BTEC Media Assignment Brief 

LAA: Single-Camera 
 

October 08, 2019 

W
​ hat is Single-Camera? 
 
Single-camera is a method of filmmaking production or video production where one camera is used
to take various shots. Media used in a single camera is usually low budget and normally used in
music videos, dramas, commercial advertisements, and sitcoms. A single-camera is very
self-explanatory as it only involves one camera. Shows such as Big Bang Theory, Eastenders and
Addam’s Family use single-camera production because it is a low budget technique. Not only
because this type of film production is low budget it is also easier to move as it only requires one
camera. In other words, single-camera production can be used to film different shots and angles of a
subject which could have some sort of purpose that the filmmaker is trying to reach out to its viewers
or audience

Using a single camera, filmmakers are able to film multiple shots using various techniques that are
used to communicate with the audience or viewers to perhaps tell a story. Some examples of camera
shots and angles that are used in single-camera production are close-ups, mid-shot, over-the-shoulder,
birds-eye-view, high angle, low angle, two shots, canted angle, worm-eye-view, extreme close up and
long shot.

Besides only taking shots using camera production, you can use a single camera to film camera
movements as well. Camera movements can include crab, pan, tilt, arc, pedestal, Steadicam, crane,
zoom and handheld shots.

Explain the shot types and framing using the three sets of images you have taken.
Explain manual settings.

 
 

​Two shot: manual settings

This image exhibits a two-shot. This shot type is referred to as when two people appear
together in a frame facing the audience. This camera shot type is good for establishing
a relationship between subjects. Also, as the subjects are close together it symbolizes
to the audience or viewers that they have a good stable friendship. Similarly, in the
film Pulp Fiction, the two-shot in this image establishes the relationship between the
two characters. As protagonists both have a gun it can connote that they are partners in
crime and are willing to die for one another. Also, the two shots type implies that they
will provide equal input.

​Over the shoulder shot: manual settings

This image clearly presents an over the shoulder shot. This is a popular shot type ​where a
subject is shot from behind the shoulder of another, framing the subject anywhere from a
medium to close-up. The camera in an over the shoulder shot only contains neck, shoulder
and the back of the head of the subject facing away from the camera remains viewable,
making the shot useful for showing reactions during conversations. In this scene in Harry
Potter, an over the shoulder camera shot is used. The camera shows extreme detail on the
character’s face which is used to display emotion or facial expression. Furthermore, ​as
establishing the distance between the character and what he or she is observing.

​Birds-eye-view: manual settings

This image shows a birds-eye-view shot. The bird-eye-view shot is taken using cranes,
helicopters or planes. This shot type shows a summary of a scene, this is taken in the view
high above ground level, people and subjects are smaller than actual size when this camera
effect is used, but it is beneficial to show an overall perspective of a scene. It is normally
used in action films when a new location is introduced. A birds-eye view makes a subject
or object in a frame look powerless and vulnerable. Furthermore, in this birds-eye-view
scene, it shows an elevated ​view of an object from above to establish the scene. In other
words, the audience or viewers are put into a different perspective such as a birds-eye
view, unsurprisingly.

​Close-ups: auto-focus settings

 
 

​This image clearly exhibits a close-up shot. This is a camera shot type that takes up
most of the subject in the frame and blurs the background to set a deeper focus.
Furthermore, it fixates on someones face usually used to show emotion or facial
expression on a person's face. This shot type gives the audience the feeling that they are
involved in what is happening. Close-ups are typically used to add emphasis and
importance in a shot. In this scene, a camera is fixated on a subject’s face and is used to
portray a character's emotions, while only framing their face. They are also used to
show specific human emotions. For example in this image, we can establish that this
woman looks frightened, alarmed and terror-stricken.

​Mid-shot: manual setting

This image clearly displays a mid-shot. The camera shot type shows an
approximation of how you would normally see someone while talking to them. You
are not too close but neither too far. In addition, you can see the subject in some detail.
It may feature some background to relate to the person’s surroundings. Here in this
scene from Titanic, it displays a mid-shot and the interaction between two or more
characters, while only showing half on the subjects. Furthermore, as repeated before
some background may feature in the frame which relates to the surroundings of the
subject.

​ ​Canted angle: manual settings

This image clearly represents a canted angle which is a cinematic technique to create unease
inside the mind of the viewer. This camera angle involves the camera being tilting on its
x-axis, which connotes an imbalance. This camera angle is popularly and typically used in
horror and thriller movies. In addition, a handheld camera is often used for this. In a
Quentin Tarantino film scene, a canted angle is being used. Not only it connotes imbalance,
but this cinematic technique is also used to signify a point of view shots to audiences and
viewers.

 
 

​High angle: manual settings

This image clearly displays a high angle. This is a cinematic technique where the camera
is positioned at a high angle looking down at its subject. In addition, the high angle is
supposed to make its subject appear small, insignificant and vulnerable. Only when
made practical with the correct mood, effects, and settings. ​The cinematic technique
allows the audience to absorb all the information at once, as it reveals the environment
that surrounds the subjects. In some circumstances, a high angle camera shot can act as a
surveillance camera as seen in the image.

​ ​Extreme close-up: manual settings

This image clearly exhibits an extreme close up camera shot. This is a cinematic
technique is used in action films for dramatic effect to portray something. An
extreme close-up is obviously closer than a close-up, unsurprisingly. Furthermore,
the camera fixates on the subject's face, which is intended to emphasize a small
area typically the subject’s eyes or mouth in extreme detail which stands out the
audience/viewers. This shot type does not have to be of a subject's face, it could be
of small writing that the audience or viewer has to pay close attention to. In this
shot, an extreme close-up is used to signify the details of the doll which is believed
to be possessed.

​ ​Low angle shot: manual settings

This image portrays a low angle shot. This cinematic technique involves the camera
angle being positioned low on the vertical axis anywhere below the eye line looking
up. In some cases, the low angle shot is even directly below the subject’s feet like
the established image used on the left side. Furthermore, the effect of a low angle
shot is to make the subject look overpowering and significant for dramatic effect.
Moreover, a low angle shot type also ​gives the audience a sense that they are sharing

 
 

the character's perspective. A long shot is used in the film Batman, to signify that the joker is
threatening and somewhat powerful.

​Long shot: manual settings

This image exhibits a long shot. This camera shot type is defined as an object or
person from a distance, showing their whole body from head to toe. This shot type
is often used to set the scene and our subject’s place in it. While the focus is on the
subject, lots of background and scenery details dominate the frame which still
emerges: we can establish that in the image on the left the cowboy is located in a
western-style setting in a desert. Moreover, this camera shot type can communicate
to the audience or viewers where the scene is set and where the subject is located in
the scene.

​Worm-eye-view: autofocus

This image is displayed as a worm-eye-view. This is a view of an object from

below as observed by a worm. It is the opposite of a bird's eye view. Furthermore,
this camera angle type makes the subject large as they dominate the image on the
left side which connotes power, strength, and invulnerability. Furthermore, subjects
or objects presented in this way look as though they hold power over the viewer,
and can appear very intimidating. Using a worm-eye-view automatically makes the
audience or viewer feel powerless and vulnerable, even if the subject itself isn’t
frightening.

What are the manual settings?

Manual setting is one of the main primary settings on a camera, it allows camera users or
photographers to manually have ultimate control of your ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, among
various other settings that can further fine-tune your images. Moreover, these three settings on the
camera work collaborate together to control how dark or bright a photo appears. This is also known

 
 

as exposure. ISO is ​a numerical value on a camera that controls light sensitivity. A camera’s
ISO allows you to adjust its light-sensitivity and enables it to pick up more light.

As for shutter speed, shutter speed is another key principle that determines an image’s final outcome
being able to control it can help you capture motion in more creative ways. By choosing slower
shutter speeds you can capture images where the subject shows some motion blur. Finally, the last
key player is the aperture. This is essentially an opening in the lens that affects your exposure. By
manually controlling aperture it will give you more control over the depth of field in your image.
Depth of field refers to how much of an area of an image which is in acceptably sharp focus.

Handheld camera movement

In the video above, the handheld camera movement is established. This shot is taken
by a handheld camera. A handheld camera is often used in shaky, unstable images
from a mounted tripod. This camera movement is very convenient as it allows greater
freedom of movement during filming. It is also very beneficial as it can follow the
action more freely, thus making the audience or viewer feel like their in the scene.

Track camera movement

In the video above, the track camera movement is established. It is a smooth shot that
is taken by a person mounted normally on a dolly following the subject with a camera
forwards and backwards at a constant distance. This camera movement is also used to
follow the action more freely. It is also very similar to a dolly camera movement.

Zoom camera movement

In the video above, the zoom camera movement is established. This is the most
common camera movement it is often used in horror and thriller movies. This camera
movement defined when the lens is adjusted to make the subject appear closer or

 
 

further away. The ability to zoom in to objects dramatic effect on the genre as it
creates an element of suspense and tension amongst the audience or viewer.

Crab camera movement

In the video, the camera movement crab is represented. This camera movement type is
where the camera user walks sideways, as a crab would. This is quite similar to the
tracking camera movement, however, it is a handheld.

Pan camera movement

In this video, the camera movement is Pan established. This camera movement is
where the camera moves from left to right/ right to left in a fixed position or axis while
filming. A tripod is normally used to display this specific camera movement it also
keeps the camera more stable when filming. When the audience or viewer is watching,
it appears like a ‘pass by’.

Pedestal camera movement

In this video, the camera movement Pedestal is established. This camera movement is
when the camera moves vertically with respect to the subject. This is commonly
referred to as ‘pedding’ the camera up/down. A pedestal is different from a tilt camera
movement which means that the camera is in the same position but tilts the angle of
view up and down. In a pedestal camera movement, the whole camera is advancing,
not just the angle of view.

Tilt camera movement

In this video, the camera movement tilt is established. This a vertical camera
movement moves seamlessly upwards or downwards from a stationary point or an
axis. It is used to reveal more information and can be used to give the viewer or

 
 

audience more information/view about settings, objects, characters, etc. This

camera movement is often used to reveal a whole outfit or costume of a character.

Arc camera movement

In the video, the camera movement arc is established. This camera movement is used
to move around an object or character in a circular motion. It somewhat like a tracking
shot. This immediately draws full attention to what the camera is circling around and
the arc shot just adds that level of drama to the film sequence.

Steadicam camera movement

In this video, the camera movement Steadicam is established. Steadicam is defined as

a hand-held camera technique using a stabilizing Steadicam (introduced in the late
70s). This is a smooth and steady shot in which the camera follows a subject or
situation handheld. This is often known as a ‘one-shot’ because the film doesn't
typically cut away from the action. This camera movement type is used to move
around and mimic the characters' movement.

The Fate of the Furious (2017) Cinematography Analysis

Notes from the prison escape scene

 
 

In the opening scene, it introduces an over the shoulder shot to

establish the position of each character, this allows the
audience or viewers to get the sense of looking at one character
from the other’s point of view. In this scene of Fate of the
Furious, this shot type is used to display the protagonists
Hobbs and Shaw having a conversation in different jail cells.

This cuts to a mid-close-up which is used to showcase the

facial expression of a specific character, in this case the
protagonist Hobbs. Furthermore, the slightly wider framing
also lets body language to convey meaning by the inclusion of
the specific characters' shoulders. In this scene of Fate of the
Furious is displays Hobbs is in a heated conversation with
Shaw and we can see this due to his enraged facial expression.

Then the scene cuts to a high wide camera angle shot type
which displays the jail where Hobbs and Shaw were sentenced
to and it displays eruption of huge brawl. It is used to establish
the scene giving the audience a summary of the setting. This
allows the audience to absorb all the information at once, as it
reveals the environment that surrounds our subjects.

 
 

Then cuts to a two-shot which enables both characters to

appear together in one shot facing the audience. This also
signifies the relationship between the characters. In this scene it
connotes that both characters have a rivalry relationship which
each other due to close positioning in the frame. Furthermore,
the two shots type implies that they provide equal input as they
are both protaginsts.

A handheld camera movement is taken in this scene of the Fate

of the Furious which displays Hobbs locating Shaw within the
jail brawl. This is a very convenient camera movement as it
allows greater freedom of movement during filming.
Furthermore, this particular camera movement allows the
audience or viewers to follow the action more freely; it makes
the audience see from the specific characters’ point of view
which in this case is Hobbs.

Then the camera cuts to a close-up of Hobbs face which

contains most of the frame. This shot type fixates on Hobbs
face to emphasise his facial expressions and his human
emotions. The audience or viewers attention is drawn into the
characters personal space and shares their feelings.

Then it cuts to a zoom camera movement is where the camera

lens is moved closer to the subject or character. In this case, the
camera lense is moved closer to Mr Nobody to show context
and then zoom in to show more detail.

Baby Driver Cinematography Analysis Notes Opening Scene

 
 

In the opening scene, of Baby Driver, it firstly uses a low wide

shot, which is used to establish the scene at a bank. This camera
shot type is used to help the viewer or audience get a feel for the
surroundings or the environment. It allows them to absorb all the
relevant information at once so that they have context for what’s
about to happen.

It is then followed by mid-close ups of Baby and his band of

villains. A mid-close up refers to which showcases the facial
expression of a specific character. Furthermore, the slightly wider
framing also lets body language convey meaning by the inclusion
of the specific character's shoulders.

Then a three-shot is used to display the band of villains opening

the boot of Baby’s red car. A three-shot is when three characters
dominate a composition of a frame. It is primarily used to signify
the relationship between the characters. It also allows the
audience or viewers to see what sort of relationship the characters
have between them

 
 

Here the image exhibits a long shot, which establishes the scene
from a wider perspective and from a distance. This allows the
audience or viewer to absorb the surroundings or environment
where the scene is located. For example, the long shot in the
Baby driver in this scene is set in downtown Atlanta.

There is also an abundance of Arc camera movements used in

this scene. For example, in the specific scene, an arc camera
movement is used to circle Baby and his car. This camera
movement is defined as when a camera moves around a subject
or object, somewhat like a tracking shot. This is used to draw
full attention to the subject or character. In other words, the
camera moves in a rough camera semi-circle around the
subject or object.

The cinematic technique that is used in this image is a zoom

camera movement. This just means that the camera moves to
adjust its lens ​to give the illusion of moving closer to or further
away from the action in the same size frame​ The camera in this
Baby driver scene is moving closer so the subject is getting
bigger, therefore, the background grows and becomes more
dominant. This technique draws attention to what the camera is
magnifying allowing the viewer to focus on extreme detail in the frame

A track camera movement is used in this scene of Baby Driver,

in which the camera follows a line of action. In this instance, it
is used in this scene to show an immense car chase. It is
usually used by a dolly. The tracking camera movement is
typically defined as a camera moving forward or backwards.
Furthermore, it is commonly used to reveal details by using
POV to the audience.

 
 

It then uses a close-up of Baby’s face. This camera shot type

is fixated on mostly the subject's face and the background is
blurred to set a deeper focus. It is also used to add emphasis
to a scene. A close-up is used to display the emotion and
facial expression of a subject in this instance it signifies that
Baby is completely focused and concentrated. Furthermore,
a close up allows the audience or viewers to focus their full
attention on important factors in a scene that allows them to understand the context of the film better.

In this image of Baby Driver, we can establish that a high

angle is used to show the three similar red cars on the
highway. It usually requires a crane to provide this specific
shot type. This cinematic shot type is referred to when a shot
is taken from an overhead height and looks down on a
character or place making them seem insignificant and
vulnerable. Thus, placing the audience or viewer in a
superior position,

A handheld camera movement is used in a particular scene in

Baby Driver. It is when the camera is handheld by a camera
user’s hands. It is often used to connote instability. This
camera movement is very convenient as it allows greater
freedom of movement during filming. It is also very
beneficial as it can be used to follow the action more freely it
makes the audience see from a specific character's point of
view.

In this particular part of the scene in Baby Driver, it uses the

camera movement, pan to follow the moving object which is
the car in this instance. A pan is defined as a horizontal scan
of a scene (from left to right/ right to left). The camera is
placed on a tripod which, operates on a stationary axis as the

 
 

camera is turned. This camera movement creates a sense of place and location. This camera
movement helps the audience or viewer understand where the scene is set or located.

Shazam! Cinematography Analysis Opening scene

In the opening trailer of Shazam! An establishing shot is used to

help establish where that action takes place, typically used to set
the scene. This shot type is designed to show the audience or
viewers the setting and surroundings, it is often an exterior shot.
For instance, the image clearly displays a city scene from an
extreme high wide angle. Moreover, this shot is also slowly
panning to the right.

Then it cuts to an over-the-shoulder shot, this is a very

popular shot type is usually used during conversations and.
This is ​where a subject is shot from behind the shoulder of
another, framing the subject anywhere from a medium to
close-up. The camera in an over the shoulder shot that only
contains neck, shoulder and the back of the head of the
subject facing away from the camera remains viewable.

 
 

A low wide shot is used within the trailer. This shot

type is used to establish the scene at a school. Furthermore,
it is used here to show the audience and viewers the
characters that are involved in this scene but also showing
them the surroundings/environment that the scene is taking
place at the same time. It ​also allows the audience or to
absorb all the relevant information at once so that they
have context for what’s about to happen.

A mid-close-up is established in this scene. ​This shot type

is used to showcase and display the facial expression of a
specific character. Furthermore, the slightly wider framing
also lets body language convey meaning by the inclusion of
the specific characters' shoulders. This allows the audience
or viewer to see the small emotion or behaviour of the
character.

A medium-long shot is used within the trailer. This camera

shot type is defined as a shot that is from the knees and
upwards. It is used so that the audience or the viewer can
still see some background of the scene and the majority of
the character's costume. For instance, in this scene, it
displays the protagonist's costume shows some background
scenery.

A three-shot is used within this trailer. A three-shot is

defined as three characters facing the audience or viewers.
The characters are often close to each other to signify the
relationship between the characters. This is similar to a
two-shot however, with one more extra character
unsurprisingly.

 
 

A two-shot is also within this trailer is defined as two characters facing the audience or viewers
it is also within the frame. This can be expanded to include however many people are framed in the
shot, for example, three-shot. The characters are often close to each other to signify the relationship
between the characters.

A handheld camera movement is used in this scene to

follow the action of the protagonist being chased into a
train station. A handheld camera is often used in shaky,
unstable images from a mounted tripod. This camera
movement is very convenient as it allows greater freedom
of movement during filming. It is also very beneficial as it
can follow the action more freely, thus making the
audience or viewer feel like their in the scene.

A zoom camera movement is used in this scene to zoom

closer to the protagonist from a far distance. This common
camera movement defined when the lens is adjusted to
make the subject appear closer or further away. The ability
to zoom in to objects dramatic effect on the genre as it
creates an element of suspense and tension amongst the
audience or viewer.

 
 

Discuss how you maintain continuity

Continuity is defined as a system used to maintain continuous and clear narrative
action by following a set of rules. This system was developed in the early 20th century
by ​D.W. Griffith. It was used in his films The Birth of a Nation and Intolerance. A
continuity cut refers to an editing cut that takes the viewer or audience smoothly and
seamlessly from one scene to the next, furthermore, it is used to stimulate the narrative
along making it easier for viewers to watch the films. In other words, continuity is all
about ensuring that your film has the correct details in its shot making it consistent.
Using continuity between shots can create suspension between the audience or
viewers.

It is very difficult for filmmakers to maintain continuity. Continuity errors could

massively impact the rating of your film as it will be very noticeable to the audience
and viewers​. ​On the other hand, if your scene is powerful the lost of continuity would
not matter too much. For example, say you're picking up a book with your right hand
and in the next scene your picking up the book with your left hand, the focus is not of
picking up the book the audience will not be distracted by the main purpose of the
shot.

 
 

Conclusion- Advantages and Disadvantages of using

Single-Camera Production

Advantages of using single-camera Disadvantages of using single-camera

production production

❏ Easier to set up and move ❏ It only captures one part of an

around as it only involves on action at a time
camera.
❏ Using Single-camera can
❏ Single-camera requires only cause some continuity issues
one operator.
❏ Very time-consuming as you
❏ Lower production costs - to set up and repeatedly shoot
cheaper to film opposed to
multiple camera techniques as ❏ If the camera is damaged or is
only one camera is purchased. broken all of your work may
be gone as it has not been
❏ Less space is required for captured by other cameras too
shooting.

❏ Quick to set up and

breakdown.

❏ Lighting can be adjusted for

each shot taken.