it does not allow you to get the exact shot that you would like everytime as you do not have as much control over the lighting and postioning as you do with a single camera set up.  Although it is very helpful and cheap in the long run using more than one camera, it is very costly paying for equipment before filming.

Below is an example of a multi camera set up. In this image graphics 1,2,3 and 4 are the cameras. A multi camera setup uses multipul cameras to shoot scenes from different angles and positions. This image is a perfect example of a multi camera set up where the 4 cameras are focusing on different angles of the subjects (graphics A and B).

I think that both set ups are very useful in there own ways depending on which type of production you are wanting to create.

task 5 - initial idea

These were the ideas that we came up with as a group. We decided to brainstorm our ideas in a mind map.

Task 3 - Narrative Structure

Linear (Sequential) Narrative

 A linear narrative is when events in the story happen from start to finish in chronological order. They tend to focus on the present event happening in the story and tend not to use flashblacks or flash-forwards. linear narritives are the most popularly used. They are used in films such as "Toystory" and soaps such as "corination street"

Non-linear (Non-sequential) Narrative

  A non-linear narrative can be discribed as a disjointed narrative. It is when events in the story don't happen in chronological order. They are more likely to have flashbacks and flash forwards throughout the film. A good example of these are the CSI films when they will show flashbacks of the crime.

Flashback

A flashback takes the narrative back from the current point in the story by showing a scene that has been shot to interprut a past event in the narrative. When flashbacks are used in television and film, camera techniques and special effects are usually used to show the viewer that a flashback has occurred (such as fade in). This helps to show the change and stops the audience from becoming confused. Reality televison programmes such as Geordie shore sometimes use flash black to show events that have happened in the previous episodes. Film such as 'the notebook' and 'Titanic' are told in full flashback.

Realist Narrative

Realist narratives are narratives that have storylines believable / "real" to the audience or they are based on a true story that has happened in the past. Realist narratives are regularly used in soap such as emmerdale and corination street as the characters are based on real people and the events that happen in real peoples lives. It is also used often in horror films such as "the exorcism of Emily Rose". This makes the audience more scared as they feel as if it has happened before in the past.

Anti-Realist Narrative

An anti-realist narrative is a ficitonal narrative and the events in it wouldnt happen in real life. For example the advert for 3 network earlier this year when it displayed a pony moon walking this is anti-realist as ponys do not moonwalk in real life. Films also use anti-realist narratives especially animated films such as "Cloudy with a chance of meatballs".

Open Narrative

An open narrative is where the story is left wide open with no real end. This keeps the viewer wanting more and wanting to know what happens next. This is mostly used in soaps to keep the audience hooked. Eastenders is the most famous for this as at the end of every episode it is left at a cliffhanger and the theme tune kicks in.

Closed Narrative
  A closed narrative has a beginning, middle and end like a stereotypical story. The audience will expect an ending as closed narratives are the most common in film. Most films use closed narratives such as "romeo and juliet" and "titanic"

Task 4 - camera shots / camera movement

I have been researching and experimenting with different types of camera shots and camera movements these are my examples...

EXTREME LONG SHOT
This is an example of an extreme long shot (XLS/ELS) or and establishing shot. This shows all of the subject and the surroundings. It is used to set the scene in photographs or films.

LONG SHOT
This is an example of a long shot (LS). This shot is when you can see the subjects full body. This is used to display the character and put more of the focus on them.

MID SHOT

This is a primary image that I took to display a mid shot. A mid shot is used to show  the subjected closer up and more indepth. A mid shot is typically the subjects head and torso.

CLOSE UP
This is an example of a close up that I took. A close up is generally just of the subjects face taking up the majority of the frame. It is used in films to show emotion and facial expressions.

EXTREME CLOSE UP
This is a primary image that I took to display an extreme closeup. An extreme close up usually focuses on one feature of the subjects face. It is used when a specific feature needs to be displayed.

TWO SHOT
A two shot is when there are two subjects within the frame. It is used a lot in film when dialogue is taking place. It is also usually a mid shot of the two subjects.

Camera Movement

Working with my group we captured camera movements and we have put together a video to display them.