UNIT 35:

MULTI-CAMERA
TECHNIQUES
Learning Aim A
A concert that uses a multi-cam setup

The concert of Kendrick Lamar is a great example to explain the use of

multi-cam in concerts. Concerts have a lot of cameras to keep it as
entertaining as possible whilst attempting to create an audience’s
perspective. Most of the time, the vision mixer will change the camera
being displayed on the screen on beat, to allow us to vibe with the music
while not being distorted.

Several cameras are scattered to present different angles on stage which

follow Kendrick so that we can keep up with the rapper and his
whereabouts on stage and can also be used to emphasise the music - one
camera is always tasked in being the master shot, displaying the whole of
the stage. A couple of camera shots above the back of the stage allows us
to view what the people on stage are seeing, plus the live audiences
reaction and enjoyment of the music. Sometimes a jib camera or a drone
shot is present as more selection of different angles.
A game show that uses a multi-cam setup

Wild N Out is a prime example for a game show that uses multi-cam
setup. This is done as the tv show enjoys to interact and get involved with
the audience and since we are viewing it from the tv or internet, we’d be
included through the various cameras on set that quickly jump to the next
person.

In the “wildstyle” part of the episode, the cast compete in a rap battle.
Two cameras are focused on the two cast members as they rival against
each other, therefore cameras aimed at of the cast members must also
display the other person's reaction, even the audiences reaction. During
the close up shots of the two battling it out, one of the cameras is tilted
upwards at them which shows a sense of immersion for us watching it
behind the screen and making us feel apart of the audience in the show.
A fictional show that uses a multi-cam setup

The tv show Friends is a sitcom that uses multicam in almost all of their
scenes and is shot as a live studio production. The set would have three
sides built in and the forth would be clear for the cameras and production
team. The advantages of using a live studio production for TV sitcoms, is
that production is much quicker as the set would have multiple cameras
placed in for each type of shot for the scene. This can be edited during and
after filming.

In the first scene, there is one camera that targets each of the characters
and follows them while they walk. As we watch the scene, we see that the
shot cuts to the next person speaking so that we are aware. While this is
happening, Monica is seen walking to the duo to include herself in the
conversation and quickly shoots to her as she speaks. As this is a live
studio production, showing continuity is good for the show.
A sports event that uses a multi-cam setup

Multi-cam is used in all sports events, especially in football games like the
example to my right. During the games, the cameras are placed in
different areas to capture particular moments, for example, a wide shot is
used to display the side of the pitch and gives us an audience perspective
view where we can determine where the ball can or cannot go. Other
cameras are placed around the pitch to show live recordings of a medium
close-up with the players playing football or throwing the ball in. There
would be other camera from afar which focus on the reactions of the
players, managers, sub-players and even the audience.

Due to the fact that the match is 90 minutes long or more, it can be boring
with just a few cameras used for the match. Matches generally have
around 42 cameras in a stadium to capture live moments and keeping the
games entertaining for us.
 ● Director

● Camera Operator

● Floor Manager

● Set Designer
What roles are required for a ● Video Tape Operator
multicam production? ● Graphics Generation

● Vision Mixer

● Sound Mixer

● Lighting Desk
 DIRECTOR, CAMERA OPERATOR, FLOOR
MANAGER & SET DESIGNER

THE DIRECTOR: is responsible for everything that occurs in the multi camera production, making him the most important person in the
crew. They are tasked to run everything, including telling actors to do what he/she wants them to do for the film/show. The director also
helps assist in hiring casts for the multi camera production.

CAMERA OPERATOR/S: or Cinematographer/s works with the cameras on set and films. They have to follow a strict shooting script which
has the whole order of the shots that are required. The camera operator would usually work under the director with a headset, following the
director’s orders.

FLOOR MANAGER: is responsible for giving information from the director to the other crew members in the control room. They are also
tasked to ensure that every equipment is placed in the set and is set up properly, preventing any harm to the cast and crew working around it.
Floor managers are also the manager of the cues meaning they communicate through the crew members on when to start and stop.

SET DESIGNER/S: or Production Designer/s are responsible for the whole visual concept of the set that will be shown in television therefore
their objective is also to design the set. They work closely with the director and receive extra tasks in case the set is not up to standards,
 VT OPERATOR, GRAPHICS GENERATION, VISION
MIXER & LIGHTING DESK

VIDEO TAPE OPERATOR: manages the machine room and is tasked to operate the video as they cue and prepare the video into the
programme. They also have to set up and operate the VT equipment, playback and record the programme, and read the logs of the
programme to tell them when the recording starts and ends.

GRAPHICS GENERATION: works on the motion graphics and decides on what, when and where the graphics appear on the TV screens.
They are tasked to make graphics whilst on set, therefore, they’d need to do it as quickly as possible unless they have graphics already made.

VISION MIXER: is with the director, VT operator and other staff by the gallery room. Their job is to listen to orders from the director and
select the camera shots while live. They are also involved in putting the graphics and effects on the screen so that the viewers can see.

LIGHTING DESK: works on the lighting, putting the lights in the right places at a planned time. They must also move the camera around,
tilting it, rotating it and levelling it specifically for the live recording.
 OVERHEAD DIAGRAM

In order to film a multi camera you need to have at least three to

four cameras depending on the objective. One camera shooting r
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conversation or used for establishing shots. Two cameras are
place on either side to capture as a shot-reverse-shot at each of
the subjects’, making it clear who is speaking and allows us to get
both sides of the conversation. Sitcoms that take place in a
studio include both actors/actresses in the shot, placed so that
there is an over-the-shoulder shot on one of the subjects, so that
conversations between the characters involve us as the viewer
which can be manipulated - intensifying a dramatic scene.
Sometimes a jib is used in multi-cam which can be used for a
sweeping motion as a method of intros and outros. ra Two
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