First Multi-Camera Live TV Event: Evaluation

The Week Before Production

In our production team, we each chose our favourite example of a multi-camera production to take as a discussion point to our live show.

In the week between our pre-production starting and the actual production itself, we worked really well as a team and we were able to ensure we would be fully prep'd for the day.

The Friday before the production Tuesday, I sent out a message on Facebook to everyone who was cast for our show informing them that each of their individual scripts had been e-mailed to their college e-mails.

I found this a really useful way of communicating as:

a) It was easily accesible (mobile and PC based)

b) Immediately available (most people receive message notifications)

c) It also showed to me who had read the message - as you can see above it says "Seen by everyone". Therefore it prevented the typical excuse of "I didn't get a message?".

Myself, Joe and Alice also came in the day before the production, to do any final exporting of VT's and we were also able to save our Auto-Cue in the compatible format. This worked really well for our team as it meant that we could have all of Alun's attention and help in areas we might not have been too sure in.

I feel this also worked really well to our advantage, as it ensured we had the chance to set up the TV studio exactly how we wanted it, without the feeling of it all being 'rushed', whilst other groups were still finishing off pre-production.

The main lesson learnt from all of this pre-production was that planning ahead is key! Also by getting everything completed before the day, released any pressure we may have been presented with on the day.

The Day Of Production

On the day of production, our production group met first thing to ensure all scripts, running orders and cue cards had been printed. We also met with Alun to ensure our Auto Cue script was in the correct format and on the right laptop, ready to be loaded straight up in the studio. Throughout the whole pre-production we kept on-top of every step to ensure if anything needed amending, we would have time.

As we had completed all of our pre-production ahead of schedule, we had free time to go down and put our floor plan into practise. We set up our cameras exactly how we wanted them.

We decided to use all three cameras and to keep them all static throughout. I feel this proved to be a good decision for the group, as it didn't overload the director and vision mixer's worries as to when they could and couldn't cut between cameras.

My Role As Producer

When reflecting on my own personal role of being the producer, there are many things I have learnt.

First off, I have learnt how much pressure and responsibility lies with the producer and how many things are accountable by the producer and the director. I have also learnt how closely the two producer and director need to work for the production to run smoothly.

As the day progressed I ensured that I took notes and had a separate copy of the running order to annotate for each run through we did. This worked well as it ensured that I didn't get confused by previous notes and could then refer back to how previous rehearsals went.

One thing I felt might not have gone as smoothly initially was our plans for how we were going to set our audio up in the studio. This was something Connor was responsible for as sound supervisor, but on the day he didn't seem too sure on what the plans were. However we decided on which layout would work best as a team and decided to use a desk mic set-up. I feel this is something we will now remember to do when it comes to the final task.

On our first rehearsal, I felt a little nervous with the timings and how well they would work. I think by us rehearsing our script as a group the week before worked to an advantage and kept us quite on track.

I noticed the timings throughout the production fell short in the final recording and we were rushing through the points. This fell down to the presenter we had, not reading from the auto-cue fully and missing out parts of the script. Next time I would ensure that we had a run through with the presenter and made sure that they felt 100% confident with everything they were being asked to say.

Throughout the first two rehearsals I also noticed myself paying too much attention to what was being broadcast at the time. It really did make my job easier by keeping my head down and focussing purely on time and not worrying myself with what was on screen. I think that is something I can put purely down to new experience and now being able to learn from it.

By the final run through, I felt quite confident with multi-tasking the stop watch, whilst reading the running order and shouting out timings. Overall I feel that due to all of the preparation our team put into our production really paid off and that we did quite well for a first attempt.

First Multi-Camera Live TV Event: Introduction & Pre-Production

Once we had completed analysis on our live TV events, we were sorted into groups in order to create and produce a 10 minute TV show about them.

I was put into a group with Joe, Alice, Shannon and Connor. We were all quite happy with our team as we all wanted to tackle this unit as best we could and do really well, first time round.

Once we met as a team we decided on a team name and delegated the production roles. We came up with the following.

Team Name: On The Ball

Joe: Director

Andrew: Producer

Alice S: Vision Mixer

Connor: Sound Supervisor

Shannon: Floor Manager

Each of us decided on these roles, as they were thing each of us hadn't had the opportunity to do before.

After we had decided who would be carrying out each role, we delegated the pre-production paperwork. Joe and Shannon completed the floor plan, which made most sense as Shannon would be running the floor and Joe would be directing the action. Myself and Alice completed out the running order whilst Connor started looking at writing his section of the script.

I feel one thing that could have run more smoothly throughout this part of the pre-production process was the writing of the scripts. We all decided to write up our own sections, based on our analysis from the week before, however I feel we could have saved time with re-editing them together if we'd done them as a team to start with. This is something I shall definitely learn from and ensure happens in the next show we create.

An Introduction To Multi-Camera Techniques

I have created a blog in order to document my progress throughout this assignment. I will be researching into chosen examples of multi-camera production chosing two TV studio productions and two that were live events.

My chosen multi-camera productions that I shall be analysing are:

TV Studio Productions

- This Morning

- Catch Phrase

Live Events

- Olympics 2012 (Live Coverage)

- Will & Kate Wedding

The key purpose for creating this blog and analysing these examples is to understand and explain the reasons for multi-camera use.

I have chosen 'This Morning' as my first example that I shall be analysing as it is something that I have seen in the past and noticed it has many different parts to the studio, so it will be interesting to see how they cut between different locations smoothly.

The second example I shall be analysing is 'Catch Phrase'. I shall be looking into the older 1986 original as I think it could be quite interesting to see how game shows used multi-camera techniques all those years ago.

My first live event example will be looking at coverage from the 2012 Olympic games. I will select most like a fast paced sport like the diving or the running to see how they managed to capture the whole event.

My last event that I have chosing to look into is the what will be historic wedding of William and Kate. I have chosen this idea as it is something completely different to what I am already analysing and it will be interesting to see differences between them.

This Morning: Analysis

This Morning has been hugely popular and has been running on UK television since October 1988. It contains an array of highly relevant topical items, showbiz gossip and even real life features. The show airs week days between 10:30 -12:30 and must be doing something right to capture viewers.

Apart from the stories and guests involved a lot of work goes into the camera work that is so technical, it goes un-noticed.

The example that I have chosen to analyse can be found by clicking here.

 The picture above shows what is expected from most daytime talk shows, especially those on ITV, the titles. The titles are the first thing seen on the screen which open the show.

The first shot the viewer is presented with is a mid-shot of the two presenters. This is to give the viewer a clear view of who the presenters of the show are going to be. Even though the viewer knows who to expect, it acts as a comfort to them. It is also something a lot of viewers like and feel comfortable with.

Once the presenter(s) have introduced the show they will start to introduce the first guest. Whilst the guests are being introduced it is very typical that a VT or still from a newspaper or magazine, is shown to the viewer. This is done to make the viewer feel involved with what the guest is about to be interviewed on, even if they have no idea who they are. It is a very clever, yet easy technique which stops viewers from switching off.

When looking at camera angles in particular I noticed a certain trend. Once the guest has been welcomed a close up shot on them stays for roughly 4-5 seconds, this gives the viewer the opportunity to familiarise themselves with who is on screen. Typically mid-shots are used the most to capture any emotion that may be provoked by questions asked.

Another shot that is quite often seen is a mid-long shot of those that are sat next to or quite close to each-other. This establishes the interviewee's exact location in comparison to others and answers any questions of who they may be looking at whilst talking. Another reason this is used is to break up the pace of the interview as it could become very boring if the camera literally switched between interviewer and interviewee.

As you can see quite clearly in the two pictures above, when the interviewer and interviewee are in direct conversation the shot type stays the same, which in this example is mid-shot. The 180 degree rule is also followed to show the flow and effect of the conversation that is taking place. Without this the editing technique the viewer would feel un-orientated and the whole thing could become confusing if the viewer is not paying full attention.

Long and extreme long shots are also used in daytime talk shows to establish to the viewer the atmosphere in which the interview is taking place. It also confirms to the viewer that the guests are in the same room as those interviewing. 

These varied shot types are highly effective in ensuring that the viewer does not loose interest and are made to feel as if they are in the room as it is taking place.

The recording takes place simultaneously and contains on average 7-8 cameras depending on how many guests are in the studio. 

I feel the show has been constructed in a way that makes each interview appealing to the viewer even if it something they have little knowledge or passion for. Through using the VT / still images to introduce each guest, the viewer is made to feel informed and 'not left out' from what is going on.

I think due to the fact the studio is set up in a typical talk show way, there are no constraints that could become a nuisance, this being as it is very basic and straight forward.

Another way in which the producers utilise what they have access to, in order to convey information is the use of text on the screen. This is very typical to a talk show as it makes it clear to the viewer who is ont he screen. They also then have the chance to see how a name is spelt if they are interested to find out more about them.

Catch Phrase: Analysis

Catch Phrase had its original run between 1986-2002. It was a very popular game show that was broadcast on Sunday evenings as a family game show in the UK. It's format contained different competitors each week, battling it out to win a cash prize. 

The example that I have chosen to analyse can be found by clicking here. 

The picture above shows the opening titles to the show. This is something that is not unique to Catch Phrase and is expected by the viewer. They also give a taster of what the show is about, in this case it is advertising that it is a game show.

The first shot the audience sees is a long shot of the studio with the presenter walking onto the stage. This is to give the viewer a feel for how the show is going to be set up and what to expect. It also makes the audience feel like they are a part of the studio audience.

The next shot is also a long shot but from a different angle, this gives the feel to the viewer that they have a better view than the studio audience, it also lets them establish more of the studio from a different angle. The variation of shots is important to the produce as it maintains the viewers interest.

The mid-shot as seen above is the most frequently used shot as the presenter is typically most seen looking directly into the camera. This use of direct address involves the viewer directly and makes them feel a part of the show. It also makes them feel as if they could be either where the studio audience are or where the contestants are.

VT's are also used quite often to show what is being seen on the screens in the studio and to also maximise the involvement that the viewer has with the competition.

Long shots are also used to show the presenters and competitors involvement with the catch phrase that is seen on the screen. This gives the audience the point of view from those involved in the game show. This is exactly what the producers want the audience to feel.

Long shots are again used to show the intensity between the two contestants when they are buzzing. The camera stays on them both throughout the whole duration until they buzz in to play. This keeps the viewer involved and ensures they don't miss a thing.

As you can see in the two picture above, when the presenter and competitor are in conversation the shot type used is always a mid-shot. The 180 degree rule is also followed to show the flow in conversation. This technique keeps the viewer involved as they are put into the shoes of whoever is listening to the other speak. 

This mid-shot which is very close to close up keeps the tension high and also captures any emotional reaction from them both.

The most used technique in Catch Phrase is the implementing of VT's, these keep the viewer fully informed and puts them in the position of the competitor, giving them the same time and opportunity to answer the question. This is very key to game shows as it maintains a high viewer interest.

Mid-close up shots are the most commonly seen in game shows even back in the 1980's. This shows that this particular game show style has been maintained for many years. By using the audience shots throughout also gives the viewer someone to relate to, even though they have never met the person before.

The recording is simultaneously recorded and the studio is set up with on average 10 cameras. This is to capture different angles of the presenters, competitors and even the studio audience.

I feel the show has been constructed in a very easy to follow way and makes the viewer feel really involved with the show. 

Due to the fact the show is recorded with a live studio audience, the only constraints I can imagine they face would be filming from an angle above or from the studio audience. However with the use of jib-arms and cranes they are able to have cameras pan above the seated audience in able to catch those intended shots.

Olympic 2012 Diving: Analysis

I have chosen to look at the olympic diving as my one of my examples as it was a historical and major event of last year. I also decided the diving would be quite interesting to analyse, as it is quite a fast paced event.

The link to my chosen example can be found here.

As to be expected in any footage of a sporting event, an establishing shot of the arena that the event is about to take place in, is captured. This sets the scene for the audience as it shows them where the event is about to take place. Also the use of text is utilised in order to show very clearly that the last event has finished and that the new one is preparing to start.

Mostly seen in coverage of sporting events are long-shots. It would be near on impossible to capture a whole event in close up / mid-shots as the action is far too quick. These long shots also ensure the viewer is able to see everything that is happening, this is exactly what the producers are intending to achieve.

Mid-shots are used for the under water cameras as they can almost guarantee where the diver is going to enter the water. These mid-shots also show the impact of the diver hitting the water. The producer also wants the viewer to have a view no-one else can see.

Long shots are used again to show the audience and their reaction to each event. The viewer can also see which team is gaining the most support and reaction from the crowd. This also maximises the involvement that the viewer has as they almost feel as if they are a part of the crowd.

High angled long-shots are used to show how inferior the divers are to the water. This shot is a very clever technique that producers like to use as it makes the viewer feel really on edge and nervous for the divers. This nervous feeling they have also works in the divers favour as it gives them an increased sense of support and credibility, again exactly what the producers want them to feel.

Close ups are used to show tension from within the crowd and to again maximise the feeling and involvement the audience has with the crowd.

  

Low angle shots are later used to show the superiority the divers gain once they over come any nerves and leap from the board. It also makes the viewers feel a sense of 'wow' once they see what they are doing.

Long shots which often pan closer into mid-shots show a head on view of the impact the divers have with the water. It also allows a view for anyone who is looking at the event very technically, as this shot really gives them an opportunity to see how in sync the two divers are. This shot is also typically repeated in slow motion, to give an even more intense view. 

The last shot which is typical to sporting events is the 'finishing' long/mid-shot. This shot shows the viewer the reaction from the sportsman/woman as they finish / head back from the event they have just completed. This again makes the viewer feel fully involved with the event and even on an emotional level.

The most typical shots to sporting events I have discovered are long shots, this is purely down to the facts that it gives the viewer the most view of the surroundings yet also down to the fast paced nature sporting events have.

Throughout this diving event the recording has been captured simultaneously and was done so with on average 12 cameras focussing on every angle of the event and also on audience reaction.

The shots are varied and quite short in length to match the high paced nature of the event. This also keeps tension with the viewer and maintains their viewing.

The show has been constructed in a way that appeals to sports fans and also those who are not. By the use of text and leader-boards the audience can keep fully informed with who is taking part and who is winning.

Through the already needed use of jib-arms and cranes to capture the action of the sport, any constraints that could have been a problem would naturally have been overcome.

William & Kate Royal Wedding: Analysis

The last example I chose to analyse was the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The wedding which took place in 2011 has not stopped being spoken about even today. I thought it would be quite interesting to analyse how different shot types were utilised to capture the days events.

The link to my chosen example can be found here.

The first shot seen just before the service is about to commence is a high angled long-shot. This is to establish the size and amount of people that are present. This gives the viewer a real insight to the amount of people that have turned up for the event, really maximising its importance.

Mid-shot to close-ups are used to then show who is present at the event, these typically come after the establishing shots to 'pick out' recognisable people from in the crowd. This satisfies any curiosity the viewer may have about who has attended. It also gives them a good view of what they have dressed in and the emotions they are feeling.

High angled, extreme long shots are used to show the intensity and importance the event has. It also makes the viewer realise how much attention and effort has been put in place for just two people, this achieves what the producers intended and maximises William and Kate's importance.

Mid-shots are used throughout to show the closeness and more emotional responses from the direct royal family, it also gives the viewer the chance to capture emotional responses from them all as the service progresses.

The longer shots in the church continue to increase the importance of the royal family and also shows their superiority as the audience can see that they are stood in a more raised place to the rest of the crowd. This really backs up the fact they are currently 'centre of attention'.

Closer yet still longer shots pan over the crowd whilst hymns are being sang, to show the unity between the royal family and the family, friends and crowd present. This unity also makes the viewer feel involved and a part of the event.

The most typically used shots are the mid-shots (as above) that show the emotional connection between William and Kate. This reaction that is generated from the viewer comes across as very personal as they are watching so closely.

The recording took place simultaneously and must have contained at least 10 cameras capturing many different aspects and areas of the crowd. 

I felt the whole event was constructed in such a documentary way that it was as if the viewer was really watching history being written. The shots and angles used also made the viewer feel a part of that history.

Due to the space available to the camera crew, any constraints that could have been a problem in a smaller venue were already resolved.