Unit 20: Single Camera Techniques
Videos Used:
Silence of the lambs - Lotion Scene
Better Call Saul - Skateboard Scam Scene
Kings Of Leon - Charmer Music Video
Single Camera Techniques:
The use of Single Camera Techniques involves only one camera in use or that it appears in that way that it is shot scene by scene with only one camera employed. Each shot would focus on different cinematography and editing techniques, which is then manually moved to the next shot. In many productions, this can be seen as a time waster as it would take longer for the production to be completed, but for being cost effective, it is very useful as it requires less staff to control the camera.
Since the beginning of cinema, Single camera techniques were the standard, but multi camera were dominantly used in movies that revolved around a set, they were filmed with multiple cameras following the cast around the set and cutting from different angles of the cast. Now, single camera techniques are usually how most productions are filmed these days, in both tv and film, however many tv shows such as friends and the big bang theory which are filmed with multiple cameras use these techniques as it is appropriate to the genre. Single camera techniques have always been dominant in hollywood productions, in films such as Midnight Cowboy, or even dating back to The Wizard Of Oz. However, many television productions back then were mainly filmed in multi camera as it was going to be a lot more time saving to have all the cameras set up and have the actors do the scenes at the same time.
The main difference between single camera techniques and multiple camera techniques is in the how each production is filmed. In multiple camera productions, this allows the actors to move and act a lot more fluently from moving to one part to another, however using single camera techniques introduces a lot more creativity in how it is used with different camera techniques, in multiple camera productions, they would focus less time on different techniques and more of trying to quickly get the best shot they could for when the shot is cut back to them. Although it may take a lot longer, this could be a lot more worthwhile in how the production looks.
The real purpose of Single camera technique is to really put the viewer into the scene, to shoot it one by one can give the director time to set a certain tone for the scene, for example, lighting and mise en scene and performance. Single Camera techniques gives the production depth, and if it is done right, it can almost feel like the audience is in the scene, or it gives a huge glimpse of the emotion in the characters with the use of cinematography, and this is why it is so much more popular than multi camera techniques in the film industry and other visual productions.
Advantages Of Single Camera Techniques
Single Camera Techniques are seen as being very worthwhile and are used in almost all mega blockbuster productions, as well as tv shows, music videos and video advertisements.
Here is a list of how Single Camera Techniques are useful;
- Less Cameramen and Crew, Therefore costing less for staff to control the camera and to provide assistance for each shot.
- More Control over visuals and lighting and etc, and awareness of shot on list.
- The cameramen don't need to be aware of other camera men and what shots they have possession over, and other staff such as mic holders know where to go to not get mixed in-between shots.
- Actors don't need to be present to film the next scene straight after, therefore they have more time to go over their lines for example, whereas on multi camera techniques, all actors necessary need to be present to film the next scene.
- Many cameras can overwhelm the actors, so having only one can maximize their performance, instead of making them visibaly nervous.
Disadvantages Of Single Camera Techniques
Although Single Camera Techniques are used all the time in major modern productions, there are still a lot of factors how it may not be as useful as Multi Camera Techniques, here is a few examples;
- The cameras will take longer to set up as only one is in use, whereas multi camera productions have many cameras already set up for each shot, which is extremely useful in saving time.
- One Actor is filmed at a time, therefore they will be more aware of where the camera is and make it obvious they are trying to follow it, where as multi camera moves cameras all over so the cast won't exactly know where it is and have full flexablity
- There will be more scenes to edit together and there will be more difficult decisions in the order that each scene goes in.
- For footage such as car crash sequences, it would be impossible to replicate the same crash, therefore to make it realistic, many cameras surrounding the scene would be suitable.
- Multi camera offers many other shots, so if the director isn't happy with one shot, he would have to redo the scene, whereas multi camera has different shots to substitute in.
Analysis Of Different Uses Of SCT In Different Productions
Using Single Camera Techniques can vary over different productions, all based on the genre, to give a certain effect and knowledge to the viewer of what they are watching. For example, a horror film may include very dark and slow shots to build up a tension within the certain scene, and so on. This is why single camera techniques are dominantly used in most productions in modern times as it is most effective in portraying a genre as the shots are more thought out.
Movie - Genre: Thriller
In the film Silence Of The Lambs, directed by the late Jonathan Demme, the use of single camera techniques is fairly obvious throughout the production, especially in scenes of character dialogue, such as the iconic scenes with Dr Hannibal Lector and Clarice as the camera is jumping back and forth between the two, the camera close up on Lectors face as he gives a graphic story on how he indulged in cannibalism, the use of such shots or essential in getting the scene just right, it makes it all the more uncomfortable for the audience, staring directly at Lector and this is what makes the scene perfect. However, i am going to focus on another scene from the film, maybe not as iconic but is arguably just as memorable, this is the Lotion scene, focused between Serial Killer Buffalo Bill and his Victim, who is trapped in a large, well-like, hole in the basement of his home. Firstly, there is a wide range of cinematography within the scene, and it is horrifying to watch, we feel how dirty and gritty his basement is, we can smell and taste the dirt and the damp of the hole that the victim is stuck in and we feel terrible for her.
The scene starts off with a medium long shot, but all we can see due to the complete lack of lighting is the jaggedness of the rocks and Buffalo Bill, barely seen on the edge of the hole looking down past the camera, speaking to his victim, because the camera is so low to start with, we immediately feel vulnerable, as if we are watching the scene from inside the hole and we too feel uncomfortable, especially due to his lines given in the production, his words barely make sense and this too makes us aware that he is very unhinged and crazy, especially in the predicament he has gotten himself into. We also see him holding his dog, he is very fond of his pet and we find it odd how someone so psychopathic and careless of peoples lives could be so fond of this tiny dog, he latches his arms around the dog as it wiggles around in his arms and he is so gentle with it, this shot shows a lot about the character in such a shot space of film time, the way he looks down into the hole with the dark lighting surrounding him, only lit by the lantern on the basket which offers the only visible lighting and is great for setting the tone, easily seen by the use of thirds, we see him straight away, even though he doesn't barely take up much of the screen. This perfectly captures the true essence of the character. Now the beginning of the scene would've been terrible to film in multi camera, due to the focus on the characters, it is important not to take the point of view out of perspective, the camera doesn't need any more cuts, all it needs is the camera in place and change back and forth to focus on the emotions of both characters and this is what the film does throughout the duration.
As the dialogue gets more intense and emotional between the characters, the camera gets closer towards them. The camera stays perfectly still for when Bill is in shot, he tries to stay calm and talk to his victim but gets more aggressive when she starts to panic more, with this, the camera is a close up of the victims face, the camera is handheld and follows her face around as she panics, this shows the complete fear in her eyes
and in her voice, the camera being so close to her face shows us how claustrophobic the hole is to be in and we are uncomfortably close to the girl who is crying, pleading to Bill, all the way through the scene we feel empathetic towards the girl and how the camera looks down on her, we know that Bill is in complete control of her and she has no way out, her future isn't looking too good. Again, the only lighting is sourced from the lantern on the rope and it swings side by side, lighting different parts of her face as it goes back and forth, all that is visible to the light is her body, the floor isn't shown at all, all the audience is forced to see is her emotions. Bill shouts and swears at her, she is already fragile and she feels scared and feels like her only option is to put the lotion back into the basket as she weeps uncontrollably.
However, arguably the best shot in the scene, is when the lotion is placed in the basket and the basket is lifted back up, now that the lantern is down the hole, the victim and the audience is finally aware of her surroundings and there is a tracking shot with a slow zoom of one of the walls of the hole, smeared with blood marks and claw marks printed in blood from where previous victims have tried to escape and failed, leaving fingernails ripped from the fingers in the stone, the victim is now certain that she will die in the pit from the hands of Buffalo Bill and she screams harrowingly and this makes the audience feel completely disgusted because of this zoom, Buffalo Bill mockingly screams along with her and this terrifies us watching it.
This scene is definitely my favourite from the entire movie, due to the emotions shown in the actors which were perfectly captured by the single camera techniques, analyzing this scene, we can see just why multi camera techniques can't work, due to multiple cameras around the set, it would ruin the atmosphere of the scene, this is precisely an interaction between two people that works so well with only one camera, and to cut to different perspectives would ruin the loneliness and vulnerablity of the scene and make the audience feel like there is not only just them in the basement, but others watching too, and this would not make the scene so terrifying and scarring on the brain.
In the film Silence Of The Lambs, directed by the late Jonathan Demme, the use of single camera techniques is fairly obvious throughout the production, especially in scenes of character dialogue, such as the iconic scenes with Dr Hannibal Lector and Clarice as the camera is jumping back and forth between the two, the camera close up on Lectors face as he gives a graphic story on how he indulged in cannibalism, the use of such shots or essential in getting the scene just right, it makes it all the more uncomfortable for the audience, staring directly at Lector and this is what makes the scene perfect. However, i am going to focus on another scene from the film, maybe not as iconic but is arguably just as memorable, this is the Lotion scene, focused between Serial Killer Buffalo Bill and his Victim, who is trapped in a large, well-like, hole in the basement of his home. Firstly, there is a wide range of cinematography within the scene, and it is horrifying to watch, we feel how dirty and gritty his basement is, we can smell and taste the dirt and the damp of the hole that the victim is stuck in and we feel terrible for her.
The scene starts off with a medium long shot, but all we can see due to the complete lack of lighting is the jaggedness of the rocks and Buffalo Bill, barely seen on the edge of the hole looking down past the camera, speaking to his victim, because the camera is so low to start with, we immediately feel vulnerable, as if we are watching the scene from inside the hole and we too feel uncomfortable, especially due to his lines given in the production, his words barely make sense and this too makes us aware that he is very unhinged and crazy, especially in the predicament he has gotten himself into. We also see him holding his dog, he is very fond of his pet and we find it odd how someone so psychopathic and careless of peoples lives could be so fond of this tiny dog, he latches his arms around the dog as it wiggles around in his arms and he is so gentle with it, this shot shows a lot about the character in such a shot space of film time, the way he looks down into the hole with the dark lighting surrounding him, only lit by the lantern on the basket which offers the only visible lighting and is great for setting the tone, easily seen by the use of thirds, we see him straight away, even though he doesn't barely take up much of the screen. This perfectly captures the true essence of the character. Now the beginning of the scene would've been terrible to film in multi camera, due to the focus on the characters, it is important not to take the point of view out of perspective, the camera doesn't need any more cuts, all it needs is the camera in place and change back and forth to focus on the emotions of both characters and this is what the film does throughout the duration.
As the dialogue gets more intense and emotional between the characters, the camera gets closer towards them. The camera stays perfectly still for when Bill is in shot, he tries to stay calm and talk to his victim but gets more aggressive when she starts to panic more, with this, the camera is a close up of the victims face, the camera is handheld and follows her face around as she panics, this shows the complete fear in her eyes
However, arguably the best shot in the scene, is when the lotion is placed in the basket and the basket is lifted back up, now that the lantern is down the hole, the victim and the audience is finally aware of her surroundings and there is a tracking shot with a slow zoom of one of the walls of the hole, smeared with blood marks and claw marks printed in blood from where previous victims have tried to escape and failed, leaving fingernails ripped from the fingers in the stone, the victim is now certain that she will die in the pit from the hands of Buffalo Bill and she screams harrowingly and this makes the audience feel completely disgusted because of this zoom, Buffalo Bill mockingly screams along with her and this terrifies us watching it.
This scene is definitely my favourite from the entire movie, due to the emotions shown in the actors which were perfectly captured by the single camera techniques, analyzing this scene, we can see just why multi camera techniques can't work, due to multiple cameras around the set, it would ruin the atmosphere of the scene, this is precisely an interaction between two people that works so well with only one camera, and to cut to different perspectives would ruin the loneliness and vulnerablity of the scene and make the audience feel like there is not only just them in the basement, but others watching too, and this would not make the scene so terrifying and scarring on the brain.
Tv Show - Genre: Crime / Drama
The Crime Drama Better Call Saul, Directed by Vince Gilligan, is infamous for its gorgeous and down right genius cinematography, the shots of Albuquerque, New Mexico are mainly well lit, and pleasing to the viewer, and as this mainly focuses on the main character Jimmy McGill, before he became Saul Goodman, the production would be mildly appropriate to be shot in Single Camera. However, many popular Tv shows such as Friends or The big bang theory use multi cameras to show many different perceptions of the characters as they are all just as important as one another, but as this is focused on mainly one character at a time, it would make be more visually pleasing to film this in single camera as the directors can focus mainly on his the shot will look and make the audience feel, whereas multi cameras are far too careless in getting the scene absolutely perfect.
This scene starts out with a behind the shoulder shot of Jimmy on the phone and driving quite careless, the background from the windows is a blur and is arguably what he is seeing as he is so focused on the phone call, we are intrigued by the phone call and as he takes a turn, Bang! We see a skateboarder slam into the windshield. The camera is shaken and panicked to mimic the actors perception. Although the camera barely moves, the car and the actor act in a harsh and shocked way as he brakes the car into a hold. The camera then focuses on his reaction from the side of Jimmy in a medium shot, he is scared, he is unaware of the skateboarders condition, due to his luck, if he dies, his career could be over in the law profession. He faints a slight whimper and cuts straight to him jumping from the car in a long shot to then see the skater on the floor, we aren't yet aware of his condition and this builds tension within us and the two characters. The area is well lit and the camera bobs up and down as he runs over to the skater on the floor, and soon after his brother arrives in a long shot, the scene then gets very aggressive between the brother and Jimmy as the brother constantly puts blame onto Jimmy, he is over whelmed, he needs to keep out of trouble, but as soon as money is mentioned he catches their bluff, he knows that the skater isn't hurt and that this isn't anything but a scam, and they have picked the wrong person to scam. The convosation cuts between various quick cuts between long shots and medium shots of both Jimmy who is pleading to the brother, facing down, and the brother who is facing up at Jimmy, being aggressive. In most confrontations, the roles are typically reversed, the weak should be at the bottom and the domineering figure at the top, just like in the scene of Silence of the lambs with Buffalo Bill and his victim, however just as we think about this, the roles are reversed back in a long shot as he kicks the skater to make him stand up, he thought correctly as he bolts up to the floor, he has no injuries, he was lying to get money from Jimmy. As this is a completely different scene to the movie scene, this is a lot more light hearted with the decent lighting and the repeated camera work, switching between medium and long shots of the three people, however, for a tv show of this genre, this totally works with being a single camera technique, although this scene alone could've easily been filmed in multi camera with more than one camera focusing on each character at different angles and perspectives, however, to fit in with the genre and the storyline, it is a lot more dark and grittier than the average tv show with multiple cameras, it would work so much better with each shot being carefully done, and this makes the show so much more visibly pleasing being a single camera production.
Possibly the most interesting shot in the scene is this long shot that is filmed from behind the legs of the skateboarders and has Jimmy and his car in the centre, this focuses perfectly for the rule of thirds as there is Jimmy in the centre and for each box, the skaters take up the screen and the injuries aren't visible to the audience. Jimmy argues with the skaters, announcing that he doesn't have that much money as he points at his car, this makes us feel a lot about Jimmy, he is tired of being mistreated by his peers at his law firm and just wants to fit in and can't catch a break, the camera stays perfectly still as he waves back and forth in the center of the screen, capturing the emotions without every closing up on his face and this shot works great, therefore, this shot again couldn't be possible as the camera jumps back and forth between the three men. In a 180 degree angle, cutting from left to right straight after the scene we know that Jimmy has the upper hand and the skaters have no other option but to run. This is a very enjoyable scene to watch, not only is it emotional between the characters, but it has a great sense of humor within and it really shines in the knowledge of mine having really enjoyed the show.
Again, this scene would feel really out of place being shot in multi camera having to cut from camera to camera straight away, many problems would occur, for example, the cameramen wouldn't be able to get to the right shot in time with the constant fast pacing of the scene because of the sheer panic between them all, the use of the 180 degree angles would show cameras in the background and for continuity errors it would be a nightmare, therefore, to gain the visuals that Gilligan is trying to achieve, the safer option is always to shoot in single camera.
The Crime Drama Better Call Saul, Directed by Vince Gilligan, is infamous for its gorgeous and down right genius cinematography, the shots of Albuquerque, New Mexico are mainly well lit, and pleasing to the viewer, and as this mainly focuses on the main character Jimmy McGill, before he became Saul Goodman, the production would be mildly appropriate to be shot in Single Camera. However, many popular Tv shows such as Friends or The big bang theory use multi cameras to show many different perceptions of the characters as they are all just as important as one another, but as this is focused on mainly one character at a time, it would make be more visually pleasing to film this in single camera as the directors can focus mainly on his the shot will look and make the audience feel, whereas multi cameras are far too careless in getting the scene absolutely perfect.
Possibly the most interesting shot in the scene is this long shot that is filmed from behind the legs of the skateboarders and has Jimmy and his car in the centre, this focuses perfectly for the rule of thirds as there is Jimmy in the centre and for each box, the skaters take up the screen and the injuries aren't visible to the audience. Jimmy argues with the skaters, announcing that he doesn't have that much money as he points at his car, this makes us feel a lot about Jimmy, he is tired of being mistreated by his peers at his law firm and just wants to fit in and can't catch a break, the camera stays perfectly still as he waves back and forth in the center of the screen, capturing the emotions without every closing up on his face and this shot works great, therefore, this shot again couldn't be possible as the camera jumps back and forth between the three men. In a 180 degree angle, cutting from left to right straight after the scene we know that Jimmy has the upper hand and the skaters have no other option but to run. This is a very enjoyable scene to watch, not only is it emotional between the characters, but it has a great sense of humor within and it really shines in the knowledge of mine having really enjoyed the show.
Again, this scene would feel really out of place being shot in multi camera having to cut from camera to camera straight away, many problems would occur, for example, the cameramen wouldn't be able to get to the right shot in time with the constant fast pacing of the scene because of the sheer panic between them all, the use of the 180 degree angles would show cameras in the background and for continuity errors it would be a nightmare, therefore, to gain the visuals that Gilligan is trying to achieve, the safer option is always to shoot in single camera.
Music Video - Genre: Rock
The Music video i have picked is the music video for Kings Of Leon's 2007 release ' Charmer '. As this is a music video, the production can be shot in a multitude of ways, however, as this is a rock band, we would assume that this going to focus dominantly on the lead singer and the rest of the band and this is exactly what we would get. Firstly, we get two tracking shots, from one of the high balcony, moving from right to left, focusing on the stage curtain opening, and one moving towards the stage, with the band in silhouette.
The lighting is poor up until Caleb starts to sing, he is the only member of the band that has a decent amount of lighting, only showing on one side of him and because of this, his face is half a shadow and dark. This shot is a medium close up of the singer, his shoulders are barely visible but the camera focuses on his face, he looks awkward on stage and singing, he is uncomfortable as his eyes flicker quickly around the stage and hall, despite nobody being in attendance however he gets more comfortable and 'charms' the audience a lot more as the video goes on, and the camera also fades back away to a medium long shot where his guitar is visible and his body is moving to the beat of the song.
The camera cuts to multiple members of the band, for example;
This shot focuses on Matthew Followill, as the bass line and drums, he stays perfectly still as the camera moves around him, the lighting shines up the guitar, however due to his dress shirt and dark attire we are focused onto the guitar due to the rule of thirds, even though nothing is happening to it in this close up shot. However we feel that soon the guitar will come into play with the song so we are drawn to when it shall be played.
When the song starts to get a lot heavier, the band also get a lot more energetic and have a lot more enthusiasm within playing their instruments and it gets a lot more fun to watch, with the rapid jump cuts focusing on multiple medium and long shots, with plenty of tracking shots of the band on show and this makes very entertaining viewing. Now, as this is a single camera production, this can be filmed like almost any other film or tv show, but to make the band seem almost 3D by the camera revolving instantly around the band members, the visuals are stunning and cool and had plenty of thought into them, especially when the camera shakes when Caleb screams into the mic. The lighting in the video is very important, the only time it begins to get a lot brighter is when the band get a lot more into the song and they have a lot more fun with it and this complete lack of lighting to start off with only proves my point as there was no light to start with and then all of a sudden as the band breaks into play the camera shakes and moves a lot more with many bobbing shots mixed in with tracking shots, especially revolving around Caleb as he is who most people recognize when they see the band.
Now, my favourite shot in the scene is the tracking shot that moves from the right hand side of the band, it moves right to left and this gives us a feel that there is so much depth between these 4 family members, the lighting is still poor and the band is unenthusiastic however this gives us such an insight to what is on the stage and who everyone is, it basically sets the scene. However, we feel quite awkward and uncomfortable as the average viewer won't know what they are in show for or what type of video this could indeed be.
Now, this music video is extremely lively and has plenty of camera techniques and focuses on each band multiple times showcasing each camera technique, and due to how rapid it is. It would be near impossible to have multiple camera techniques to fit into a 3 minute song, the camera men would be running around trying to get each shot perfect and it would be a complete mess, also the camera men would be seen in the background many times and each camera man would be seen in shot and ruin the aesthetic of the video.
Overall, I think in many cases, Single Camera Techniques are the most appropriate at really trying to engage an audience and their emotions, to show many perspectives of one shot could easily ruin the scene and make the production feel multi dimensional, and even more unrealistic.
The lighting is poor up until Caleb starts to sing, he is the only member of the band that has a decent amount of lighting, only showing on one side of him and because of this, his face is half a shadow and dark. This shot is a medium close up of the singer, his shoulders are barely visible but the camera focuses on his face, he looks awkward on stage and singing, he is uncomfortable as his eyes flicker quickly around the stage and hall, despite nobody being in attendance however he gets more comfortable and 'charms' the audience a lot more as the video goes on, and the camera also fades back away to a medium long shot where his guitar is visible and his body is moving to the beat of the song.
The camera cuts to multiple members of the band, for example;
This shot focuses on Matthew Followill, as the bass line and drums, he stays perfectly still as the camera moves around him, the lighting shines up the guitar, however due to his dress shirt and dark attire we are focused onto the guitar due to the rule of thirds, even though nothing is happening to it in this close up shot. However we feel that soon the guitar will come into play with the song so we are drawn to when it shall be played.
When the song starts to get a lot heavier, the band also get a lot more energetic and have a lot more enthusiasm within playing their instruments and it gets a lot more fun to watch, with the rapid jump cuts focusing on multiple medium and long shots, with plenty of tracking shots of the band on show and this makes very entertaining viewing. Now, as this is a single camera production, this can be filmed like almost any other film or tv show, but to make the band seem almost 3D by the camera revolving instantly around the band members, the visuals are stunning and cool and had plenty of thought into them, especially when the camera shakes when Caleb screams into the mic. The lighting in the video is very important, the only time it begins to get a lot brighter is when the band get a lot more into the song and they have a lot more fun with it and this complete lack of lighting to start off with only proves my point as there was no light to start with and then all of a sudden as the band breaks into play the camera shakes and moves a lot more with many bobbing shots mixed in with tracking shots, especially revolving around Caleb as he is who most people recognize when they see the band.
Now, my favourite shot in the scene is the tracking shot that moves from the right hand side of the band, it moves right to left and this gives us a feel that there is so much depth between these 4 family members, the lighting is still poor and the band is unenthusiastic however this gives us such an insight to what is on the stage and who everyone is, it basically sets the scene. However, we feel quite awkward and uncomfortable as the average viewer won't know what they are in show for or what type of video this could indeed be.Now, this music video is extremely lively and has plenty of camera techniques and focuses on each band multiple times showcasing each camera technique, and due to how rapid it is. It would be near impossible to have multiple camera techniques to fit into a 3 minute song, the camera men would be running around trying to get each shot perfect and it would be a complete mess, also the camera men would be seen in the background many times and each camera man would be seen in shot and ruin the aesthetic of the video.
Overall, I think in many cases, Single Camera Techniques are the most appropriate at really trying to engage an audience and their emotions, to show many perspectives of one shot could easily ruin the scene and make the production feel multi dimensional, and even more unrealistic.
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