Friday 5 February 2016

Multi-Camera and Single-Camera Comparison

Friends (Season 1, Episode 7)
     Friends was a multi-camera production, involving a small number of sets in front of a live studio audience, with several cameras to move around to capture all the shots. The scene is usually only done once (unless something goes wrong, like getting a boom microphone into shot or an actor forgets their line). This makes the production process quicker, the director can choose his shots 'as live', but there is also the option to edit them later to make sure all the best ones are used. To ensure it goes as close to plan as possible, however, the cast and crew go through rehearsals to know which camera needs to be where, at which point in the script.
     In this particular episode of Friends, there were only four locations: one of the flats, Central Perk, a ATM vestibule and some corridors. It all seems very flat, as all of the shots are taken from the same side of the set - the fourth 'wall'. 

Scrubs (Season 7, Episode 1)
     Scrubs was a single-camera production, shot on location in an old un-used hospital. There was no audience, so the scene could be ran multiple times the same way to capture all the required shots. This allows the director to have more control over each shot, so they can perfect the angle and the lighting. This takes a lot longer to complete than a multi-camera production, but many directors would argue it is worth it to improve the look of the show.
     Notably in this episode there was a lot of movement of the camera. Because it is shot within an actual old hospital building, the director can follow actors down a corridor or through a car park without much difficulty. On a multi-camera production, this would be nearly impossible without capturing other cameras or other crew members, or even an audience.

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