The Basics of Single Camera Technique

A production using the single camera set-up generally just employs 1 camera. Each of the various shots and camera angles are taken using the same camera, which is moved and reset to get each shot or a new angle. With this, the lighting set-up is typically reconfigured for each camera set up. 

In television, the single camera set-up is usually reserved for prime-time dramas, music videos and commercial advertisements. In single camera production, if a particular scene cuts backwards and forwards between two characters, then the director will first point the camera towards the first actor and shoot shots 1, 3, 5, 7 and so on. They will then point the camera to the second actor and do shots 2, 4, 6, 8 and so on. Then, in the post-production stages, the shots will be edited and joined together to make the correct order.

The traditional set-up of a Single Camera Technique

Using the single camera technique has many advantages; such as having maximum create control over every aspect and area of the production. Lighting, positioning, framing and composition are all areas the camera operators are able to control. Another key advantage about having only 1 camera is that there will be no other cameras that can sneak in to shot.

Cheerio. :o)

- Olivia.