Multicamera setup

Pioneered by Desi Arnaz with three cameras, commonly now four, the multicamera setup is used to shoot most studio-produced television programs such as situation comedies, soap operas, news programs, game shows, and talk shows. Television dramas, however, are usually shot using a one camera setup, as are movies.

Related Topics:
Desi Arnaz - Television - Situation comedies - Soap opera - One camera setup - Movie

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Generally, the two outer cameras shoot close shots or crosses of the two most active characters on the set at any given time, while the central camera or cameras shoot a wider master shot to capture the overall action and establish the geography of the room. In this way, multiple shots are obtained in a single take without having to start and stop the action. This is more efficient for programs that are to be shown after editing, and vital for live broadcasts, as well as providing continuity for the actors and studio audience.

Related Topics:
Close shot - Master shot - Take - Editing - Live broadcast - Studio audience

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While shooting, the director and assistant director create a line cut by instructing the technical director to switch the feed to various cameras. The line cut may later be refined in editing, as the picture from all cameras is recorded, both separately and as a combined reference display called the quad split. The camera currently being recorded to the line cut is indicated by a tally light on the camera as a reference both for the actors and the camera operators. A recent addition to this technique, borrowed from sports broadcasting, is called the 'iso' recording, where each camera's signal is recorded independently on a separate VTR, in addition to feeding the switcher for the line cut.

Related Topics:
Director - Assistant director - Line cut - Technical director - Editing - Quad split - Tally light - Actor - Camera operator - VTR

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Most situation comedies are shot on film, while other programs are usually recorded on less expensive video.

Related Topics:
Situation comedies - Film - Video

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