This week the class begin the filming of the multi-camera studio assessment where our group worked very well together. We had all mapped out and planned what our shots would look like before rehearsals which helped as we each had a visual idea of how the final product would look like, which helped also when needing to communicate any changes during the filming. Our rehearsals flowed really well and the cutting worked well with the script so there didn’t need to be too many adjustments which was good and we could then record it all in one take. Watching the finished piece back I think our group were able to adapt the script to multi-camera well. We were able to utilise each different shot to give a different variety and perspective to the scene and it all flowed together effectively. While also offering our audience the encounter with events which were unfolding in the emergent now of viewing (Marriott 2007).

My role for this assessment was directors assistant. This meant that I was required to make sure that our group was running on time and according to schedule while also keeping in communication with the floor manager if needed to. Being in the control room was really interesting to see how each role works together and being able to see how it all operates. Working in a larger group means that we can all bring our ideas and skills together and create a larger project that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

As an audience member there was a lot of waiting for each group to film. This wasn’t necessarily a negative aspect however, as we were all able to watch the rehearsals and I think it is interesting to see the creative process and ideas change based on what works and what doesn’t and then watch the final product. It also makes you realise the importance of the warm-up comedian to maintain the audiences attention and keep their energy levels up.

Filming in a multi-camera studio is very different to a single camera. You are able to capture the whole take using each camera to take a different angle at the same time. This was my first time filming a multi-camera scene and it was really interesting to see how it is more time effective and the difference it can have on the script. Working with a large group of people and especially filming ‘live’ there needs to be really strong communication, evident when there was a misunderstanding during filming which can slow down the production where you need to quickly resolve the issue, and also in the moment you need to quickly choose and select which shots will become the edit.

[1] Marriott, S 2007. “Time and the Live Event”  Live television: Time, space and the broadcast event. by Marriott. London: Sage Publications Ltd., pp. 59-72