Unit 23: Multi camera

techniques
LAA
Multi camera examples
● This is a talk show.
● This is a studio based shoot.
● There are multiple cameras in
order to capture reactions and
focus on different cast members.
● Having multiple cameras makes
the show more interesting as the
camera moves to show other
cast members reactions instead
of focusing on one person.

● This is a live music concert

based in a basketball court
for nba all star weekend
● This shoot is location based
● There multiple cameras to
make the experience more
interesting for the viewer as
they try to get the viewer to
experience the same energy
as people who were there
live, making them feel
included in the performance
 Multi camera example (Talk show)
This example is a talk show and is also an example of a studio based, multicam production. In this talk show it is important for
the audience to feel involved in the conversation and switching to different people during a conversation shows people's
reactions to certain things giving the viewer a better experience instead of just focusing on one person. Some of the shots used
in this talk show are close ups mid shots and wide shots showing everyone in the conversation they do this to focus on the
person whos talking to also involve others in the conversation and to show facial expressions. The production is limited in the
studio as It’s harder to create realistic or everyday, ordinary sets. Cost may also be a factor if you’re on a tight budget. Renting a
studio and bringing in props can be more expensive than using a natural setting outdoors. Advantages of filming in a studio are
the fact that You’re able to control your environment i.e. light for your scene, traffic control, and other environmental related
noise. You can avoid unwanted airplane noise, unexpected weather changes and don’t have to adhere to any city regulations
for filming. You can also control who has access to your set and will not have curious people walking by and trying to enter the
set. The director is impacted by these advantages and disadvantages as he/she has to decide on what fits the show more,
shooting on location or in a studio. In the begin of the show the first shot that is used is a wide angle shot showing everyone on
the show this is to set the scene showing who is part of the conversation. The vision mixer cuts from the wide angle shot to
medium close ups of the different hosts focusing on when they are talking and when they are reacting to something someone
else said, this continues throughout the show going back and forth between the wide angle shot and medium close ups. This
show could only be filmed with multicam as it would be impossible to capture all these different angles with one camera. The
vision mixer also edits split screens to show two people speaking to each other showing the person speaking and the other
person reacting. When they talk about a certain topics they cut from the conversation and put up a picture that represents the
topic.
 Multi camera example (Live Concert)
This is a half time musical concert, the shoot is location based, focusing on the performance in a basketball court. There
multiple cameras to make the experience more interesting for the viewer, as they try to get the viewer to experience the
same energy as people who were there live. Making them feel more included in the performance. They focus on the artist's
energy and there movements as well as the crowds movements. In this multi camera example they use different shot types
such as close ups and wide shots in order to get the viewer to feel more engaged with the artist. The production would be
constrained because the director wouldn't have much control over the crowd in the background and if anything was to go
wrong they wouldn't be able to just cut and try again. The advantages of this location is that there is enough space for the
cameras to show the crowd's reaction and also J cole rapping at the same time giving a more realistic atmosphere for the
viewer. In this production the director knowing the advantages and disadvantages would need to make sure to use the
advantages to their favour and make sure to plan effectively so if anything does go wrong they are able to deal with it
quickly. In the beginning of the live concert the first camera they focus on seems to be a drone of some sort which focuses
on the crowd's reaction to j cole beginning his performance, the next shot is a mid shot of him another drone then begins to
move back away from j cole turning the shot into a wide shot setting the scene showing where he is and how the crowd are
reacting, the camera continues to pan away from j cole going wider and wider show the full amount of people that attended
the concert. The vision mixer then cuts to another camera that is showing a close up of J cole as he raps this and reacts to
the energy of the crowd. The vision mixer then cuts to a wide shot of j cole on stage and the crowd around him this is done
to liven up the edit as the vision mixer probably wanted more vieriate in shots to match the energy of the music.
 Multi camera example (live basketball game)
This example is a live basketball game, an example of a location based multi cam production. The reason for them using a
multi camera production is so the viewer feels more involved with the game, the aim is to create an immersive experience for
the people who aren't able to watch the game in real life. In this multicam production there is close ups showing the reactions
and emotions of different players at different times and it also includes wide angle shots showing the players as they run up
and down the court trying to score a basket. This production is limited as they can't show close ups of the players reactions to
things all the time as the sport is very fast paced however if you were actually there watching the sport you might be able to
capture what players say and their facial expressions. As the director knows the advantages and disadvantages they must
make sure to try their best to capture every bit of the game so that the people at home watching the game on their tv don't miss
out on anything. For a live basketball game there is many different angles but the main angle that is focused on this the wide
angle that show the players running up and down the court this angle also show the different plays that are happening on both
teams during offence and defence. The vision mixer also cuts to a medium close up of the players when there is a foul, this is
to show the players reaction to whatever happened as well as the fact that the viewers can't hear what's being said on the
court by the players so this close up can also give the viewer's a insight into how the player is feeling or what they are saying.
Multicam Sitcom Example
This example is a sitcom and an example of a location based multicam production.
This production would be recorded as a live studio production.With multicam
sitcoms they usually get the actors to do a scene and instead of doing each scene
over and over again from different angles they would use multiple cameras to speed
up the process of recording. In this scene multiple different cameras have been set
up the first shot that is used is a wide shot showing the characters on stage and a
crowd watching them with some other characters in that crowd. The shot then
changes to a close up of one of the characters on stage twiddling their thumbs.
These different shots set the scene showing where the character is and in this
scene it basically explains why the character on stage is nervous. In this scene they
mostly use mid shots and some close ups as it is a dialogue scene. In this location
one of the benefits would be that everything is controlled there won't be anyone in
the background moving around if they aren't supposed to and there won’t be any
unwanted audio. With the director knowing the advantages and disadvantages they
are able to make preparations to make sure the recording goes smoothly recording
in a way that suits the production crew.
What roles are required for a multicam production
● Camera Operator
● Sound mixer
● Vision mixer
● Director set designer
● Lighting desk
● Floor manager
● Graphics generation
● VT Operator
● Presenter
Director
The director is basically the most important person in the multi camera crew and this is because the director holds and
takes responsibility on everything that occurs in a multi camera production so everything runs through the director. The
director is mainly responsible for the ordering the actors to do what he or she wants. The director also helps with hiring
the cast as they would like to people who they think would meet their preferences.

The directors duty is to make sure there is a plan before the start of the production, this is because it is important to
have a game plan as it will help with make sure they don't come into any difficulties. Choosing where the shooting will
be done and must include a layout in the plan of the step by step of the shots they will be shooting. The director must
also have good eye for talent in order to bring out the true potential of the media production.

Being a leader is also important for a director as they are responsible for most of the aspects in production.
VT Operator
Video tape operators work and manage in the machine room. In the room they have the task of operating the video as they
cue and prepare the videos into the programme. They also set up and operate the video tape equipment to playback and
record the programme. They also read the programme log which tells them when the show will be recorded and also when
it will be completed. There aren't any specific requirements needed to become a video tape operator.
Set Designer
Set designers are responsible for the full visual concept of the set which will be shown in the television. They also have to
work very closely with the director as they will also be receiving extra tasks on what to improve on and where to sort the
sets out. Also known as the Production Designer, the designer also design the set by basing it from the script of the
production, as they read and acknowledge the script they would get the basic idea of what kind of layout and set the
production will need.

A set designers duty is to make sure they look at the script so they know what the set should look like. They must also plan
so the budget so they are able to get everything they need for the set.

Anyone trying to be a set designer must have excellent design and creative skills, they must also have good managerial
skills as they will be managing the art department.
Camera operator
The camera operator always plays a big role as they are recording the show. They are also known as the
cinematographer. The camera operators work with the cameras that are used to film the production, they don't just film
randomly they must follow a shooting script which has the whole order of the shots that are required.

The camera operator must always be willing to follow whatever the director orders them to do. They also need to be
aware of the safety and security around the shooting set as the camera equipment can get in peoples way on set. One of
the most important duties for the camera operator is to make sure they are aware of the technical problems that may
occur and they need to find solutions, for example in outdoor conditions they cameras could get dis functioned due to
rain.

A camera operator or cinematographer needs to have a creative mind to know about the different shots and angles
they should use. They must also have a steady body as when they are shooting they can't keep making movements in
their body. It is also very useful for a camera operator to have a large amount of experience in media production.
Floor Manager
The floor manager in a television multi camera production is the person who is responsible for giving information that is
from the director to the crew that are in the control room. The floor manager also needs to ensure that all of the
equipment that is placed in the set it set up correctly and that it doesn't contain any harm to the other crew members
that are around. The floor manager is also the manager of cues meaning they communicate through to the crew
members when to start and stop.

They must make sure that all equipment is present and working before and after production.
 The Differences between studio and live production
Studio Live
Usually three stages pre production, production and post
production, allowing the creator to plan out the entire Live studio production is different than video production because the
process. In pre production the concept, ideas and
entire production is recorded for live television, or the event itself is
messaging is created and planned out. From that point,
recorded live, in order to be broadcast in that format. Rather than
you can go to script research and development,
storyboarding, budgeting, planning for timelines. Once you adding any additional effects, sharpening the picture, or editing for
are through with pre-production, you will slide into the pacing in the post-production stage, as with video production, you
production phase, where you actually obtain all of the necessary have to make sure the set is exactly how you need it during live
footage for your video project. This may require field and/or studio production. There is no post-production in live studio
studio producing, conducting interviews, B-roll shooting, production, as there is in video production. The final product is
directing, preparing props and costumes, makeup and hair,
delivered live, with no room for errors or fixes.
designing sets, cinematography, sound production and so much
more.
Tv show Diagram

Stage

Cam 1 Cam 4

Main
cam Cam 3
Tv show
The overhead diagram I have shown, shows how a tv show set up works. In this
diagram the cameras will mainly be focus on the hosts of the show, the set is quite
basic compared to others but is effective in what it is trying to accomplish. Next to
the main camera there is always a autocue for the host to read this helps to keep
the flow of the show making sure everyone remembers their lines. Cameras one
and four can sometimes be used for the audience but the other cameras must
focus on the host of the tv show.
Live Sports Diagram
The overhead diagram of the football pitch shows how
cameras would be set up for a live broadcast. As you can see
the cameras have been set up to capture every possible angle.
Every moment captured in high definition. And plenty of work
goes into bring the live action from the pitch to thousands of
miles away without lag. The diagram shows the camera in air
which covers the entire pitch, you also have a camera that
hovers just over the pitch this camera moves from one end to
the other depending on who has the ball. Overall the set up for
a football game is very complicated but if effective in capture
everything that happens on the court.