If you watch television on a regular basis then you definitelly will have come across the multi-camera set up. The use of this technique to shoot content quickly has been around since the early days of cinema and continues to be the most cost effective and convienient way to film multiple episodes of television within a day. The Great British Bake Off, Strickly Come Dancing and sit coms such as The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother, have all been filmed using this technique. More recently even web prouductions have started using multi-camera.
On this post I'm going to look at three job roles within a multi-camera production that interest me. I'll be covering what their rob entails and what qualities are required for them to be effective on set.
1. Director
Out of all the behind the scenes jobs, the Director is the one most people know about, or think they know about. The steryotype for a television director is someone sat in a chair with a script and a megaphone barking orders from offside. However, unlike in single camera productions, directors in multi-camera productions do not spend their time on set. Instead they work from the gallery. The director is responsible for the content of the show. This involves booking guests and telling the rest of the cast and crew what needs to happen at what time, this information is usually relayed to the floor manager but we'll get to them later. The people the director works most closely with is the producer and writers. The producer being the big boss will relay the progress to the studio and the writers will work collaboratively with the director to come up with suitable and entertaining content. If the show in question is narrative (eg. Eastenders) then the Director might be more of a set presence, getting the most convincing performance out of their actions but in the case of reality TV this is not the case.
Qualities to do this job
Work from the gallery relaying messages through the floor manager or through a headset.
Work closely with the producers and writers
Are responsible for booking guests and talent
They help conduct rehearsals and make sure that everyone is clear about their positions on set.
2. Floor Manager
The floor manager on the other hand has the job that most people think is the directors. They are responsible for everything on the studio floor, which is where all the filming takes place. They are responsible for everything that goes on in this space including health and safety, actor/talent rehearsals and the logistics of the project including timings and organisation. The communicate with the most people on set, relaying messages between the gallery, the floor staff and talent. It's the job that requires the most communication and organisation skills.
Qualities to do this job
They assist with logistics and planning.
Ensuring all necessary probs, items and equipment are where they need to be.
Briefing people involved including the presenters/talent so everyone is aware of timings and movement.
Coordinating rehearsals
Relaying information through the production. They cover the control room floor staff and talent.
Overseeing health and safety
3. Camera Operator
The camera operator is the most technical of the three roles. While the director and floor manager are more heavily involved with post production the camera operator is involved more in the production itself. While most of the camera settings such as the exposure are controlled up in the gallery, the camera operator is still responsible for the moment, zoom and focus on the camera. They rehearse with the floor manager and have to adhere to a timings sheet.
Qualities to do this job
Basic video terminology as well as basic filming and camera handling skills, preferably to an advanced level.
Must know how to manually use a camera.
Know most common shot types.
Have an understanding of colour temp and white balance.
Must know the basics of editing such as cuts and transitions and how to look after the camera equipment correctly.
So there are the three multi-camera jobs that interest me the most! The most interesting thing about a studio set up is how closely everyone has to work in order to make it happen. Everyone has their jobs to do on set to make the production work which is why knowing what all the different roles are is essential for people going into the industry.