Unit 22 assignment 1

Single camera productions

What is a single camera production?

A single camera production is a full length production using a single camera, oppose to multiple cameras. This camera is used out on location and is used throughout the entire production. This is cheaper to film compared to a multi camera production as only one camera is purchased. Using a single camera can also crate an atmosphere more suitable for the genre/setting. Another benefit from single camera productions is the crew. Only a handful of people are needed and this way you can choose a more personal group of people to work effectively with. Talking about effectiveness, in general a single camera production would be quicker and more reliable to film. Awkward shots are easier to film, shots can be changed by stopping the camera and moving it about. Getting right in-between the actors. This would be an advantage over multi camera productions.

Formats of single camera productions

There are a number of different formats that are suited for single camera productions. TV series,serial dramas are shot in a number of different locations. Using 1 camera is easier to transport to different locations oppose to carrying a heavy load which would take place in a multi camera production. 

The most common formats are

- Serial Drama's

- Series (continious episodes)

- One off movies

An example of a single camera production may be Breaking Bad, although this does not mean single camera productions serve for one genre. Eastbound and down was also a single camera production. As shown here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EssSa9poQg

Proof of this being a single camera production is shown in the opening clips, there is a shot from outside the garage of the 3 characters and it then cuts to a shot of them from the inside. As you can see the camera has clearly been moved as it is not to be seen in the background. These shots are also fairly close up. Especially while the main character 'Kenny' is speaking. This makes the scene more personal when only one camera is used as said before the camera can get right in between the actors. Giving simple but effective shots. This is effective to show the characters facial expressions as the show is of a comedy genre. Making this scene humorous.

Another example of a single camera production shown here in Breaking Bad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMlNl0fKwxQ (skip to 1:05)
If skipped 1:05, you can see there is a single camera being used. As the camera is focusing on the characters face, this makes the scene very personal and on edge. The camera is slowly zooming onto his facial expression. This scene only needs one camera and still delivers a spot on atmosphere leaving the viewers tense and on edge. Anticipating another episode. Using a single camera gives the director no limitations and the possibility to create such interactive scenes.

Narrative Structure&Technical

Single camera productions also contain different styles of narrative structures. Consisting of

- Linear/non linear

- Open/closed endings

- Flashbacks

- Real/anti real

Here are a few examples of such narrative structures used in single camera productions.

Breaking bad (Open ending) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC4tAK231mw

This clip shows an example of an open ending within a series drama. As shown you can see the camera shots create another tense scenario. The character in frame has came upon a vital part in the narrative. Using a single camera in this scene also creates an 'on edge' setting. No other camera's are used as the final shot of the characters face is so simple but effective and gets straight to the point. Leaving the viewers with questions and intentions to watch the following episode due to the dramatic cliffhanger.

The colours in this scene also compliment the intensity of the scene. The characters eyes are almost bloodshot red and his face looks blushed from astonishment. The narration within this scene is from a past episode, so this is also a flashback. The character does not have to say anything present to tell the story. His facial expression reveals the sudden plot twist greating such a great atmosphere. 

Oldboy (Flashbacks) -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CybajmsWfVI

This simple flashback scene gives the movie its distinctive unique style. The initial shot shows the character in an elevator with dark gloomy cold metal walls around him. As he begins the flashback he is out in the bright day also he remembers a dark memory. This change in contrast creates an exhilarating scene. All with a single camera. A sudden cut to the character being shot in the head creates such an amount of madness hard to grasp that it becomes such a memorable scene. The amount of shocking,powerful and violent elements shown all in one single frame (elevator scenes) are incredible. Using this flashback is a great way to tell the story and also reveal the sudden death at the end of the clip. This is similar to the clip above. Both scenes create a sudden action leaving the viewers on edge with plenty of questions. Hardly any speech or non is needed either as both stories are told through facial expressions or past scenes within the mise en scene. The exposition revealed unwravels this.

After viewing scenes like these, you can see how effective a single camera production can be. Using a single camera can create much more personal and artistic scenes and stories through film.