The multiple-camera setup (aka, multiple-camera mode of production) is a method of shooting films and television programs. Several cameras—either film or video—are employed on the set and simultaneously record (or broadcast) a scene. It is often contrasted with the single-camera setup, which uses just one camera on the set.

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 a short time after being shot as it reduces the time spent of editing the footage. It is also a virtual necessity for regular, high-output shows like daily soap operas. Apart from saving editing time, scenes may be shot far more quickly as there is no need for re-lighting and the set-up of alternate camera angles for the scene to be shot again from the different angle. It also reduces the complexity of tracking continuity issues that crop up when the scene is reshot from the different angles. It is also vital for live television.

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 (for "isolated" camera), where each camera's signal is recorded independently, in addition to feeding the switcher for the line cut.

History and use

The multiple-camera setup was pioneered for television by Desi Arnaz and cinematographer Karl Freund on "I Love Lucy". It gives the director less control over each shot, but is faster and less expensive than a single-camera setup. In television, multiple-camera is commonly used for soap operas, talk shows, and many sitcoms. However, there have always been exceptions. The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968), for instance, was a single-camera sitcom, as are more recent programs such as The Larry Sanders Show (1992-1998), Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006), Scrubs (2001-), and My Name Is Earl (2005-).

Television prime-time dramas are usually shot using a single-camera setup. Most films also use the single-camera setup, although in recent decades larger Hollywood films have begun to adopt the multicamera configuration, usually with two cameras simultaneously filming the same setup. It is also commonly used with an even larger number of cameras when filming shots which would otherwise be difficult to reproduce, such as stunts and explosions.

The choice of single-camera or multiple-camera setups is made separately from the choice of film or video. That is, either setup can be shot in either film or video.

See also

• Single-camera setup

Film techniques