The boys came into the studio to talk more about multicam switching and camera positions. Then dove in to how it can make your student broadcast go to the next level.
In the last installment of “The Tech and Teaching Podcast”, Eric Allgood and Jordan Hiebner talked about the equipment, as well as the crew, that you will need to run a multicam setup.
This episode goes more in-depth and focuses more on the purpose of a multicam setup, camera positions, and how they are most effectively used.
Eric sums it up best saying, “We’re going to solve the issue of you don’t know, but we know, so we’re going to tell you!”
Camera Assignments
- Main Camera Operator
The main camera is the most important part of your live stream, or as Eric calls it “The Steak”.
You want your student with the most experience, as well as the steadiest hands, operating your main camera. They must understand the flow of whichever sport you are producing. This will allow them to anticipate what is about to happen and know where they need to be focusing.
- ISO Camera Operator
The ISO (isolation) camera operator is responsible for tight shots of featured players. This also includes highlighting the most important parts of the game.
If you are producing a football game, an example of an isolation shot would be a tight shot of the running back celebrating after a long touchdown run.
Ideally, the ISO camera operator should be positioned close to the main camera operator. It is crucial that they can communicate with each other throughout the broadcast.
- Field Camera Operator
The Field Camera allows you to get even more personal shots than what you would be able to get with an ISO camera. You can show close-ups of the team during a timeout, the cheerleaders on the sideline, or the crowd after a big moment.
A wireless camera allows you to show more reactions from the teams, coaches, students, crowd, etc. If your best camera operator is on the main camera, your most creative student should be the one running the field camera.
Camera Positions
- Main Camera
As the most important camera, the main camera should be positioned as close to the middle of the field or court as possible.
This isn’t always achievable based on set up, but it is vital that they are as close to the middle as possible so they are getting all of the action.
- ISO Camera
The ISO camera position isn’t as simple as the main camera. It can be located at different positions as the game progresses.
Eric and Jordan suggest that they are next to the main camera as often as possible, but are still making sure they are getting tight shots of all the important moments.
- Field Camera
As noted above, the field camera doesn’t have a permanent position. If they aren’t flying around the field or court incorporating different creative shots, they are not being effective.
Listen to The Next Episode of “The Tech and Teaching Podcast”
We hope that this blog provided useful insights about multicam switching and camera positions. This will take your school’s broadcast to the next level.
However, if you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic, we encourage you to check out our podcast. We discuss these topics and more in greater detail!
By tuning in, you’ll gain valuable insights and tips that you can apply to your live-streaming efforts. So don’t miss out – click here and take your school’s live-streaming to the next level!
If you want a community join a community designed for administrators & educators who embrace new technology, prioritize lifelong learning, and have a student-centered approach to teaching—join the Future-Ready Educators community.
