Multi Camera: Aesthetic and Practical.

What is Multi-Camera? 
Multi-Camera recording is a popular method today which involves the recording of any programme or live event using 2 or more cameras simultaneously. This method is usually in fixed or close positions. Multiple shots are taken with flow and no disruption.
There are two types which make up Multi Camera; Practical and Aesthetic.
The Practical factors are specific factors which help make the impossible possible. Its all about being practical when filming something. Multi Camera is a practical technique as you are able to gain more coverage with more than one camera. With only one camera there would be no way of getting all the footage needed to fill in a 30 or 60 minute television programme.  
The Aesthetic factors are the factors which make the footage more visually appealing. By making the show more visually appealing there would be a wide range of camera angle and shots which could excite the audience and then make them more intriguing. Each of the genres stated below each have Practical and Aesthetic factors towards them.
Live Sports 

Establishing Shot. 

Live sports will always use the technique of multi camera, it is virtually impossible to cover all action for viewers at home to watch on a television without this specific technique. An example of live sports which uses Multi-Camera would be a football match.By using multi-camera for this genre it allows to the viewer at home to have the same experience, if not better, than those actually at the match. This is due to the high variety of shots taken of the live game, including close ups, mid shots,long shots and establishing shots. Straight away at 0:06 there is an establishing shot of the pitch with both teams in their positions to start the game. The establishing shot is useful in live sport games as the the viewer is able to see what the formations are and how the players look, this shot is a general but vital one and is used a fair amount in live sports, reason being, so all action has been caught on camera with a clear view on what is going on. It has a clear image of the crowd as well as the players which brings excitement to the screen.

The movement of the camera follows and captures every moment at kick off as it follows the ball in a swift smooth motion between 0:18 and 0:22, this takes in the scenery of the stadium including both teams and the hyped up crowd.There are multiple cameras placed alongside the perimeters of the pitch to ensure every bit of action is being caught. The next shot at 0:25 is a close up which really shows the players facial expression. This also gives the viewer at home a much clearer and better look to those that are at the game live.This would be impossible to see at a live game as the crowd is much further away than what the camera's can see.  At 0:35 there is a slow motion shot which shows the precision of the current events. This is done to

show how the live action was played out in a clearer way. This also excites the audience as they are either happy or disheartened by the outcome of the attempt of shooting a goal. This is also beneficial to those at home as they have a clearer image of how the footage played out whereas the people at the event do not have this advantage and wont be able to see what actually happened. Live sports events are more prone to the spontaneous events that may occur during games. Multi-camera is so beneficial here as whatever spontaneous event may come up it will be on record at a good shot to enable the viewers to see what has happened. An example of this would be a goal itself, no one is aware of when a goal may happen and when it does it is important to cover every angle of the shot. At 9:10 Suarez scores the third

Suarez celebrating his goal in a midshot.

goal, this footage is then changed to a camera much closer to him making the establishing shot into a mid-shot. The mid-shot represents the celebratory moment for Suarez as he scores the third goal. The video shown below shows a very recent event that had occurred during a live game. One of the players had almost died by swallowing his tongue, this event occurred spontaneously and was not expected by the audience. All footage was focused at this specific moment as it was so sudden and shocking, without multi camera, moments like this wont be captured and shown to the public. 
There doesn't seem to be any constraints with this genre as there are multiple camera which are able to capture majority of events in a wide scale for example there is also a moment where the crowd is being shown in a long shot in clip number 1 at 2:37 This adds a bigger effect to how the atmosphere may be like to the stadium, you are also able to see the auidence reaction to the goal. By having the game at a large stadium, it allows the institution to put up more cameras so that more action is captured from different perspectives. This could lead to an increase in viewers which leads to an increase of money values. Maintaining the viwers interest is important when it comes to a live sport as it needs to be engaging and exciting for the viewer to keep them interested. By using slow motion shots and action replays of the goal at 2:34 makes the game more exciting and gives another chance for the viewer at home to see how the main event within the game played out If they had only used one camera they will not be able to show an action replay from different angles and perspectives, making it more boring to watch the same thing again. There needs to be a fast pace to how the camera shots can chance, with no quick camera changes the game will look dull and boring which could minimize viewers entirely. 

Public Event

An example of a public event which uses multi camera would be Princess Diana's funeral. Princess Diana's Funeral shocked the nation and really broke many hearts, because this event was such a huge one multi camera was absolutely vital throughout this day. Everything needed to be captured for the world to see. The event itself was upsetting and still very memorable today. The variety of shots were displayed to portray meaning and some sort of connection to viewers at home. At the beginning of the video there are many establishing shots of London for example at 0:06 shows Westminster Abbey, this connotes the whereabouts of the funeral to people around the world. To show how big the public event was, at 11:11 there were long establishing shot of the crowds of people waiting

Establishing shot of Westminster
Abbey

outside Buckingham Palace to see the coffin go down London. This really shows the huge scale of the event and how important it was to people. The camera then switches to more of a mid-shot aimed at the flowers that had be laid in front of the Palace at 11:25, again this really showed how massive this event actually was. Multi camera also allows viewers at home to witness the crowd reactions to the death of the Princess 

at 17:31 and how it really rocked the world. This

High angle of the coffin. 

really shows the heavy hearted atmosphere at the time. By having these close ups and establishing shots, it really makes the event more eye grabbing and helps us feel more sympathy for the crowd. By using Multi-camera we are able to follow the journey of Diana's coffin we were able to gain full coverage of the action, cameras were placed in different areas and angles throughout the trial of the coffin. There were front views, back views, views from above the coffin and many crowd

crowd reactions 

reactions. This footage would not be possible if it wasn't for multi-camera and it will be difficult to engage the audience if there was only one fixed camera. It was efficient to use Multi camera as with the large scale environment everything was covered , especially how an event like this was very unlikely to occur again. Although it makes sense to use multi camera the expense is very high to work and control these cameras, however

Streams of people 

with an event like this not many people actually cared about the expense but about the tragic death of Princess Diana. The Visual Style for multi camera in a live public event would need to have quite a mediocre pace to it. The reason for a more slower pace than usual would be because of the sad atmosphere there is a lot to take in which would mean longer shots which will enable the viewer to take in the footage which could be overwhelming. Of course there is a lot of action to capture which would mean that the change of camera will vital as well so as much of the footage will be shown.  The slow frequency of the camera connotes the sad event and really connects with the viewer at home. The constraints of having multi camera would be the positioning of the camera. This is very vital for an event like this, the cameras will have to be placed in a safe place to ensure that the cameras are not tampered with. Other than that there aren't any constraints for multi camera for this genre. 

Chat Show 

Chat shows are also well known for the usage of multi camera. There is a lot of camera movement in this genre to make the show keep up with the exciting and fast type of genre. The upbeat movement of the programme follows through with the host. The mode of address at 0:41 makes the audience feel as if the host is talking to them, making the audience more eager to watch the show as they feel welcomed and already part of the show. The camera cuts from a mid shot at 2:07 of the host to a long shot which establishes the studio they are in at 2:12. This really shows the studio environment they are in. The audience are also placed where the audience at home will be sitting making it feel like we are actually there. There is a relaxed atmosphere with the laid back host and calm audience setting off quite a chilled studio setting. At 4:35 we see Alan Carr, the presenter, engaging in a handshake which again releases a warm welcome to  the guest in the show and engages the audience. The use of multi camera also brings match on action. It is virtually impossibly to break the continuity of the footage so from the handshake both the host and the guest go from one space on the stage and then the camera will switch to another camera showing them walking towards the sofa. This proves that all action is captured precisely for the viewers at home. With multi camera you are able to see both the presenter and the guests reaction to each other. The camera will switch from both sides so we don't miss any action which connotes feeling and emotion from the presenter or guest. An example of this would be at 5:13 where the camera is just focused on a mid shot of Alan Carr and then switches to another mid shot but of David Mitchell. At this moment both are having quite a funny conversation so it really shows the reaction of laughter from both of them. The visual style itself can look boring as all that is shown on the screen is either the host of the guest. To make it look more visually appealing the quick changes of the camera from the guest to the host with often close ups of the alcohol for example. The content of the show is what makes it engaging, with the guest appearances of famous actors and actresses really entices the audience to continue watching. A possible constraint that could occur in this genre could be the fact that they can't show any quick shots of the audience as they don't want to miss any footage from the chat show itself. Again, this could be visually boring and make the audience uninterested. To compensate for the missing reaction of the audience they do however add in clapping and cheering sound affects. Maintaining the viewers interest would be difficult with the lack of camera movement, the edits between the shots are quick from guest to host and vice versa.  

        >>  
From a mid shot to a long shot    
                      

Mid shot of the handshake, a mid shot of both the host and guest walking towards the sofa, and finally a high angle
long shot of the studio of both of them again walking towards the sofa.

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First image is a mid shot of Alan and then it cuts to a close up of the alcohol in this hand it then cuts away to Davids face, this is done using three cameras to get action shots and a clearer view of what he is holding. 

Game show

Game shows are well known for the spontaneity in their shows. The use of multi camera is so important here as the action that occurs is never expected. Multi camera allows there to be different angles to be captured, each shot having a different effect to the audience for example at 3:50

there is a high angle shot of the sucker punching element to the task. The high angle gives a different perspective to how far out the punches are and how fast they are. Although this shot is a quick one it still excites the audience as it makes it more visually interesting. To maintain the viewers interest they need to have these quick fast paced shots at different angles and positioning of the cameras. If there was only one camera the footage will look boring as it will only be seen from one perspective, which is not exciting. With the use of more cameras there is also the advantage of action replays, this brings the audiences attention and generally makes the show more interesting to watch. An example of this would be at 4:00, not only is it an action replay it also is played in slow motion. This brings extra interest for audience as it holds more of a humorous element towards the programme. This genre doesn't really hold any constraints when it comes to multi camera, because the location is set outdoors they have as much space as possible to put up different cameras at different points around the course. The only possible constraint that could happen would be the weather.With bad weather it could mean that equipment could potentially get wet and damaged meaning more costing for the company or the institution.

Live Concert.

An example of a live concert which uses multi camera would be Adele live at the Royal Albert Hall. By using multi camera at a event like this, it gives the viewer a more exciting visual of Adele herself, from high angles to mid shots and long shots. An example of a high angle long shot would be straight away at 0:01, at this point their is a establishing shot which really shows the scope of the venue and how big it actually is. At 4:49 there is an amazing high angle shot of again the venue. At 2:44 their is long angle shot of Adele herself which really makes her look powerful and beautiful, this really engages the audience,making them more drawn to her. Not only does it bring more excitement for the audience with the variety of shots it also fits in with the mood creating the amazing atmosphere within the large space. Throughout the concert their is roughly about 7 different cameras each located in different spaces of the venue. Not only do we see Adele but we also see her band and the huge audience in front of her. This particular example is a great one as I really enjoy the camera movement and changes, not only is it visually appealing it also compliments the song "Rolling In The Deep" with great flair. Coverage throughout the event is done successfully with different cameras, without the multiple cameras it will be difficult to capture all the action without making it look incredibly boring so with the range of cameras there is a lot of action covered really nicely. At 0:44 their is a close up of Adele which really highlights her facial expressions. Although you are watching the clip you can still feel connected to her but on an emotional level due to the saddened facial expression she has. This also shows that the song clearly has meaning to her which could be related to other audience members. With the crane camera moving from right to left at 1:23, there really brings an amazing and beautiful image of the surroundings of the live concert, really making the clip visually stunning making the viewer want to watch on. By having fast cuts which go along to the beat of the song, really increases viewers interest making the video be energetic and exciting to see. By having multiple cameras, there is a strong sense of practicality as without them there would be nothing to fully engage into. A concert like this would not be able to repeat and be done again as everyone's reaction is different. At 4:04 their is a great shot of the crowd singing along. It is clearly evident that they are enjoying themselves. 

Magazine show.

An example of a magazine show would be The One Show. This specific genre uses multi-camera to make the show more appealing and exciting to the audience. There is a instant mode of address when beginning to watch the show at 0:39.  The mode of address within this show makes the audience feel more at ease as it is evident that there is a calm atmosphere. The body language from both presenters suggests that they are both comfortable around each other which also shows that the show is not a serious one. Multi camera is also able to switch to shots that are nowhere near the studio. At 0:59 the camera switches outside to a crowd of people. Without multi camera this would be virtually impossible and they would not be able to put it within the show. When both presenters describe the guests on the show the camera then goes into a mid shot of both Daniel Radcliffe and Oprah Winfrey at 1:41. At the camera then goes back to the presenters the original camera that was on the guests adjusts itself to a close up of Oprah at 1:46. This is done really well as it really shows her facial expressions. The quick cuts from camera to camera really go with the speed of the conversation which is good as it keeps with flow of the chat they are having. if the cameras were slow they would not be able to capture the facial expressions along with what they are saying, making the show much more boring. It could also confuse the audience as they may not be aware of who is talking when. By having multi camera through a magazine show would definitely would maintain the viewers interest. The show itself has interesting content which would engage the audience anyway but with static camera movement and reactions from the audience or anyone else besides both presenters and the guests. There wouldn't be many constraints to this genre as it would be set up professionally and appropriately. There would also be qualified people on set that will know what they are doing which would mean they are trusted with the equipment. As their are many locations for this show multi camera would have to be in place to make it easier for people to see at home what is going on. The shots will lack continuity which would really make the show look unprofessional which would lead to a decrease of viewers. The show would need to be fluent and clean to ensure that the viewer is keeping up with what is going on throughout the show. 

Mode of  Address

      

Talent show. 

An example of a talent show which uses multi camera would be The Voice. It is important for talent shows such as The Voice, Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor to have the multi camera technique so all action of the talent is captured and showed to the audience. This is done purposely so the viewers at home get an equal opportunity to watch the action and see what is going on. The Voice: Blind auditions are all based around the hearing of the singers, making the viewer more eager to see the facial expressions of the judges. An example of these facial expressions would be at 0:32. At this point we see Tom Jones look in thought as he is listening sincerely to the act on stage. This is a great shot for the viewers at home as they can really see from his facial expressions what could be going through his mind. This show really builds up anticipation for the viewer as they are keen to see whether any of the judges turn around, this is really shown in the camera shot of the time. Towards the end of the clip nobody has turned around yet but there is a great mid shot to the side shot of three judges ready to press the button to turn around at 1:29. At 0:47 there is a moment where the singer has purposely gone out of focus and instead the focus has gone onto the audience members in the crowd. The camera movement really makes the audition look good. The aesthetic reasoning would be so it looks appealing and not boring to the people watching at home. Although the talent itself that grabs the audience's attention, the dynamic camera views also make the show look interesting and engages the audience much more. Because talent shows are purely based on the entertainment that comes out from them multi camera is needed to get different angles and shots of the talent for people at home to see them. By doing so it makes the viewer feel involved, almost as if they are there.