Written by Gary BaumSince I Love Lucy debuted on CBS in 1951, the Multi-Camera format has defined the comedy genre on television. Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball created the format along with Karl Freund, ASC.Their original intention was to film the comedy series with 3 cameras shooting simultaneously in front of an audience. The successful format has endured for almost 75 years, with of course updated modern technology .Now we shoot with digital 4k format in 1:78 to achieve a 16x9 view, which is compatible for network and streaming delivery. With most studio audience shoots, such as Frasier, we use four Sony VENICE cameras with Panavision primo zoom lenses, maintained by my DIT. I shoot in S-log utilizing an on set LUT created by my Video Control operator.Since the comedy is shot proscenium style to incorporate the full effect of watching the entire scene without breaks, it affords the audience the experience of a theatrical performance and the actors with a live feedback that isn't available on other formats. Four cameras are blocked to capture all required angles; wide, medium, overs, two shots, singles etc.The cameras are constantly moving to predetermined queues which require different focal lengths and angles. A typical four minute scene can incorporate 40 to 50 shots. It’s a ballet of sorts, and quite the visual experience onto itself.Lighting for the multi-camera experience is a world onto it’s own. We must light from above without any lights on the stage floor to impede the camera’s movement. Every...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Friday, 16 August, 2024