Film and video production styles are divided into two general categories: multi-camera and single camera productions. This topic examines the differences and similarities between the two. Students should have a basic understanding of both shooting styles, key production personnel, and equipment. Documentary, news and film production should be discussed as subcategories.
//////////// MULTI-CAMERA PRODUCTION
Types of multi-camera productions: News (with news anchor), Talk shows, TV sitcoms, Soap operas, Reality shows, Competition/Game shows, Event broadcasts (concerts, sports, conventions, etc…)
Key concepts /terms
Key Production Personnel ♦ The TV Studio ♦ Studio Equipment ♦ Chromakey
Resources
- Behind the Scenes of a CBS Sports Broadcast – a look at a sports show from the Control Room
- Fox 56 Sports Production: Behind The Scenes – from the Control Room & on the field
- Weather Without Chromakey – what the TV weatherman sees from the Studio Floor
/////////// SINGLE-CAMERA PRODUCTION
Types of single-camera productions: Feature movies, Documentaries, TV series (dramas & comedies), Music Videos, Commercials, News (with street reporter)
Key Concepts/ terms
Key Single Camera Production Personnel ♦ Production Equipment ♦ Green or Blue screen
Resources
- Single Camera Production
- Evolution of the Sitcom: The Age of the Single Camera – by Jack Picone
- The Making of “Do the Right Thing” – this is the entire 1 hour documentary by St. Clair Bourne, featured on the Criterion Collection. A complete behind the scenes look at the making of the film.
- How to Green Screen a Car Crash – making a special effect using green screen
////////////DOCUMENTARY & NEWS PRODUCTION
Key concepts / terms
B Roll ♦ Scene Re-enactments ♦ Interviewing Techniques ♦ Narration Writing
Resources
- News & Documentary Production
- Behind the Scenes at ABC7’s “News This Morning” – a look at a News Show from the studio floor
- What does “B-roll” mean? – the origins of the term “b-roll”
- The Historical Development of Style in Documentary Film – by Jennifer Merin
/////////// FILM PRODUCTION
Key concepts/terms
♦ 35mm Film ♦ 16 mm Film ♦ Telecine
Resources
- FilmConvert – Digital vs Film Comparison
- Quentin Tarantino Comments on Digital vs Film – YouTube
- Film– from MES 152 Handout Book
- Thats All Folks: What the End of 35mm Film Means for Cinema – by Helen Alexander & Rhys Blakely