Single camera productions are films or shows that only use one camera to shoot with. Because of this it means it normally takes multiple takes to gather all the shots required for a scene, unlike a multi camera production where multiple cameras capture the scene at different angles in one take.
Camera: The idea behind a single camera production is that it creates a more intimate and realistic feel, and even though they are called single camera productions they may sometimes use multiple characters for certain scenes. This could be because it is something that can only be done once or a tricky scene (due to stunts or heavy dialogue).
Many directors prefer single camera productions because they can control each shot more, because you aren't restricted by panning the camera and revealing another. In multi-camera productions filming requires more planning on how to shoot the scene without showing the behind the scenes. I downside however to single camera productions is that they are more expensive, because scenes have to be constantly reshot to capture different angles or lengths. The reason this makes it more expensive is because the actors have to be paid for more hours, places need to be hired for longer and if filming on actual film the more film you use the more you have to buy. On the other hand it gives the actors a bigger chance to get into character and to really nail a scene.
Lighting: when filming with multiple cameras, the lighting set up has to make each shot from each camera look okay. It is quite easy to make a multi-camera scene look "flat" because there is not a lot of options with the lighting. If filming with a singular camera lighting is a lot easier as you have complete control for each shot,so can adjust the lighting however and whenever you want, obviously keeping any equipment behind the camera still.
Sound: When filming with a single camera it is important to make sure that the audio captured flows into the next piece of audio, as the audio won't be from the same take. The way this is donne is by starting to film a little earlier than required and stopping a little later, this allows these small sections of audio to overlap and create a less jumpy transition between shots. In certain scenes audio transitions aren't always necessary; most commonly with over the shoulder shots, we won't always see the source of the dialogue/sound either. Mics such as boom mics may be used when filming with a single camera.
In a multi-camera production it can be difficult to have a mic picking up every actor while not in shot. Because of this it is easier to mic the characters individually, for example in talk shows the mics are often visible.
Editing: A perk of using multiple cameras is that it can be edited/mixed live by using a vision mixer. This is not possible in a single camera production as you can't switch to something that hasn't been filmed yet. Also editing single camera footage is a lot more time consuming due to the fact there is a lot more footage, and you have to find the specific footage for a specific shot in a specific scene, when there are multiple pieces that are all very similar. A way to make this process easier is by using shot logs. These help you identify which pieces of footage are successful and which ones are less so.
Genre: Because of how a tv show such as a soap needs a constant stream of episodes multi-camera set ups are the best for this genre, because they are the quickest to film and edit.
Crime dramas, horros and period dramas often contain a lot of intense scenes and strong atmosphere. In order to achieve this it is better to use one camera.
A comedy could be filmed either way, if it is a film it is more likely to be a single camera production and if it is a sitcom it will be multi-camera. For example, if you watch The Big Bang Theory it feels like it is a set up show because of the layout, lighting (and live studio audience). This multi-camera set up can make a reaction to a joke or comedic moment feel more natural as the actors don't have to keep repeating the same moment over and over again, if you say the same joke 5 times in a row you will only get laughter once.
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