In this essay I will be evaluating the features of single camera techniques used in the different genres of film and TV. Explaining the how the single camera techniques affect the viewer through the various shots in film. Most productions use single cameras techniques when filming documentaries, comedies as it can give the director control of the shots. This means that when editing the film all the shots can have order and can follow according to the narrative of the film, allowing the flow of the shots to make sense. When using a single camera there isn't as much need for preparation for the set up and less crew would be required meaning the cost for the production won't be as expensive. As for multi-camera this allows the shots of the scenes to be filmed simultaneously as this won't miss out any action. However, there isn't as much flexibility using multi-camera compared to the single camera. Multi-camera can take up to 3 or more cameras being used there isn't as much control in how you want the shots to seen. Multi camera is often used when the event is a one-off or audience based show such as X-Factor. With single camera, the filmmaker has several attempts to get the shot right in a controlled environment.
To further my understanding of single camera format I shall analyse a sequence from a contemporary film, in this case Limitless.
Limitless (2011) - Chinese Restaurant scene
Scene begins from panning from the right as the character Eddy enters the frame as he greets the other actor sitting down at a restaurant from this frame we know as the audience that both characters are having lunch. As we see Eddy entering the frame straight away as he walks to the opposite seat they both are part of the 180 degree line. Showing to the audience they are viewing from the right side not the left as the camera is showing where the audience should focus on the two characters. The soundtrack used as the scene begins consists of three layers being the dialogue, oriental instruments and diegetic noises of talking and utensils clinking off the plate. The use of the soundtrack allows the audience to know what setting and environment that the characters are in.This shows to an audience a sense of realism as this creates a lively atmosphere in the restaurant that is conveyed in this scene. The setting and sound reinforce what time of day both of the characters are eating the distinct chatting and the bright light coming through the window shows that both are eating during the day time. Whereas, if the scene was filmed during the nighttime this will portray a whole new atmosphere using dimmer lights and a more soothing type of music setting the mood of the scene.
From the way the film had been shot that particular scene they used multi-cameras instead of the single camera. The shots were portrayed more smoothly in this scene focusing on the frame for a science-fiction film. Each of the components used for this restaurant scene helped contribute to create a certain mood and what direction the film was going towards.
As the characters speak amongst each other we notice how the camera views the other characters expression as they directly speak to one another. This is shown through shot-reverse -shot as each character’s expressions are read by the audience for us to determine each of what the character is feeling. For example, we see this as the character Lindsy compliments the character Eddy’s appearance we see from his expression he seems glad which he then shows off to Lindsy his mandarin skills as he orders food. From the way the camera moves into the shot of characters facial expressions this reinforces what the character is making us think. At this point Lindsy seems impressed by how Eddy communicated with the Chinese waiter as he places an order. The close up shot of her face was portrayed that was filled with satisfaction.
There weren’t many flashbacks in this scene. However, we can see from the film that a lot of the scenes and events used flashbacks in order to sum up how the character’s history or how his life had lead him at this stage. There’s a sense threat and death when the character is about to jump off his balcony. This is was used to engage the audience into the film for them to actively take part in the film. Which fits in with the science-fiction genre involving people to think than to just watch as its more interactive with the audience.This follows a non-linear path as this uses flashbacks to add up to the character behaviour and actions leading up to the point of the climax of the story. Which we see through the significance of objects that show the history of the character. For example, the tea leaf pot is used to show where he placed and stored the drugs. The tea leaf pot shows became significant as this highlights all the trouble that has caused him to consistently open to take the drug. Which presents the theme of non-linear within the story that caused the events to take place.
This type of film would we targeted at a social-economic category from . As the character used in this film looks to be in his early 30s from being at a stay in job to working at a stock company. This would relate to people that live and work in the city which demonstrating the adult life. The restaurant scene is a good example for conveying an adult’s lifestyle highlighting the fact that he appears in a suit. The suit tells the audience he came straight from work to come eat with his friend. It can also symbolise a sophisticated and authoritative. People familiar with the city lifestyle working day to day jobs could relate as they themselves have the same experience.
Overall, I think that the features of single camera formats is essential in film as it was helpful to create the film’s atmosphere. It was effective to have the audience to feel what you want them to feel from the portrayal of the frames and use of formats to create this feel. Although, this film was shot through multi-cameras their simultaneous effect created a new way to be entertained through a science-fiction film.
