As its name suggests, a production using the single-camera setup generally employs just one camera. Each of the various shots and camera angles is taken using the same camera, which is moved and reset to get each shot or new angle. The lighting setup is typically reconfigured for each camera setup
….at least according to wikipedia. This means most dramatic film & television productions fall into this category. the alternative – ‘multi-camera’ usually includes sporting events, game shows etc
In year 12 we are starting to look at the key features of a SINGLE CAMERA PRODUCTION – this is unit 22, and we are aiming first to achieve distinction in Task 1, the definition of which is:
Comprehensively explain the features of single camera production with reference to elucidated examples and consistently using subject terminology correctly
The unit overview this is quoted from comes from here: Unit 22
This task is basically an in-depth analysis of a production that includes explanations of it’s mise en scene, narrative, soundtrack, types of camera shot, effects used and actors
Key to achieving this is selecting a production to analyse that you are passionate about, and has enough scope for analysis. For example good choices might be:
- The Dark Knight
- Breaking Bad
- The Grand Budapest Hotel
I would avoid:
- The Nutty Professor
For an effective essay its important to understand what we need to focus on. BTEC need us to cover:
One example of a single camera production we have seen ,that would cover all of the above is Moon, by Duncan Jones.
Lots of elements of the film could be discussed – the codes & convention of a sci-fi genre film like this, how the film design relates to it’s narrative, it’s use of voice actors (Kevin Spacey) to create tension & comic relief – and many more.
My PEEL blog uses Children of Men as an example, and this is another fantastic choice.
Christopher Nolan films are usually a safe bet for film analysis essays, largely because they are rich in both narrative, design and use of sound. He’s also a technical pioneer so one could look at his use of Imax cameras for example to create a visual style.
Memento is a superb opportunity for in-depth film discussion – here’s a fantastic example of an essay I came across:
The psychological thriller and neo-noir film Memento, directed and written by Christopher Nolan in 2000, was inspired by his brother’s short story Memento Mori. Nolan is known for his dark psychological thrillers that often have non-linear timelines. His films usually begin with the films end scene, and conclude with characters resolving or describing issues or events presented in the film but never fully explained. Nolan also has a recurring theme of justified dishonesty and vengeance for the death of a loved one in his films, which Memento is centered around. Nominated for two academy awards for Original Screenplay and Film Editing, this noir film low budget film follows main character Leonard Shelby on his quest for vengeance for the murder of his wife.
Full credit to Professor Kompare at Southern Methodist University, published on the blog ‘mementoanalysis’
Categories: Uncategorized
Visual Arts 