Unit 23: multi-camera techniques

1. Unit 23: multi-camera techniques By Charlie Kerby

2. Reasons we use multiple cameras. • Enhanced coverage of action • Communicating meaning to the viewer in a way that makes it more obvious to the viewer • Maintaining viewers interest • Improved visual style • Reduce the constraints of studio or location environments • Multi-camera simultaneous recording

3. Coverage of action. When it comes to getting the most coverage of action, the more cameras the better. The average football game has at least 20 cameras covering every angle imaginable. The reason for this is so if something of any interest happens in the pitch, in the dug-out or even with the fans then there will a camera ready to film it. Although this seems excessive it is now normal practice though-out all live events.

4. Communicating meaning to the viewer If something happens in a live event which is highly important then there will be cameras not only watching that, but there will also be many other cameras watching the reaction of everybody spectating the event. This way you can get an instant view of the emotions of everyone viewing the event, which communicates the meaning to the viewer

5. Maintaining viewer interest In order to maintain the viewers interest you must keep the cameras looking at the thing of most interest . This way the audience will be most likely to remain watching the event. This is where using multiple cameras comes into it’s own. You can get many different views of the same thing, this way you can replay the same moment from a different angle and keep the viewers interest for as long as possible.

6. Visual style Each live event has it’s own visual style depending on the actual event. You wouldn’t see a football game and a festival shot in the same way. The use of multiple cameras has been has effected the way we record these events dramatically allowing each event to define it’s own style and become a more enriching experience to the viewers. You can also use different filters for events, for example when golf is televised there is usually a filter over the camera to enhance the brightness of the scenery. Other programs such a QI or Have I got news for you? Are always shot in the same way, there is one camera focusing on the host and at least two more looking at each team. The final cut of the production will only have the shots from these three cameras. However when the final edit is done on a sporting event there will be at least five cameras looking at every aspect of the game in order to capture the clearest and most detailed view possible.

7. constraints of studio or location environments When filming in a difficult environment, the use of multi-camera is invaluable. By using more than one camera you are more likely to get the shot you need first time therefore you can save time and effort allowing you to move on from the environment as quickly and efficiently as possible. You may also find that when you’re filming outside the weather may become a hindrance. For example being Great Britain when it rains, which it will, you need to be prepared

8. Multi-camera simultaneous recording This is when you use multiple cameras at one time to record an event. The reason we use multiple cameras is to get the best possible coverage of an event. This way you will have more shots of a particular moment so you can show it again from a different angle. This has now become common practice at all major sporting events including rugby cricket football and racing.

9. Types of shot. 5 4 6 3 I have used a tennis court as my example of a live event. There are many cameras at a tennis game in order to capture each second of the game in perfect quality. How ever each camera has slightly different jobs depending on it’s position. Camera 1- this camera can both see the players and audience, it also has a clear view of the right hand line. Camera 2- similar to camera one only on the left line, it can also view both players. Camera 3- provides a view of the umpire as well a very clear shot of the horizontal line on the court. Camera 4- this Is in the same position as camera 3 however it’s on the opposite side of the court. Camera 5- this shows a shot of the lengths of the court, and has a very clear shot of the audience. Camera 6- this is a flipped version of camera 5, show the same shot but is on the left hand side. 2 1