TASK 1
*RESEARCH
What is a 'Single-Camera Production?'
Single-camera shooting is a method of film making and video production meaning to only use one primary camera. This technique is often used for music videos, prime-time dramas and advertisements.
Benefits + Limitations of single-camera techniques?
The benefits of single-camera techniques consist of:
allowing scenes to be shot out of sequence, so when editing you are able to add more dramatic effects and detail. Also, compared to multi-camera productions, single-camera productions are less expensive, easier to set up and move around. With only one camera being used, you are more able to be flexible not worrying about other cameras being in shot. An overall advantage with single-camera productions is that the director has more control over each shot since there are no more other cameras to be responsible over.
Although there are benefits of single-camera productions, its good to be aware of the limitations/disadvantages.
The disadvantages/limitations with the single-camera techniques is:
you can only get one angle at a time and to get each angle, you have to repeat the same shot around 3 times, instead of capturing multiple angles in one shot. Furthermore, every time you want to film a different scene, moving and setting the camera back up in different positions is very time-consuming. Only one camera is used so one actor gets filmed at a time therefore the reactions are not natural and realistic. Editing at the end takes so much time because of the amount of all the shots that have been taken.
What is a "Multi-Camera Production"?
Multi-camera production is opposed to single-camera productions where more than one camera is being used to record footage during shooting. This technique is used a lot particularly in television, sports, performances and many more.
Benefits + Limitations of multi-camera production?
The benefits/advantages of Multi-camera productions are that,
because of the fact that multiple cameras are recording at once, shooting a production takes less time; unlike single-camera productions, you can cover multiple scenes within just 1 day, capturing numerous shots and angles. Additionally, reactions are more realistic since actors are taking part in the same scene, and there will be less issues with continuity. multi-camera shooting offers the opportunity to capture every detail even the spontaneity of the moment resulting in a much more impressive and entertaining viewing experience.
There are also a few limitations of multi-camera productions.
The disadvantages of multi-camera productions are that,
due to the large amount of equipment and cameras used, it takes up much more time to set up and it will also be much more expensive including the cost of hiring the crew. Plus, it isn't possible for multi-camera productions to be used outdoor so directors would only be able to do it in a studio.
TASK 2
*RESEARCH
TYPES OF MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
+ WHAT CAMERA TECHNIQUE DO THEY USE:
What is a...
1)Documentary
This type of media production uses Single-camera techniques to film to ensure it feels cohesive, also its easier to have more control over the shots with this technique. Documentaries commonly use close up shots to clearly reveal the subjects emotions as they speak.
2)TV-Drama
This media production uses multi-camera techniques seeing as itd be easier to cover multiple scenes in just a day. Catching the spontaenity of a moment is vital for TV-dramas. TV-Dramas use a range of different shots and angles in order to keep the viewer connected with the characters and to keep them on their toes.
3)YouTube Vlog
YouTube vlogs use single-camera techniques since the vlogger only needs one camera to carry out with them. Its less expensive to own one camera for the blogger and its easy to set up and move around.
4)Soap(UK)/Sitcom(USA)
Soaps/ Sitcoms use multi-camera techniques because this technique makes it easier for each angle to be captured, easier to edit and entertaining to watch. Medium close-ups are commonly used in soaps/sitcoms, mid-shots and sometimes big close-ups to create a dramatic effect.
5)Music Video
This type of media production can use either single-camera techniques or multi-camera techniques depending on what type of video/aesthetic they are going for. However its common for single-camera techniques to be used since its easier to move around and then add visuals.
6)Advertisments
Advertisements use multi-camera techniques since with multiple camera in use, it helps speed up the pace of filming and its easier to edit at the end. ADs can use zooming movements, extreme close-ups(if necessary). With this type of media production, you can be as creative and versatile as wanted.
7)Sports events
This type of media production definitely uses multi-camera techniques as they need to capture every single angle and very single moment. There will be less issues with continuity. Sports events use extreme long shots, establishing shots, bird eye views, zooming shots, tracking and so on.
TASK 3
*CAMERA TECHNIQUES
MOVEMENTS
TRACKING
A Tracking shot (also known as dollying) is a shot where the camera physically moves sideways, forward, backward or moves alongside the subject being recorded.
ZOOMING
To "zoom in" means the camera lens are moving in, making the subject larger and appear closer in the frame however the camera itself remains stationary. Zooming out is the opposite of zooming in as it allows you to capture a wider space.
TILTING
Tilting is a cinematographic technique where the camera stays in a stationary location only but rotates up/down in a vertical plane (pivots vertically). Tilt shots are usually more dramatic than straight-angle shots.
PANNING
Panning is swivelling a still or video camera horizontally from a fixed position; left or right only.
HAND-HELD
Hand-Held shooting is where the camera is held in the camera operators hand instead of it being on a tripod or other base. It creates uneven movements giving a sense of realism and immediacy.
STEADICAM
A steadicam is a stabilization system for motion picture or video cameras that allows a single operator to easily make smooth shots while moving.
FRAMING
EXTREME
LONG SHOT
Extreme long shot (also called Wide shot) is where the cameras focus is on the location. It is designed to show the audience where the action is taking place or what is going on. Usually there is no subject and if there is, they are very far away.
LONG SHOT
Long shot is when the cameras focus is on the subjects whole body (head to toe) showing the full length of the subject and where they are in the setting.
MEDIUM LONG SHOT
With medium long shot, the cameras focus is on the subjects body, knees up.
MID SHOT
Mid shot (also known as waist shot and, medium shot) is a type of camera shot where it shows the actor from their waist up. also it gives them and the surroundings equal presence.
MEDIUM CLOSE UP
Medium close-up are shots that include the subjects chest area to their head. This shot only reveals a bit of the setting in the background as well as the subjects facial expressions and emotions clearly. This shot is common in alot of documentaries and interviews
CLOSE UP
Close up shots focus on the head to shoulders of the subject showing greater detail to the viewer. In a scene, this shot helps add emotion
BIG CLOSE-UP
This shot, very closely tightly frames the person, revealing only eyes to mouth. Only little to no surroundings is shown.
EXTREME CLOSE-UP
This shot is even more intense than 'Big Close-Up'. This shot only focuses on a specific feature of a persons face, prop or detail. This communicates to the audience that its important. This shot helps show more raw, intense emotion.
ANGLES
Birds eye view
Bird eye view is a general view from a great height like a bird. This shot helps establish the setting and the actors relationship to it.
Worms eye view
Worms eye view is the opposite to bird eye view as the shot is taken directly from below looking up.
High angle
High angle is when the camera looks down at the subject/actor from above. This shot can make the subject appear vulnerable and helpless.
Low angle
Low angle Is the opposite to 'High angle' because the shot is taken from the ground, looking up. This shot can make the subject look powerful, dominant and strong.
Canted angle
Canted angle is also known as 'Dutch angle' or 'Oblique angle'. This angle is when the camera is tilted. It can sometimes be used for dramatic effect. It can help portray uneasiness, desperation, madness and more
Two shot
This shot, Two shot, allows to people/actors to be in frame and eye level. Sometimes they'll be interacting and the aim is to capture moments like that; or sometimes they will be facing ahead so we can see emotion on the faces.
Over the shoulder
Over the shoulder shot is a camera angle where the camera is placed behind the subjects shoulders as they interact with another character
Point of view (POV)
Point of view is a shot taken from the subjects perspective. The camera acts as the eyes and it helps the viewer see the characters reaction.
TASK 5
*SETTINGS
Different camera controls impact a shot and allow you to control how each photo will look. Here are 5 of the most important camera controls:
FOCUS
Photo Focus
In photography, focusing is a process (that happens either manually or automatically) where your able to adjust the lens of the camera to make the image as sharp and detailed as you want.
With automatic AF, the camera will choose the most appropriate points of the image, making it best for taking still pictures such as portraits.
Video Focus
Focus in videography is the same as in photography, it is best done manually though AND NOT automatic focus (AF). This is because whilst shooting and recording the subject, the camera can get confused and select the wrong focus point. For the best results, you will have to keep the camera still and use manual AF because its easier to determine the the focus points to focus the video.
When you look through the view finder of your camera, you will find one or many rectangles and circles. Pro-level modern cameras, have more AF systems with numerous focus points spread across an active area of the cameras frame. However its your choice; you can decide whether you'd like to focus on a single point or choose from multiple focus points when taking a photo.
My examples
Extreme long shot
Mid-shot
Long shot
Medium close-up
Medium long shot
Extreme close-up
APERTURE
Aperture is the opening of the Lens and when the size of the opening changes, it allows less or more light to pass through on the image sensor. Aperture also affects how your video looks and the tone. It's pretty similar to an eye, since our eyes widen in attempt to capture as much light as possible in dark places. In brighter light conditions, our pupils shrink compensating for the amount of light.
The aperture setting is typically expressed as an f-number, often called an f-stop (written as “f/” followed by a number), such as f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8, /f4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22, or f/32.
"The lower the f-number, the more light will come through the lens and the higher the f-number, the less light will come through the lens to reach the sensor."
My Examples
f/22
f/9.0
f/3.5
f/18
f/7.1
f/2.8
f/14
f/5.6
f/2.2
f/11
f/4.5
f/1.8
FOCAL LENGTH
Focal Length affects images, the longer the focal length. Its the measure distance (in millimetres) between the lens and the sensor or film recording the image. The narrower the angle of the view and the higher the magnification. Deciding what lens to use to capture a scene/subjects, is important to a photographer.
My examples
18mm
28mm
35mm
50mm
80mm
135mm
200mm
300mm
Shutter Speed
In photography, shutter speed (also called exposure time) is the length of time at which the shutter of the camera closes after allowing light to come through the lens to hit the camera sensor. When taking a photo, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the time the image sensor is exposed to light; the slower the shutter speed, the longer the time the image sensor is exposed to light.
It is measured in seconds or fractions of seconds in most cases. The bigger the denominator, the faster the speed. A subject in motion may cause camera shakes using a slower shutter speed and camera shakes cause blurry images. However longer/slower shutter speeds may be essential for giving of a feeling of speed in the image.
My examples
1/2
1/4
1/8
1/15
1/30
1/60
1/125
1/250
1/500
ISO
ISO is a camera option/setting; its one of the 3 elements (including shutter speed and f/stop) that control exposure of an image; meaning that it does not create or add light, it simply brightens it up (or darkens it if preferred). So the higher ISO films, the more of a result in a noticeable grain/noise level and dynamic range. ISO set at between 100 to 400 are the most ideal, for filming a video using flash.
My examples
CORE ASSESSMENTS
LEARNING AIM A
Micro analyses of 3 different chose media productions:
1) TV Drama:
Pretty Little Liars
Single camera techniques are very popular amongst TV drama productions. This is because it can make it easier for media productions to apply dramatic effects, visuals and overall detail achieving a more cinematic feel. It also provides a consistent tone when all edited and completed, however there are more issues with continuity. This specific scene from Pretty Little Liars is filmed outside therefore from this we know that single camera production was used as multi camera productions actions are generally filmed on set. Popular TV dramas using single camera techniques are 'Everybody hates Chris', 'The Office' and 'The Last Man on Earth'.
This scene in Pretty Little Liars (0:27), begins with an over the shoulder shot and mid shot between two standing characters; the camera faces Jenna as she conversates with Emily. The over the shoulder shot informs the audience that the two characters are interacting and the medium close up allows us to see the facial expressions on Jenna's face. Jenna's non-verbal communication whilst talking with Emily indicates that she is defensive and distant, seeing as she has her arms crossed thank to the mid shot. Additionally her facial expressions seem very cold and serious with a few sarcastic smiles. From this we see that these camera techniques so far create an intense and dramatic effect on the audience but also very intriging and attention-grabbing. All these techniques together indicate that this situation and the characters are prominent in that shot.
Just before this though, at 00:25, a focus pull technique is used because the focus of the shot switches from Emily to Jenna; this helps reveal to the viewer which one of the two characters we are supposed to pay attention to. A low aperture of f/22 was used, giving of a nicer depth of field making the shot more dynamic. Since the setting in this scene is lowkey lit, a high ISO value of 800 was used to capture more light for more light exposure.
Thanks to the wide angle, we are able to see that emily in this scene is wearing an oversized, loose fitting blue t-shirt/jumper hanging on the edge of her shoulders; this gives of a relaxed and comfortable look, making her appear friendly and approachable. The colour blue connotes intelligence, trust, kindness or even shy and overall its a soothing colour believed to bring peace in some religions. Thank to two sho and medium close up the viewer clearly sees Jenna's costume in this scene; she is wearing a black shirt inside of a muddy brown mini jacket. These are very dark colour connoting mystery, power, sophistication and seriousness. When comparing both Jenna and Emily, Emily appears more innocent and pure opposed to Jenna appearing more dark and devious just like an antagonist. This is also evident through Emilys open body language compared Jenna's throughout the scene, subconsciously enlightening the audience of her higher status.
At 00:30, Emily is in frame and we as the audience clearly get to see the look of puzzlement that crosses her face that very moment. In this shot, 00:32, we see that the camera framing switches from midshot to medium close up making the characters tighter in frame; it draws even more attention to the NVC of Jenna and allowing us to register more of her emotions. At 1:05, wide two shot was used. Both the subjects are in frame head to toe, revealing a lot of the surrounding before and after Jenna leaves the scene. This leaves Emily in frame on her own as the shot switches back to medium close up.
2) Music Video:
'Dumebi' by Rema
As the music starts, this music video begins with an establishing shot (00:11) consisting of a greenish view of a road trip and a caravan, driving ahead during a bright day. Instantly, this shot reveals to the audience of the location, time of day and the relationship it all has with the subjects. Suddenly at (00:12), the establishing shot scene straight cuts to a scene using the birds eye view angle and in that shot, only the road and the roof of the driving caravan is in frame. At 1080p quality, its easy to tell that these shots have a high shutter speed of at least 1/250 as this video is very crisp regardless of the moving subjects and a low ISO off 100, since it is already daylight.
Next at 00:14, the scene straight cuts to a high angle with the caravan and the whole setting in frame again. From thereon the video straight cuts from scene to scene repeatedly, in sync with cheerful and rhythmic afro beat piece of music until 00:17. In this shot (00:17) steadicam is used, following the female subject in a black tube top, as she skips over to her friends, around the caravan, greeting them in an excited, upbeat manner. The use of numerous cutaways help to shorten long takes and to give a sense of spontaneity; its used mostly at the beginning because it helps to lure in and interest the viewer, fascinating us by the magnificent scenery of the environment and the positive atmosphere. The lack of focus pull being used during the wide angles when the friends are vibing together, helps to indicate that every body in the scene is equally important as one another. Moreover this allows the viewer to identify their relationships with each other as they socialise. However at 0:19, we see that the focus pull switches from the Rema (the artist) to the female and then back again at 00:22, whilst he is at mid shot and she is at medium close up in the frame. Due to the medium close up, we are able to identify the emotions closely on the their faces and directing the audiences attention to whoever is essential at that moment, keeping us on our toes. All of the friends in that shot are wearing pastel coloured casual clothing (such as baby blue, orange and pink) creating a feeling of earthiness, relaxation and openness, calming and soothing the viewer. We can see these costumes perfectly through the use of wide angle at 00:53. The choice of colour paints the friends to seem amiable, fun-loving and benevolent. Even so Rema, himself, is wearing a deep blue jacket, seen through the midshot at 00:26; the colour deep blue connotes confidence, serenity, stability and intelligence, making him see like exactly these things to the audience.
At 00:28, the camera tracks Rema as he bounces around with the beat. His body language is very hype with excessive and dramatic hand movements going along with the music. The aperture of this shot appears to be around f/4.5, for a lovely depth of field, blurrier background and a focal length of 135mm.
At 00:38 there was a VHS effect , showing 4 friends having fun; this effect mimics an old tape recorded video. It is very visually pleasing and creative giving the audience nostalgia like feelings and exciting viewing experience.
At 00:40 we see two shot was used for tension as the camera slowly zooms into the two stunning woman from long shot. They are both stood with one foot up on a brick edge, looking seriously into the camera, like they are in a position of power, making the audience feel minor to them but also seen. This also gives the viewer the opportunity to view not just their faces but also the whole outfit and scenery behind them.
1:43, in this shot we see a close up shot of a beautiful lady, her face becoming more tightly framed the more the camera zooms in, making it more personal. Theres been multiple little slow motions in this music video, one of them being at 2:43 when Rema and the lady in the black tube top were sitting beside each other. The slow motion adds extra emphasis on actions making it relevant, in that shot we are unable to disregard and overlook the emotions on her face; she looked very shocked/confused at first because of something Rema showed her on a notebook. In this regard, seeing as we were not informed of what she was shown by him, the audience becomes curious, subconciously attaching meanings, messages and ideas to this. The ISO around these shots are high ranging from approximately 100-400 to achieve a lighter look in a lowkey light setting and a low aperture.
Single Camera techniques were noticeably used during this music video (and in a lot of music videos) because of versatility you get of each shot and angle especially during the begginning of this music video. It probably took alot of editing together at the end though.
2) Documentary:
Stop n Search | Police in London
Countless independent documentaries, like this one, use single camera techniques; it is very common amongst this type of media production. This is because it is so much easier for the crew to have full control over each and every shot and scene plus being more affordable, in comparison to having several cameras operating. On top of that, it is also so much easier to set up and move around only one camera despite the fact that the process takes longer to reach the final result.
This documentary begins with a handheld shot and a track left shot with a man walking left, from a dim to a high key lit environment. Straight away this shot alone could convey several messages such as, he started from the bottom and found freedom/light. Whilst this shot plays on, theres a VoiceOver in the background of a male speaking in first person; his tone of voice is very flat and neutral attached to an eerie, serious and suspenseful, lowered piece of music. This piece of music helps maintain and keep the audience interest, creating tension and encouraging a serious mood because it is a serious topic. The male in the shot is wearing an all black outfit, the colour black connoting drama, seriousness and neutrality evoking feelings of mystery in the audience. This shot used a high aperture of f/22 as the subject is in focus and there is no depth of field.
At 00:09 the first scene cutaways to an extreme long shot of an ordinary small street in London pouring of rain.(it looks like the type of street that the working class would live in). An establishing shot was used at 00:12, giving the audience a better idea of who the narrator is and their relationship to it. Moreover a slower shutter speed of around 1/8 was used at 00:16 for a long exposure and a unique motion blur to give of a low quality look adding onto the feeling of the working class.
Alot of hand held shots were used in this documentary, providing a sense of realism and instability. This is definitely one camera technique that can only be achieved through single camera productions to create a more natural viewing experience.
The colours of the costumes worn by subjects in some scenes are mostly dull and dark colours, adding onto the overall vibe of seriousness once again, seeing as this is a documentary is basically about the police in London.
LEARNING AIM B
Evidence of our ideas and research in sourced and prepared materials for our Single-Camera Music video in Portfolios:
For our SHOOTING SCRIPT, we numbered and noted down all the different type of camera shots we will be using for our single camera production, the length of it and the elaboration so that when we film its much more easier to organise our thoughts and perform quicker.
Our RISK ASSESSMENT consisted of areas of concerns, potential hazards, potential preventions and so on. This will help the production team and our casts to stay safe whilst shooting with single camera in public. All will be taken seriously.
This is our SHOOTING SCHEDULE for our single camera Music video production. Its just helps plan the shooting of the scenes so we know exactly what we are doing and when in chronological order. Moreover its prevents any of the 'planners' from getting lost or forgetting what to do.
STORY BOARDING
We did some storyboarding to help with the storyline in the music video and to display what camera shot, length of it, audio order they will go in.
TREATMENT
These are the slides of our powerpoint that outlines our aims for the production of our music video.
Number 1)
Number 2)
THEME/REPRESENTATION
Number 3)
Number 4)
PERFORMANCE
Number 5)
NARRATIVE
Number 6)
GENRE CONVENTIONS
These are the suitable locations I chose to film in on Saturday 20th:
BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRE
MACDONALDS - DARTFORD
LEISURE CENTRE - DARTFORD
PARK- DARTFORD
The Equipment Booking help me and my team to organise and note down the equipment we used before filming.
The Log Sheet helps us keep on track of how many and what shots were taken, failed or successful.
*MUSIC VIDEOS
INDIVIDUAL EDIT
TEAM EDIT
For my Performance I filmed the guy in different locations lip syncing to this song. And for my Individual Edit I edited in all the shots together, made it smooth and tried my best to not have any continuity issues.
For the Team Edit I got everyone else disequilibrium, equilibrium, recognition/attempts and resolution edited with my performance part and made it into the official version of the music video making it more entertaining and enjoyable. Edited with Adobe premiere.
QUESTIONAIRE
AND
EVALUATION
SCREENING RESULTS
Question 1:
How well did you understand the Narrative?
From 1-10
6 People voted 1
5 people voted 2
10 people voted 3
17 people voted 4
19 people voted 5
11 people voted 6
13 people voted 7
8 people voted 8
6 people voted 9
3 people voted 10
Question 2:
How professional did the video look?
From 1-10
Question 3:
Did you find it entertaining?
4 people voted 1
3 people voted 2
15 people voted 3
18 people voted 4
20 people voted 5
23 people voted 6
6 people voted 7
9 people voted 8
1 person noted 9
2 people voted 10
5 people agreed it was very entertaining
35 people think its kind of entertaining
30 people thought it was not entertaining
Question 4:
How was the visual quality of the video?
From 1-10
2 people voted 1
2 people voted 2
1 person voted 3
15 people voted 4
20 people voted 5
14 people voted 6
22 people voted 7
10 people voted 8
8 people voted 9
2 people voted 10
Question 5:
Do you think it is good enough to be shown on a music channel?
6 people think it is good enough to be on a music channel
35 people think its 'maybe' good enough to be on a music channel
56 people think it is not good enough to be on a music channel
Question 6:
Does the video appeal between the age range of 16-35?
21 people said it does appeal to that age range
60 people said it kind of does appeal to that age range
13 people said it does not appeal to that age range
Question 7:
Did the music video hold your attention?
Question 8:
This music video is RnB Soul, Does this music video reflect the genre of the track?
Question 9:
Do you think we used enough of a variation of camera shots and movements?
22 people said yes, it did
68 people said for bit, yes
13 people said not at all
20 people said it does 100%
75 people said slightly from 40%-70%
11 people said no, 0%
46 people think we definetly did
53 people think we partly did
7 people think we absolutely did not
Question 10:
Would you recommend it to a friend?
13 people said they would
52 people said maybe but their not sure
37 people said no they definetly wouldn't
Question 11:
Did we meet the brief?
43 people said we completely did
60 people said kind of but not really
4 people said not at all
I was really surprised with these results seeing as there were mostly negative feedback or in the middle. For example 56 out of 106 people answered that our music video is not good enough to put on a music channel meaning that they all agreed we did not meet that high standard. I was confused about this because my group and I tried our hardest to add a variety of interesting shots and camera movements; this was approved by Question 9 as only 7 people out of 106 voted that we did not use a variety of shots at all. We also tried to have a smooth continuity when editing in post-production so that its entertaining and less confusing.
Additionally, I'm really disappointed that more people voted 5 out of 1-10, that they did not understand the narrative of our song. I thought we conveyed the narrative well with the mid shots and close ups of the subjects faces to show emotion and the over the shoulder shots of the girl text messaging her 'potential partner'.
22/106 voted that the visual quality was a 7 from 1-10 and I'm really impressed with that however because that means the scenes and shots were clear to see and not low quality.
TOTAL: 106
BEFORE and AFTER Comparisons
BEFORE
AFTER
In this Before, there was nothing really wrong with the lighting. Its clear but didnt 'pop' as much as I wanted.
I increased the lighting and made it brighter so everything stands out and its more of a better viewing experience. I aslo brightened it to create a sense of happiness and innocence.
This clip without edits is still really good and clear with a slight grainy effect which gives it a sense of nostalgia.
I wanted this shot less shadowy and dark so I added some more temperature, increased the brightness and sharpened it to give it more energy and vibrancy.
The original clip was quite dull and dry which is not intriguing and makes it look boring.
I increased the contrast and brightness so the colours are brighter and sharper making it more exciting.
The end of our narrative is supposed to be happy so this scene looked too dull to convey this meaning.
I increased the temperature for this clip to help make the last scenes look sunny, bright and happy
I really like how the sillouhette effect came out in this shot so I did not add any edits or adjust anything.
TEAM LOG
individual logs
