MULTI-CAM PRODUCTIONS - Live Sport / Live Music
A multi-cam production is one that uses 2 or more cameras at the same time to get multiple angles on a subject/performance. The multiple camera technique is almost always used in live events. There are many ways to perform this type of production, as we will be looking at in this case study. Each production team will have their own unique way of doing it, to create a look with is unique to them and make something interesting for people to watch. I will be comparing and contrasting live sports events and live music events.
Sidenote:
Multiple cameras aren't just used in TV programmes. In fact, pretty much every high budget film will have more than 1 camera rolling on each take. The 'B cam', as it's known, will be there as the 'safeshot' which isn't always the nicest shot, but it can help out in the edit if there are sections needed to be patched.
Multiple cameras are also always used to record stunts/explosions within films and TV shows. Too much money is spent on these stunts for only one camera to be recording; if anything happened to the camera then thousands, maybe millions of pounds would have been wasted.
They can also be used to create cool effects, such as the well known scene in the Matrix when he ducks under the bullets in slow motion. The setup seen below was similar to the one they used in the Matrix.
Sidenote:
Multiple cameras aren't just used in TV programmes. In fact, pretty much every high budget film will have more than 1 camera rolling on each take. The 'B cam', as it's known, will be there as the 'safeshot' which isn't always the nicest shot, but it can help out in the edit if there are sections needed to be patched.
Multiple cameras are also always used to record stunts/explosions within films and TV shows. Too much money is spent on these stunts for only one camera to be recording; if anything happened to the camera then thousands, maybe millions of pounds would have been wasted.
They can also be used to create cool effects, such as the well known scene in the Matrix when he ducks under the bullets in slow motion. The setup seen below was similar to the one they used in the Matrix.
LIVE SPORTS EVENTS
Every live sports event will have one shot that they constantly cut back to, which is known as the 'Safeshot'. This may not be the most exciting of shots to look at, but it is there as a last resort and does it's job quite well. A 'Safeshot' is usually shot on a wide angle lens, capturing the entire event. This is great to cut back to if there are any hiccups with the other cameras positioned around the event. The general setup of the average Sporting Event will include the 'safeshot' at the back of the stadium/sports hall and then some more operated cameras dotted around, which are able to gain nice perspectives on the action and pick up small details and interactions between players. A few cameras may also be places around, facing into the crowds to gain some reaction shots from the supporters watching the game. A shallow depth of field is usually used to increase the production value and make the final product more appealing to watch.
Cameras are also set up to record instant replays of actions within the game, such as a goal in football. Most of the time, these moments are played back in slow motion so no one misses the action. This means that these few cameras will need to be capable of filming at a higher frame rate.
Cameras are also set up to record instant replays of actions within the game, such as a goal in football. Most of the time, these moments are played back in slow motion so no one misses the action. This means that these few cameras will need to be capable of filming at a higher frame rate.
All feeds go into a vision and audio mixer. The editor will then select what shot is being broadcast live to the audience, which is known as live cutting. Graphic overlays,also in the mix, show the score and time. Footage will also be kept for promotional and highlight purposes, such as 'Match Of The Day', which is a popular show, used to condense the day's football matches into the best bits. In order to capture the audio, microphones with wind protectors are placed around the pitch towards the audience.
The audience within the stadium can be heard from the mics placed around. Getting audio from the players is extremely difficult to do without getting in the shot, or interfering with the game. It is also quite unnecessary. Audio of a commentator describing the game and upcoming events is broadcast on top of the audience's audio, however this can be recorded within a controlled environment, such as a studio. Natural lighting and lighting from within the stadium has to be used, as it would be too hard to manually control the lighting.
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
Live music multi-cam productions work off a similar basis to that of a sporting event. They have various cameras dotted around the subject in order to capture different angles of the performance. It's important to have many different cameras and gain as much coverage as possible. This will be a great help in the edit, as it allows for patching. For example, if one of the cameramen wanted to re-position and gain a better angle, the other cameras would still be in a good position and they could patch the time gap as the other cameraman sets up his new shot.
Both use similar equipment, however sporting events may use longer lenses as they try and catch the action from afar, without interfering with the game. Live music events can vary in locations, so the equipment can change from place to place. For example, if it was a main stage performance at a music festival, many cameras may be used, from a far to capture the action, but again without interfering with the band, or getting in the way of the crowd and blocking their view. Stands are usually constructed behind the crowds, allowing a clear line of sight over the top of the people. Music events can also be held within a building, without a live audience. A good example of this could be the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge performances, which are very popular online. This example involves cameras being rigged up before the band is in the studio, meaning there is only the band in the room at the time of performance. This sort of set up may be seen as a less creative way to capture the performance, however it is also a good way to make sure everything is captured the way they want it to be. It can be cheaper to do, as less camera operators are required and many videos can be made in a short space of time, as there is no reason to move the cameras in between performances.
Both use similar equipment, however sporting events may use longer lenses as they try and catch the action from afar, without interfering with the game. Live music events can vary in locations, so the equipment can change from place to place. For example, if it was a main stage performance at a music festival, many cameras may be used, from a far to capture the action, but again without interfering with the band, or getting in the way of the crowd and blocking their view. Stands are usually constructed behind the crowds, allowing a clear line of sight over the top of the people. Music events can also be held within a building, without a live audience. A good example of this could be the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge performances, which are very popular online. This example involves cameras being rigged up before the band is in the studio, meaning there is only the band in the room at the time of performance. This sort of set up may be seen as a less creative way to capture the performance, however it is also a good way to make sure everything is captured the way they want it to be. It can be cheaper to do, as less camera operators are required and many videos can be made in a short space of time, as there is no reason to move the cameras in between performances.
PROS & CONS
PROS:
- Time Saving – If you wish to view the same scene from many different angles, using a single camera set up would require the scene to be acted out three times. With a multi-camera set up footage of all three angles can be recorded at once.
- Live Events – Some events occur live and simply could not be repeated so that they could be filmed from multiple angles. This may include things such as sports matches or concerts
- Live Audience – Sometimes it is beneficial for a television show to have a live studio audience, to provide feedback to the writers and director in regards to the reception of their production and also to provide a laugh track. A multi-camera set up enables the scene to flow and allows the audience to react.
- Continuity – There would be less continuity errors using a multi=camera set up as the scene would only be being acted once.
- Editing – It will not be necessary to use time and money editing as most of this will have been done during production using a vision mixing desk.
CONS:
- Less flexibility – There are limited options on where camera’s can be placed in a scene. For example you may not be able to do an over the shoulder or point of view shot for fear of getting the recording equipment caught on camera.
- Lighting compromises – It will take a lot longer to light a multi-camera shoot than it would a single camera production because more of the scene will be on show. A better lighting set up would be achieved if the cinematographer only had to focus on how the scene would look from one camera angle. Also it is important to remember there are more people on set and avoid placing lights in places that could cast shadows across a scene.
