Single camera overview

Single camera production- is a mode of production where one camera operates at a time and shots are done in the most economically efficient order. Therefore within single camera the camera will be facing towards one direct position meaning that in some cases when there is one actor they will be directly faced by the camera. However as the shots within single camera will switch from one angle to another is further edited to ensure that it comes across to audience as one scene. Overall single camera is based on recording each short separately then further putting the+ shots together in order to make a structure in the form of a short film etc.

Single Camera Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages	Disadvantages
Cheaper due to less cameras required	Only get one angle at a time (less activity is captured)
A small amount of crew is required	More editing requirements
Offers more control	Single camera has less angles shots to choose from

Some examples of use of single camera techniques are within dramas such as ugly Betty along with music videos, documentaries, commercials and films.

Sci-fi

Sci-fi movies show science fiction in which things such as aliens and time travel is used therefore defining what it is (fiction).

A good example of a successful Sci-fi program is the Big bang theory in which shows a range of things including the character mentioning unrealistic things etc. Within Sci-fi programs other things are also shown such as futuristic figures for example robots and space crafts. Use of different shots is done within Sci-fi programs s as the scenes should draw the audience in and amaze the audience that watch that certain program.

Comedy	The Royle Family- There are a number of close ups to show the characters faces and other shots as they show how the characters are feeling and their reactions. The lighting is mainly the natural light produced in the setting and the sound diegetic sound which is mainly the character’s voices and other non-diegetic sounds.
Crime	CSI – There are a range of shots used as CSI has mid shots, wide shots etc. Looking at the lighting the scenes are set in dark settings as this makes it more extreme and creates tension. Lastly there is a range of sound used including non-diegetic in the form of mood music etc.
Period drama	Coronation street : The camera shots differ depending on the character’s activity however as they are having conversation different shots are used such as over the shoulder shots, close- up and mid shots etc. Lighting is different depending on the time of the day however as it is a night scene there are lights within the building in which the scenes are based therefore making the lighting natural. The sound differs as there is diegetic from radio and characters etc. There is also non-diegetic mood music is applied at the end scene etc.
Thriller	The vampire diaries –Shots there are a range of shots in which are used in this programme  such as close up shots and mid –shots as illustrated: Lighting- the lighting is highly used in this Program as some scenes are based in dark places therefore requiring a low amount of lighting. As vampire diaries have many scenes in which the lighting is dark the setting is based around with lamps etc. In terms of sound there is a range of diegetic sounds used as it is made through the use of objects used by the characters etc.

Friends

As a brief insight friends is a comedy based on friends who are flat-mates. Friends uses a range of camera shots as it aims to show the different occurrences and also different expressions in which the characters have. For example,

This is a mid-short therefore showing the subject but also the occurrences surrounding her. Another example of a shot within friends is the following:

This medium close up therefore shows more detail of the character in terms of their face expression and also what is occurring within the overall scene. Besides the camera shots friends also uses a range of lighting techniques in order to show the different settings and also the mood that the character are in. Lastly friends uses a range of diegetic sounds which are natural as opposed to non-diegetic in which the source is not visible for example sound effects etc.

Single strand narrative

Single strand narrative is telling a story from one person's point of view. Therefore this shows a single story or a description of a series of events. Therefore the story in which is shown is enforced from start to finish and it usually uses the state of equilibrium-disruption –equilibrium.

Multi-strand narrative

This shows a range of stories alongside each other. Therefore in order to make this effective the scenes are then made to cross over in order for the sequence of the video to be understandable. Also, within other videos mainly advertisements there is also use of voice over (narration) therefore helping the audience in understanding the range of scenes within the advert. Overall this is telling a story from more than one person's point of view. Therefore this is several story-lines within one film.

Within a single camera format different shots are used to maximise the advantages of a single camera recording. The Master Shot is a wide shot of a scene that establishes the scene as this is the main shot that shows the occurrences. Narrative Structures can single strand or multi strand narrative. However both have different ways in which they lead as single strand focuses on a single main character. An example of use of single strand in which a central character is placed then focused upon is Iron man. Narrative Structures can also be Multi strand in which characters form the focus of the narrative for example in Friends. However despite both having a focus different characters are also shown within the series or movie. Within on going episodes different characters or groups of the characters may be the main point of the focus therefore meaning that it is multi strand but focusing on different characters within each episode.

linear

This is sequential meaning that the scenes follow the state of starting with equilibrium them destruction occurs in which equilibrium then occurs as the finishing scene.

Non- Linear

This is non-sequential therefore an example of the process in which the scenes undergo is when the starting scene is the middle then the beginning scene is shown followed by flashbacks then lastly the ending. Therefore as the scenes won’t be in order this is what forms a non-linear video.

Narrative devices

There are a range of things in which directors enforce when making narratives for example the directors can include things such as flashback and cliff-hangers etc.

Todorov's Theory

According to Torodov's theory all narratives follow a structure of Equilibrium, Disruption and resolution. An equilibrium is the point in the film where everything is calm and normal traditionally a film starts with an equilibrium then move to disruption were there will be a scene in which a problem will be caused but then further solved or attempted to be resolved as the narrative then moves to the point where the story is brought to a finish.

E.g. - A murder occurs and people are terrified, someone vanishes and the characters in the movie solve the case.

Todorov conventional narrative structure complete with five stages 

Stage 1

A state of equilibrium is defined.

Stage 2

Disruption to the equilibrium by some action or crisis

Stage3

The Characters recognition that there has been a disruption and then they set goals to resolve problem.

Stage4

The Characters attempt to repair the disruption

Stage5

Situation is resolved, a conclusion is announced