Multi-camera production

What is multi-camera production?

Multi-camera production is a filming technique where a scene is recorded from more than one angle with multiple cameras or other devices. It’s important to distinguish this from single-camera production, where only one camera is used and different angles are shot one at a time with the same device. 

Using multiple cameras for filming or live streaming is more expensive and can be tedious, but it’s a great time-saver for video production and makes your visual content look much more professional.

Multi-camera production is often used during live events like sports broadcasts, concerts, and news programs. While watching TV, you’ve probably noticed that all of the above will cut between different camera angles while the event takes place. In fields like professional sports and investigative news, it can be crucial to capture the action of a live event from multiple angles simultaneously. 

Multi-camera production is also a regular practice for sitcoms and talk shows, where having many cameras rolling at once allows for a faster, more efficient filming process. Live streamers also use multiple cameras to display their face, their screen, their desk, or their environment on demand while broadcasting.

Benefits of multi-camera production

There are several advantages to using a multi-camera setup for video production. One of the main benefits is efficiency. With multiple cameras capturing the action simultaneously, there’s no need to reshoot scenes from different angles. This saves time and reduces the risk of inconsistencies and errors in the finished production.

Another advantage is the ability to make more dynamic content. With multiple cameras, you can switch between different perspectives to further immerse your viewers. Using a multi-camera setup to live stream will make your content stand out, especially if you’re creative with camera angles.

For example, some streamers use an additional camera to show their pets while they’re broadcasting, which viewers will enjoy and react to in the chat feed. It’s also common for gaming streamers to use another camera to display their mouse and keyboard, which is especially useful for tutorials and setup reviews.

Setting up a multi-camera production

To set up a multi-camera production, you should first determine the number of cameras needed and where to place them. This will vary depending on whether you’re producing a video, live streaming, or capturing a live event. For instance, a live concert might require cameras at different angles to capture the performers, the audience, and the overall atmosphere of the event.

Once the cameras are set up, it's important to ensure they are all properly synchronized. This is typically done using a process called genlock, which ensures all cameras are operating on the same time code. This comes in handy during post-production later on, but it’s also important to double-check before you start streaming with multiple cameras so there isn’t a delay.

Choosing the right equipment

Choosing the right equipment is crucial for a successful multi-camera production. This includes not only the cameras themselves but also the necessary accessories and equipment, such as tripods, lenses, and lighting. Pick your equipment based on the location, the lighting conditions, and the desired look and feel of your video or stream.

Always consider the technical capabilities of your filming equipment too. If you're planning to broadcast live, you'll need cameras that are suitable for streaming high-quality video in real time. Similarly, if you're filming in a challenging environment like a crowded concert venue, you'll need a durable camera and accessories that can handle the conditions and deliver clear, stable footage.

Coordinating the shoot

Coordinating a multi-camera shoot can be complex, especially when it comes to using the right camera angle at the right time. In order to coordinate the shot perspectives correctly while live streaming, there are a few good practices to follow.

Getting a video switcher and practicing with it is a great way to learn how to coordinate shots for certain purposes. Video switching software is affordable for most streamers and makes working with multiple cameras much easier. Get familiar with the software and practice switching camera angles so that you’re used to changing angles quickly when you’re live.

Once you have the video switcher set up with your cameras, pay attention to the shots themselves. Ensure that the cameras are synced, and monitor the footage to make sure all cameras are capturing the right shots while you’re streaming. 

Checking the camera feeds is easier with a multi-view monitor, which displays the feeds from all cameras simultaneously. This lets you easily decide which camera to cut to when you’re broadcasting, which makes for a cleaner streaming experience.

Editing in multi-camera production

Editing in multi-camera production can be a tedious task because it usually involves synchronizing and splicing together footage from different sources. However, the creator has much more creative freedom when editing a production that uses a multi-camera setup. There are so many more options with sequencing clips, making eye-catching transitions, and creating a dynamic visual product.

While editing, it’s important to sync the footage from all camera angles. This is typically done using the time code generated during the genlock process, which saves time in post-production if the cameras are synced before recording. Once the footage is synced, it can be viewed and edited in a multi-camera sequence, which displays the footage from all cameras simultaneously and allows for easy switching between angles.

Choosing the right editing software

It’s crucial to have the right software for a successful multi-camera edit or stream. Professional-grade programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are great for editing and refining your video, especially since they offer robust multi-camera editing features. If you’re live streaming with multiple camera angles, it helps to have OBS Studio and video switching software for managing your cameras and using them to curate a high-quality live experience.

Consider your specific needs and workflow when you’re looking for streaming and editing software. For instance, if you're working with a large amount of footage, you might need software with powerful organization and management features. Similarly, if you're planning to add special effects or color grading, you'll need software with advanced post-production capabilities.

The art of multi-camera editing

Multi-camera editing is about more than just syncing footage and switching between angles. It's about telling a compelling story in a memorable and professional manner. This involves choosing the right shots, creating a smooth flow between angles, and using the unique capabilities of multi-camera editing to make the video production more appealing to viewers.

One of the key skills in multi-camera editing is the ability to make quick and decisive decisions. With multiple angles to choose from, it's important to know when to cut, which angle to choose, and how to create a seamless transition between shots. It helps to understand your content, your audience, and your overall goals with multi-camera productions.