#bcotmulti

WHAT IS MULTI-CAMERA PRODUCTION?

A multi-camera setup refers to the use of multiple (usually more than three) cameras, to simultaneously record and/or broadcast a scene. Multiple angles are captured in a single take, which removes the need to worry about re-setting or continuity. It is an ideal approach for live broadcasts or shows with little editing time.

There are a number of key terms associated with multi-camera production:

VISION MIXER:

A vision mixer works on a multi-camera production, supervising the creation of the line cut through use of vision mixing desks and other assorted equipment. The vision mixer takes instruction from the director and assistant director, but may sometimes use their own judgement for selecting angles for the line cut. They use various editing techniques such as wipes, cuts and frame manipulation to edit the production live. Vision mixers are absolutely crucial to live broadcasts, and still an important aspect of any multi-camera setup. They need to multitask as they work, making sure effects and transitions are prepared for the upcoming action.

LINE CUT:

A line cut is created during recording of multi-camera productions. While all cameras will be recording simultaneously, usually only one will be feeding into the line cut. A Technical Director/Vision Mixer will be instructed on the creation of the line cut by the Director and/or Assistant Director, selecting which camera will be feeding into the line cut at which time. Using a CCU (Camera Control Unit), the live camera will be indicated by a light, showing the actors and crew members (particularly the camera operators) which camera is live.  Often, all cameras record simultaneously and also as a combined reference display. In live studio audience situations, this line cut is usually displayed to the audience on the studio’s monitors. The line cut may be refined and edited after the initial recording.

CROSSES:

Crosses refers to the view of one camera crossing another. Generally, the two outermost cameras (1 and 4 usually) in a setup are used for this purpose, shooting close-ups of the two most active characters in the scene at any one moment. This is often useful for shooting characters in a shot-reverse-shot setup.

MASTER SHOT:

Master shots are a wide-angle shot used to establish the size and layout  of the location. Normally one of the central cameras will be used to capture this shot (2 or 3). This is also useful for cutting back to if performers miss their marks and compromise the view from the other angles.

MULTI CAM ADVANTAGES

Multi cam allows multiple shots to be captured in a single take, reducing the need for re-takes, re-setting the scene, and helps to avoid continuity problems. Multi-camera setups reduce the complexity of maintaining tracking continuity between takes, due to their range of simultaneously-captured angles.

Continuity - maintenance of continuous action and self-consistent detail in the various scenes of a film or broadcast.

Multi-camera setups decrease the time spent editing footage, which is greatly advantageous to films or broadcasts scheduled to be shown shortly after they are shot. As such, it is an absolute necessity for regular, high-output shows such as X-Factor or Britain’s Got Talent.

Multi-cam shoots also generally proceed more quickly than their single cam counterparts. This is because there’s no need for re-setting, adjusting lighting and makeup between shots for different camera angles - because Multi Cam setups capture all angles simultaneously.

DRAWBACKS

Lighting in multi-camera productions tends to be less optimal/specialised, as the setup needs to work for all angles at once, rather than being arranged for each individual angle specifically. 

There is also less flexibility with regards to setup of equipment, such as microphones and lighting, because the visuals are being captured from a wider range of angles and distances from the subject. This means it is much harder to conceal equipment outside of the frame when contrasted with the single camera setup.