Single Camera Production

Single Camera Productions are shot with just one camera, filming one shot after the other. The opposite of this is a multi-camera production, and there are advantages and disadvantages for both.

In a single Camera production, the filming is usually done in a specific location so that shots can be reversed and the camera can move freely round, this is to give it a more realistic feel for the audience. This is seen in the TV show ‘Scrubs’ which is filmed in an actual hospital.  Single Camera also means that directors have much more control over shots, so they can make sure it matches a storyboard exactly. However, a disadvantage to this would be that actors have to repeat the same lines multiple time in order for a full recording of a scene. On a Multi-camera production, it would usually be filmed on a set, so the cameras will need to be fixed in order for the crew to conceal the studio. An example of this is friends, where the main apartment is inside a studio, so it can only be filmed from specific angles. 

Scrubs- Single Camera

Friends- Multi camera

Lighting on a Single Camera production is much easier, as every individual shot can be lit in a specific way. A good example of this is in Silent Witness, in which a character moves into a blue light source whilst telling a story, in order to show sadness. Multi-camera will need to light the entirety of the set, which means that certain shots could end up looking fake or flat. In single camera, it will usually have a key light on one side of a scene with a reflector opposite it to create a more natural lighting for the scene. Multicamera will have a large amount of lights set up round the set, which can make it difficult to film as they cannot appear in the shot. 

Sound in a single camera production is difficult, as there are difficulties in giving an actor a microphone while keeping it out of shot so they will need to just use a central microphone, this is one circumstance where multi-camera is better, as the mic can be on the set without ruining the film. Though, in single camera most sound is recorded in a separate take and then overlaid onto the footage. When filming with a single camera, it's important to film shots and sounds slightly longer than needed so that there's room for editing and there isn't an awkward transitions. In single camera, it is also more likely that sound will be recorded free hand rather than with a fix microphone, so it is important to make sure it isn't present in any of the filming. 

Editing single camera productions is also challenging, due to the large amounts of footage that has been filmed repeatedly. If one scene needed to be refilmed, there would be an extra version of every single shot in it. In multi-camera, this is easier as scenes are filmed in one take and there is less footage to handle. Although, a large advantage to Single camera is that if one shot has turned out badly, then that can be refilmed, whereas multi-camera may require an entire section to be redone.

There are certain genres that works particularly well with single camera due to the style of the series. Period Dramas, such as ‘Downton Abbey’, are usually filmed on large realistic sets, sometimes in actual locations to give an impression of the time period. Single Camera would allow this to feel more intimate and realistic, as it could cover the entirety of the set and would allow for specific lighting.

Crime Dramas, such as Sherlock, use Single Camera to make the audience feel more involved, and to allow for filming gritty scenes at night that can be lit properly. It also works well for scenes that are mean to appear rough or fast, such as chase sequences. Although, sometimes multicamera may be used in scenes where there are large stunts or effects, to make sure the action has been captured at a good angle without them having to repeat the scene. 

Sherlock- Single Camera

Horror films utilise Single camera to make the production more personal, and get the audience involved in the horror aspects of the plot.

Comedies, particularly fake documentary style ones like 'Parks and Recreation' and 'the Office' work well with this due to their styled natures. Most comedies shot in this style do not have a laugh track which makes them appear more realistic and usually achieve more comedic scenes.

Parks and Recreation- Single Camera

The Office- Single Camera

There are some genres that work better in multi-camera though. Sit coms, despite there being a large amount of single camera ones, work better this way as jokes and responses will feel more natural if they have been captured in the same take. Soap Operas also use Multi-camera sue to how quickly episodes need to be produced. Although, if the soap opera is filmed in a real location, single camera may be used due to the maneuverability of the cameras.  Multi-camera also works better for live shows such as X Factor because it means that the crew can quickly cut between cameras to get different angles as it is broadcasting and can edit shots in real time. 

X Factor- Multi camera

Overall, there are advantages and disadvantages to both styles of filming, which makes them suitable for different styles and genres. Single camera appears to work best for shows that want to appear more realistic, such as crime dramas or documentaries, and multi-camera is good for ones that want to show a lot of action, such as live shows or sitcoms.