MultiCam Analysis

Analysis

A Multicamera Production is a production which relies on Multiple Cameras recording and being directed to create a professional looking production. This form of production is used to create multiple formats of media, such as:

• Live Sport Events
• Public Events
• Soaps
• Sitcoms
• Music Concerts
• News Broadcasts
• Game Shows
• Chat Shows

The Multicam method is widely used to record live events, in which planning and storyboards are not relevant, the multicam team must be directed skilfully by the director, whom are expected to direct the camera feed, to create a successful and entertaining show. Multicams can also be used to recorded non-live productions, such as various soaps, this allows multiple angles of scenes to be recorded, allowing editors to create drama through cuts to different shots, continuing seeming less linearity. 

Advantages:

There are many advantages of multicam of which I shall explain:

1. They are great for capturing multiple angles allowing the post production process more creativity.
2. They are useful when filming Live events, when filming live events, it is very difficult to capture all the action with one camera at one angle, therefore it is much easier to use multiple cameras to captures different angles and points of interest, allowing a director to make the decision to switch between cameras and shots on the mixers.
3. It is easier to use MulitCam methods whilst filming conversations between two parties, for example, if the media production is a sitcom and character A is talking to character B, it may be easier to film from over the shoulder of each character, to show reactions and dialogue. Allowing editors an easier job for editing conversations.

Disadvantages:

The Multicam method has its disadvantages also when filming various media productions, for example:

1. When filming Live Events, mistakes can happen, as the cameras are filming live material, they may not capture a scene or point of interest, and if one camera goes down, that angle is no longer covered as it is a live event and cannot be fixed.

Below are examples and analysis' of Multicam productions:

News Broadcasts

Click Link for Tour of Studio:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=bcvu9na7iOE#t=103

Advantages of MultiCam:

Using multi cam whilst shooting a Live News Broadcast, there are many advantages, having multiple camera angles and types of cameras are extremely useful. Having rotating cameras on tracks, moving around the main stage, allows the director to create tension and dramatic effect, it also allows for the director to create a fast paced action, when dealing with serious breaking news, keeping the audience interested and making the news entertaining. 

Disadvantages of MultiCam:

Many problems and obstructions may occur whilst using the multicam method. As there are multiple cameras and anything can happen. If the director is relying on a single angle from one of the multiple cameras, and this camera shuts down, that shot is no longer available. Also, as it is being recorded live, it is not possible to edit cut away when mistakes occur.

Soaps

Advantages of MultiCam:

Whilst filming a Soap, it is advised to use the multicam technique, this is to allow the director to capture each angle, making post production much easier. It makes dialogue scenes much simpler to edit, as it allows the director to film each angle, showing each actors conversation and expressions, allowing for dramatic effect and keeping the audience gripped and consumed by the world of coronation.

Disadvantages of MultiCam:

Multiple problems and obstacles may occur whilst using the MultiCam method whilst shooting the coronation street production. 

Public Event E3 2014

Click Link below to see the conference hall:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=XsV4E0JUlsw#t=28

Advantages of MutliCam

As E3 is a a Public Live spectacle with millions of people watching live from all around the world, it is important that all the action is caught correctly and nothing is missed. Therefore, with intelligent and skillful directing of the cameras a great production can be created, allowing for a focus on on speakers and movement to create dramatic effect when a game is being announced.

Disadvantages of MultiCam

Relying on multiple cameras during such a large worldwide live event means the show must be rehearsed so that the cameramen know exactly where to focus there attention, this is largely time-consuming and inefficient.