Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Studio camera moves into place for what reason?

This is topic Studio camera moves into place for what reason? in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 05-12-2014, 08:23 PM:

Not sure how to title this without it being a tease violation, but what I am asking is this --

Many times on TV shows like SNL, or the Letterman show, one camera will be positioned in a way that allows you to see a second camera and that second camera is making a strange positioning move. It looks like the camera in question is dollied down close to the floor and then what seem like just before that camera goes live, it is quickly raised up to normal height. Obviously it is not on shooting anything from ankle height. I can't even guess what the reason would be why having it down nearly on the floor only to then fly it up to face height of the host for the shot. I have seen this happen enough times on a variety of shows to realize it isn't just some fluke, but a standard move of some sort.

Just thought someone in the TV field might have an explanation for this seemingly irrational move.

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 05-12-2014, 10:06 PM:

I think it's done to provide a bit of a subtle crane-like effect, rising into the proper shot. That might be a good look to edit/fade into to from a wide studio shot, particular from a camera on an overhead jib.

Viewers are busy multi-tasking their time during the commercials. The regular show they actually want to see comes back on. You cue the viewer with a number of things. Maybe that final main camera trick of going low and then rising into position is supposed to suggest the viewer lean back, relax and devote their attention to the show.

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 05-12-2014, 11:17 PM:

But I think what Frank is saying is that you are SEEING the camera doing the strange move...not seeing the output from that camera. I think I know what he's talking about and I always wondered about it too.

Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 05-17-2014, 02:01 PM:

On SNL they may be doing it as a courtesy to the studio audience. The studio is pretty tight quarters from what I've heard.