MULTICAMERA TECHNIQUES
Reason for Multicam
Coverage of action and simultaneous recording - An example of a of Multicam setup is in live action events - such as sport events and festivals/music concerts that are both broadcast on TV. Its purpose is to capture the event from multiple angles and to ensure that everything is able to be conveyed and demonstrated to the audience, also making it more realistic and engaging to the audience as they become more involved. An example of the use of Multicam in order to cover a live event is Mumford and Sons 2011 Glastonbury performance. In the video we see the camera cut to different angles, allowing the audience to view the live audience, close up on the instruments being played and the different members. This allows the audience to be more submerged within the action, and helps to create a more engaging production as it isn't just one continuous static shot that wouldn't have been able to include the whole stage as well as the audience.
Communicating meaning to the viewer - An example of a multicam setup that communicates meaning to the a viewer, is Emmerdale. Emmerdale may often be overlooked as a multicam setup, however due to the need for a quick turnaround/production of episodes, multicam is a set up that best allows this. The use of multicam allows for quick cuts between the different characters and allows for the use of different shot types. In the case of Debbie, the multicamera setup allows the audience to see a close up shot of her facing helping to suggest to the audience that she is somewhat angry/annoyed. The different cuts between the characters help to show their reactions to the situation and the use of multicam means that the audience experience all the characters feelings multiple times and at the time it is happening, if this was filmed using a single camera it would have taken a lot longer. This is setup allows the audience to better emotionally understand the characters situation, as well as being a quick way of filming, so that Emmerdale is able to compete alongside other soaps all on TV usually multiple times a week. This scene in particular allowed the audience to understand the overall story arc and allowed them to clearly understand the family situation, whilst being easier for the director to produce. Although this setup is mostly successful it may have taken a few takes in order to make sure that all the needed responses and emotions were captured and the camera was focused on the right character at the right time.
Visual styles, maintaining viewer engagement, Limitations to studio and location productions - Another key reason for the use of multicam is to communicate to the audience a visual style and to also maintain their engagement. Visual style…..Multicam is also used in order to maintain viewer engagement, the use of multicam allows for quick cuts and a variety of shot changes in a small space of time. In programs such as quiz and chat shows, in order to keep the audience interested a multicam setup is used so that each panel member is shown multiple times throughout the production and the focus isn’t just on one person which some audience may find boring. Therefore quick cuts and varied shots rather than for example one long durational close up shot, is better at keeping the audience interested and on edge so that they don’t lose focus as they continuously have to be engaged in order to keep up with what is going on. When looking at the different types of setups that multicam production can take place, most people are likely to think of a studio production. Studio productions whilst often really beneficial to a production due to the ability to control sound, audio, lighting and to help prevent any other background disturbances they have their limitations. A studio production can be said to be limited in the fact that they are often lacking in a large amount of space, therefore production teams must carefully take into consideration the layout of the studio when planning a production.......
Production Roles
Director
The director is in charge of the overall production and is in control of what is shown and the setup of the show, the director is also in charge of the Multicam team that includes the Vision Mixer, Camera Crew, Sound and Lighting Engineers the Floor Manager and a number of other different roles. In order to communicate with the whole production the Director speaks via Talkback and is responsible for ensuring the running and success of the overall production so that it runs smoothly without and interferences and problems. When working on an on location production in comparison to a studio based production this makes it much harder for the director as they have a greater range of situations to tackle and overcome. Such as the weather conditions and situations as well as the fact that if there is a live audience for example on a production such as Glastonbury the director has to be aware of the audience when trying to find the right shots and camera angles to use.
The director is in charge of the overall production and is in control of what is shown and the setup of the show, the director is also in charge of the Multicam team that includes the Vision Mixer, Camera Crew, Sound and Lighting Engineers the Floor Manager and a number of other different roles. In order to communicate with the whole production the Director speaks via Talkback and is responsible for ensuring the running and success of the overall production so that it runs smoothly without and interferences and problems. When working on an on location production in comparison to a studio based production this makes it much harder for the director as they have a greater range of situations to tackle and overcome. Such as the weather conditions and situations as well as the fact that if there is a live audience for example on a production such as Glastonbury the director has to be aware of the audience when trying to find the right shots and camera angles to use.
Vision Mixer
The Vision Mixer is responsible for controlling the images shown on the TV that is broadcast to people's TV at home. The Vision Mixer can almost be said to be considered as a live editor that cuts between shots, as told by the director. They are responsible looking over the footage and selecting the best. A vision mixer on a live TV production most likely has a greater idea of the overall setup and format of the programme where as an on location production is often more inconsistent and most likely won't have an already establish set up and format as it is constantly changing and can be un-predictable. An example of this is a football match as well as Glastonbury. Overall and on locaiton shoot is most likely going to be a lot harder as there are more factors and situations to consider and more things that could potentially go wrong. |
Floor Manager
The Floor Manager is the responsible for all on set of the production, however this only applies to productions that take place in a studio as if it were to be an on location production such as Glastonbury or on the production of WWE the floor manager would not be able to get round and cover all the space and so will often be limited to a small area as it they were to have to control a large audience it would make their job a lot harder. They liaise with the director who stays in the gallery therefore they are responsible for the setup of a location, looking after camera operators, the talent, the audience and running the set.
The Floor Manager is the responsible for all on set of the production, however this only applies to productions that take place in a studio as if it were to be an on location production such as Glastonbury or on the production of WWE the floor manager would not be able to get round and cover all the space and so will often be limited to a small area as it they were to have to control a large audience it would make their job a lot harder. They liaise with the director who stays in the gallery therefore they are responsible for the setup of a location, looking after camera operators, the talent, the audience and running the set.
Camera Operators
The camera operator’s role is to operate the camera that they are in charge of, and to make sure that they get the right shots for the camera to then cut. The director talks to them via talkback and they are expected to respond quickly to instructions, however they also look out for good shots in their area especially when it is a live show. Depending on their position and type of camera their role can change throughout the production. In terms of the differences between a studio based production and an on location production it can be said that the camera operator is more likely to face difficult distractions and problems when filming on location due to the fact the surroundings are much less likely to be confined to one area and the fact that they can be surrounded by anything and so can become easily put off - an example of which can be Glastonbury with the audience members trying to get in shot of the camera. Whilst there is a live audience for a studio based production it is often much smaller and so a lot more controlled.
The camera operator’s role is to operate the camera that they are in charge of, and to make sure that they get the right shots for the camera to then cut. The director talks to them via talkback and they are expected to respond quickly to instructions, however they also look out for good shots in their area especially when it is a live show. Depending on their position and type of camera their role can change throughout the production. In terms of the differences between a studio based production and an on location production it can be said that the camera operator is more likely to face difficult distractions and problems when filming on location due to the fact the surroundings are much less likely to be confined to one area and the fact that they can be surrounded by anything and so can become easily put off - an example of which can be Glastonbury with the audience members trying to get in shot of the camera. Whilst there is a live audience for a studio based production it is often much smaller and so a lot more controlled.
Arm Stabiliser
Used to stabilise camera shots, it straps itself to the operators chest to control usability and accuracy of the shots. This also allows the camera operator to be hands free at times to prevent repetitive strain injury. This is mainly used in on location based productions due to its moability, as shown in this example of an England football match. Where as studio productions have designated spaces for cameras and they are designed in order to hold the equipment and people.
Used to stabilise camera shots, it straps itself to the operators chest to control usability and accuracy of the shots. This also allows the camera operator to be hands free at times to prevent repetitive strain injury. This is mainly used in on location based productions due to its moability, as shown in this example of an England football match. Where as studio productions have designated spaces for cameras and they are designed in order to hold the equipment and people.
Autocue
The autocue is often an essential part of a Multicam setup that usually includes a host such as a game show and talk show. It is vital for the presenters as it provides them with the information and content needed throughout the show.
In an on location production the use of Autocue is much less likely as an autocue is often used by a presenter or host, which is usually not very common to productions that are on location and therefore is mainly found in studio based productions.
The autocue is often an essential part of a Multicam setup that usually includes a host such as a game show and talk show. It is vital for the presenters as it provides them with the information and content needed throughout the show.
In an on location production the use of Autocue is much less likely as an autocue is often used by a presenter or host, which is usually not very common to productions that are on location and therefore is mainly found in studio based productions.
Jib
The jib is a device which has a camera on one end and a counterweight on the other, allowing any easy movement from high angle shots . It is used for multi camera productions as an alternative and creative way of presenting rather than the usual and traditional static panning and tilting camera. Though a Jib can be used outside, it is predominantly used in studio based multi camera productions.
The jib is a device which has a camera on one end and a counterweight on the other, allowing any easy movement from high angle shots . It is used for multi camera productions as an alternative and creative way of presenting rather than the usual and traditional static panning and tilting camera. Though a Jib can be used outside, it is predominantly used in studio based multi camera productions.
Talkback
Talkback and talkback boxes are key and vital to any production in order for it to run successfully, as it the main way the whole production team communicate. When using talkback there is a particular way in which you are expected to talk and communicate in order to make sure that it is doesn't quickly and efficiently and so everyone knows when they they are being addressed or if it is for another member of the production team.
Key terms include:
- Crab Left - move camera unit to the left
- Crab Right - move camera unit to the right
- Tilt Up - move camera up
- Tilt Down - move camera down
- Track Out - move camera backwards
- Zoom In - just with the camera function not the the unit of the camera
- Pan Left - move camera left
- Throw Focus - change the depth of field
- That’s a wrap - finished.
The location in which the production is filmed in affects the use of talkback. If working on a big production such as Glastonbury that is largely spread out, it is important for all of the team to be able to successfully coordinate. Unlike a studio based production the talk back system would most likely have to be wireless especially on the set of a football match. This also effects the situation if something was to go wrong. In a studio based production it would take much less time to have a look and work out the problem due to the fact that
Talkback and talkback boxes are key and vital to any production in order for it to run successfully, as it the main way the whole production team communicate. When using talkback there is a particular way in which you are expected to talk and communicate in order to make sure that it is doesn't quickly and efficiently and so everyone knows when they they are being addressed or if it is for another member of the production team.
Key terms include:
- Crab Left - move camera unit to the left
- Crab Right - move camera unit to the right
- Tilt Up - move camera up
- Tilt Down - move camera down
- Track Out - move camera backwards
- Zoom In - just with the camera function not the the unit of the camera
- Pan Left - move camera left
- Throw Focus - change the depth of field
- That’s a wrap - finished.
The location in which the production is filmed in affects the use of talkback. If working on a big production such as Glastonbury that is largely spread out, it is important for all of the team to be able to successfully coordinate. Unlike a studio based production the talk back system would most likely have to be wireless especially on the set of a football match. This also effects the situation if something was to go wrong. In a studio based production it would take much less time to have a look and work out the problem due to the fact that
Overhead Diagram - QI
Shooting Scripts
QI
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lw1uAAfwWYM-Go1-NV2X3NlTNPex6F-5fqrAxTzl358/edit
FOOTBALL
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12i08oSOO9lLaKvLArrN-mDpCb51i6s8iDZBTeUR3JBY/edit
Comparative Analysis
When looking at the different multicam productions, there are two main types of multicam productions, one being an on location set such as a football match or TV soap. The other being a studio production such as a chat show or panel show. When comparing a multi camera setup such as a football match to a program such as QI there are a number of differences, somethings do however remain similar. When looking at the differences between the two formats it is evident that on location productions are often much harder to control, due to the weather which will often play a big part, background disturbances, lighting and audio. Unlike a studio production, which takes place in a much more controlled environment in which there is studio lighting and the ability to control what is happening around the set to ensure that the audio is of a good quality. When looking at a football game it is evident that the mise en scene is hard to control as a production team you would have to factor in the fact that there is a going to be a very large loud crowd that ultimately you have little control over, therefore getting the audio right on a multicam setup such as a football game is very key. Similarly the cameras are positioned around the stadium giving the opportunity for football fans to try and get their face on the cameras. All of these factors are something that a director on a studio based setup have to consider making it much easier, especially when it comes to things like health and safety.
Furthermore when comparing a studio setup to an on location setup, there are differences in the structure of production, for example a football match is for the majority unscripted, unlike a quiz show which is semi scripted. In a football match there are certain aspects that are already planned and that always happen, for example when the players walk out on to the pitch. However the game itself is something that the production team have no control over and so don’t really have a set plan as to how it is going to go in terms of filming. However things like a goal, penalty kick would have a standard structure in which cameras are used to best show the action. Thus showing the importance of multicam as it allows for a good coverage of action. When looking at a studio production, it is semi scripted in the fact that the host will have designated sections in which the cameras will know when to be filming and the overall structure and segments of the show and where they will be already planned out. For example in the QI video, the cow/donkey coming on to the show is something that the producers and directors have planned and will know about, therefore they will already have some idea of how they want that section to be shot and which cameras are most suitable in getting the best coverage. There is however still an element of unscripted action in studio based productions as again demonstrated in QI, when the director and production crew aren’t exactly sure on who is going to be answering and making jokes and so it cannot be certain on what camera needs to be on whom and at what time. Therefore it can be said that both the football match and to some extent QI have some unplanned events.
In a studio based location everything is with a relatively small proximity, especially the cameras, meaning that if anything was to go wrong everyone is easily reached and the floor manage doesn’t have to travel very far in order to reach the director in the gallery.
And although in both formats a talkback system is used, if something does need replacing or it stops working a studio based production is much easier to manage, where a football match for example means that the cameras are spread out across the stadium which is often very large. This means that if some was needed for elsewhere due to a fault or they were no longer able to communicate via talkback it isn’t easy or quick to get from A to B. Similarly to this due to the difference in size of the productions a studio production has a much shorter distance to collect audio/video/talkback feeds where as a football match has to cover the whole stadium thus meaning that this would have to be carried out completely wirelessly as it would be far too difficult to organise and it is unlikely that there would be wires long enough it also means that syncing and latency becomes a bigger issue. While a studio allows for more control it can be said to be limited in the fact that it limits the size of the production as studios don’t always have that much space, however a production too large also has its limitations.
Unlike a studio a football match uses unmanned cameras on cables for birds eye view or net cameras that allow for really interesting angles that helps to engage audiences and maintain viewer interests as it keeps the match more interesting rather than just one constitant shot that may mean you aren’t able to see everything that is going on. Net shots also allow the audience to feel more close to the game and as though they are actually included rather than just watching from home. Although studios often use a ceiling camera it’s not so important in terms of the setup as most of the time the cameras on the floor are able capture the action.
Whilst the use of many cameras in a football match allow the audience to watch the game from a range of angles, means that more people are needed to organise.
Whilst most on location shoots don’t typically use on screen graphics, the football match uses does however use graphics in order for the audience to keep up with the score and team changes, meaning that someone has the job of having to cue these graphics, this is could be considered somewhat similar to a quiz/panel show which in most cases also similarly uses on screen graphics on screen behind the contestants that often relate to the question or answer however these are most likely pre recorded and so are already prepared and ready to be added. Furthermore another difference is the need for instant replays and slow motion effects for the football match to ensure that the audience are always able to see and understand what is going on, this means that this is something that is unplanned as you don’t know when a key event is going to happen, and so the person in charge of this must always be prepared and ready to go so that the replay happens instantly.
Whilst it can be said that both formats mean that the production is filmed in front of a ‘live audience’ in football match there would be no chance to re shoot if a shot is missed due to the fact that the game is most often live. A studio setup however does have the ability to stop and start and although the audience are watching live in the studio there is the opportunity from the post production team to edit the recording which isn’t something that happens in a football on location production, meaning it is much more high pressured environment with a lot more people to engage with and consider.
Although it can be said the two formats mostly differ the use of talkback is something that remains the same, whilst it is carried out differently and a studio is much easier to control and manage it is something that is vital to both setups.
Furthermore when comparing a studio setup to an on location setup, there are differences in the structure of production, for example a football match is for the majority unscripted, unlike a quiz show which is semi scripted. In a football match there are certain aspects that are already planned and that always happen, for example when the players walk out on to the pitch. However the game itself is something that the production team have no control over and so don’t really have a set plan as to how it is going to go in terms of filming. However things like a goal, penalty kick would have a standard structure in which cameras are used to best show the action. Thus showing the importance of multicam as it allows for a good coverage of action. When looking at a studio production, it is semi scripted in the fact that the host will have designated sections in which the cameras will know when to be filming and the overall structure and segments of the show and where they will be already planned out. For example in the QI video, the cow/donkey coming on to the show is something that the producers and directors have planned and will know about, therefore they will already have some idea of how they want that section to be shot and which cameras are most suitable in getting the best coverage. There is however still an element of unscripted action in studio based productions as again demonstrated in QI, when the director and production crew aren’t exactly sure on who is going to be answering and making jokes and so it cannot be certain on what camera needs to be on whom and at what time. Therefore it can be said that both the football match and to some extent QI have some unplanned events.
In a studio based location everything is with a relatively small proximity, especially the cameras, meaning that if anything was to go wrong everyone is easily reached and the floor manage doesn’t have to travel very far in order to reach the director in the gallery.
And although in both formats a talkback system is used, if something does need replacing or it stops working a studio based production is much easier to manage, where a football match for example means that the cameras are spread out across the stadium which is often very large. This means that if some was needed for elsewhere due to a fault or they were no longer able to communicate via talkback it isn’t easy or quick to get from A to B. Similarly to this due to the difference in size of the productions a studio production has a much shorter distance to collect audio/video/talkback feeds where as a football match has to cover the whole stadium thus meaning that this would have to be carried out completely wirelessly as it would be far too difficult to organise and it is unlikely that there would be wires long enough it also means that syncing and latency becomes a bigger issue. While a studio allows for more control it can be said to be limited in the fact that it limits the size of the production as studios don’t always have that much space, however a production too large also has its limitations.
Unlike a studio a football match uses unmanned cameras on cables for birds eye view or net cameras that allow for really interesting angles that helps to engage audiences and maintain viewer interests as it keeps the match more interesting rather than just one constitant shot that may mean you aren’t able to see everything that is going on. Net shots also allow the audience to feel more close to the game and as though they are actually included rather than just watching from home. Although studios often use a ceiling camera it’s not so important in terms of the setup as most of the time the cameras on the floor are able capture the action.
Whilst the use of many cameras in a football match allow the audience to watch the game from a range of angles, means that more people are needed to organise.
Whilst most on location shoots don’t typically use on screen graphics, the football match uses does however use graphics in order for the audience to keep up with the score and team changes, meaning that someone has the job of having to cue these graphics, this is could be considered somewhat similar to a quiz/panel show which in most cases also similarly uses on screen graphics on screen behind the contestants that often relate to the question or answer however these are most likely pre recorded and so are already prepared and ready to be added. Furthermore another difference is the need for instant replays and slow motion effects for the football match to ensure that the audience are always able to see and understand what is going on, this means that this is something that is unplanned as you don’t know when a key event is going to happen, and so the person in charge of this must always be prepared and ready to go so that the replay happens instantly.
Whilst it can be said that both formats mean that the production is filmed in front of a ‘live audience’ in football match there would be no chance to re shoot if a shot is missed due to the fact that the game is most often live. A studio setup however does have the ability to stop and start and although the audience are watching live in the studio there is the opportunity from the post production team to edit the recording which isn’t something that happens in a football on location production, meaning it is much more high pressured environment with a lot more people to engage with and consider.
Although it can be said the two formats mostly differ the use of talkback is something that remains the same, whilst it is carried out differently and a studio is much easier to control and manage it is something that is vital to both setups.
Multicam Comparative Essay
Live Recording of Fashion Show
http://tallismedia.weebly.com/level-3-unit-23-multi-camera-2016.html