What is a Single-Camera/Multi-Camera Production?

What is a Single-Camera Production?

A single camera in a production is a method of film-making that involves the use of only one camera, which means that each of the various shots and angles are taken using the same camera, the director will have to move the camera and set it up again in order to achieve a new shot or new angle. Although the director has more control over the shots because his/her attention is focused on only one camera rather than the multiple camera method which employs the use of multiple cameras placed around the room so that all of the shots can be shot consecutively, the disadvantage of the multiple method is the director cannot be at every camera at once whereas in the single-camera method the director doesn't have this problem, with the single-camera method the director may actually control the camera themselves therefore giving them complete control. A disadvantage of the single-camera method is that is more time consuming and expensive than the multiple-camera method.Usually when shooting with this method the director will film all scenes that are required for that particular set-up, for example if a scene was being shot between two characters and the script says to cut between the two then the director will shoot each one of the actors' scenes first and then do the same for the other actor then in post-production the editor can put the different shots of the two actors into sequence, by doing this the director does not have to reset the camera every time a cut is needed.

What is a Multi-Camera Production?

A multiple camera set up is a method of film production where several cameras are used on the set and simultaneously record a scene. The different cameras all perform individual tasks so that multiple angles and shots can be achieved without constantly having to move just one camera. Some cameras will be static so that close-up shots can be achieved, one camera is generally used as a master shot to capture all of the action in a scene. One camera could be attached to a dolly therefore allowing panning shots to be achieved. The multiple-camera set-up is more efficient than the single camera method as it takes less time to complete a shoot, this method makes editing more simple as it reduces the chance of continuity errors as the camera stays in the same position. This method is commonly used for live television programmes such as 'The X-Factor' and Sport matches. With the multi-camera set-up the lighting is generally less flexible to change and therefore reduces the creative input of certain shots.