Single vs Multi Camera Production.

Shows such as Dr. Phil are filmed in front of a live studio audience, a multi-camera format is needed when filming. Usually, in shows like Dr. Phil, the reaction of the audience needs to be shown, this makes the show more interesting. It also enables the audience to enjoy a free-flowing scene while the editors behind in the director gallery can quickly change between buttons. Multi-camera is usually used when the camera can't be stopped all the time to change the angle, this will make the audience get really bored with what they are watching. Furthermore an advantage of using MCP, it can get a lot of perspectives. less time consuming and the audience is more engaged. MCP is usually used in soap operas, talk shows, live events like football.

 A disadvantage is that there it's usually less dramatic, which doesn't build up tension, it consists of larger equipment that the director may just have to use in the studio and not outdoors. It is also longer to set up as you have more equipment, more expensive as you have to hire more people. Better lighting would be achieved if the camera had to focus on one angle and you also have to make sure the lightning is the same everywhere. There is also less flexibility as there are limited options on where the cameras can be placed in a scene, for example, you may not be able to do an off the shoulder or point in fear of the camera getting caught in the equipment.



By using single-camera production such as the office, time can be very consuming but it is very convenient for the actors/actress as they are not pressured in front of a live audience, they also don't have to worry about falling out of character. Dramas like ugly betty, music videos, adverts, and most movies are recorded using the single-camera method as the director has more control over each shot and within a single-camera format, different shots are used to maximise the advantages of a single camera recording. The benefits of using SCP in Tv drama genre is that the director can draw the audience's attention, for example, the facial expression the individual interviews they take of the actors/actress, this can be very entertaining for the audience as we see each sense of humor of the actor/actress. Single-camera production is much quicker to set up and cost less money, which is more convenient for the director. It also focuses on one specific element which allows the audience to understand the situation more.

 The disadvantage of SCP is that scenes have to be shot more frequently, it is also less efficient and doesn't get a full perspective. You also get less natural reactions as actors are not interacting, reason being is that only one is filmed at a time. There is a constant repetition too as you need the perfect shot, there is also long-time editing, therefore you are in the editing room for a quite while. Most feature films are made using the single-camera technique, the director and editors go through several of the same shots meticulously in order to produce the best sequence of scenes.