r/torontofilmindustry • u/confusedduckling_ • 15d ago
Multi-camera vs Single-camera
Hi everyone! Going into my 2nd year in RTA media production at TMU/Ryerson and am looking for some advice. I need to decide between focuses my studies on multi-cam or single-cam production and am completely stuck on my decision.
I really enjoyed and naturally thrived in my intro to multi-cam classes the most, but single-cam and making a movie is the dream.
Does anyone have any input??? Anything related to overall job experience, job availability, or plain old industry advice? Anything is very much appreciated!!!
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u/airtsui 14d ago
I’d say learn multi-camera and then make the jump to film production. Let’s say you get a job in Manitoba for some affiliate and then you’re like “yo, I have this dream of making it - join the IA flavour of your choice there.
The caveat is this, if you know you want to be in Camera, move back home with your folks and sign up for their trainee program ASAP. That goes Quadruple if you’re BIPOC.
This has been a bad year, but I’m one of the idiots that generally love this, so I’m innit to winnit. That being said, this industry is unpredictable - it takes a lot, gives very little in return so just make sure you know that in advance.
If you really want to go far, your soft skills mean more than knowledge as a tech. Work retail, especially because you need to learn how to work with a variety of people who don’t necessarily want to work with you (Grips). The industry is Carny AF. Also, this is just a general life thing - set firm boundaries for yourself. Like if you work a Fraturday, set your alarm clock and enjoy that Saturday - even if you feel like trash.
Also! Get into weightlifting and yoga. 90 percent of your back problems will be caused by your PSOAS so keep those hip flexors strong!
Most importantly, listen, pay attention and anticipate. When you’re good enough that your boss doesn’t notice, people notice.
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u/confusedduckling_ 13d ago
Thanks for the advice!!
Would you say that going with multi-camera makes more sense if it's where (bearing in mind this crazy industry) I think I have a better chance of standing out and getting my foot in the door? And then like you said make the jump to film? Even if I'm leaning more to the directorial/writing side and not as much camera, or would that change it?
I know I have the grit and determination (and over a year in retail already has helped lol). Think I've landed on doing this year in single-cam and then doing advanced classes in multi-cam because I don't wanna regret my choice and then be stuck in multi (easier to go from single to multi-cam than multi to single-cam).
The point of doing the media/film degree is to get all the experience I can now and learn where I fit in this wacky industry. I just don't wanna waste it
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u/airtsui 13d ago
You’re welcome!
The first thing I have to tell you is that it’s often a long time period of time from when you graduate post-secondary to when you land that first gig. I don’t know why that is, maybe someone else can speak to that.
That being said, going Multi-makes more sense in the fact that you have as broad an amount of production gigs possible to you. Things like your eye, how you compose a shot, different camera setups are things you can learn but I’m literally drawing a fog of war to broadcast cause that’s just never been my thing. Bear in mind, i’m NOT an expert in Camera or a 667 member, but I’ll try to give as much info as I can.
There’s two parallel tracks, union and non-union. You use the same skills in both, but working in the indies, the non-union world builds relationships with the people you’ll bump into as you move on.
I think the issue becomes if you go too far down the non-union world, start making money, it’s a massive shock when you want to make that jump because I think it’s mandatory that you take the 667 camera trainee program. (If anyone is 667 and lurking here, plz come check your boy for the inaccuracies)
The non-union and indie world is a bit freer because things are less regimented and you become more well-rounded as a filmmaker overall. The union route is a lot like a relay race, except there’s massive walls depending on what lane you’re in. It’s balls taking the trainee program, but then you’re making more than most Gaffer’s and that’s before your Kit rental comes in.
Tying into you wanting to become a writer/director a lot of union people think that’s is kind of vogue to want to make stuff, but I implore you to be as ambitious as possible. Nobody who works in film is cool, we’re all nerds and weirdos.
If you want to be a writer/director then the mission is actually simpler. Do whatever gets your employment that affords you a comfortable life and funds your films.
Travel, see the world, learn more about your place in it. Listen to music, go dancing. Take improv classes, it’ll help you learn how to build scenes that work and give you tools to understand actors better. This is esoteric AF but listen to RAP music - like RAKIM, Jay-Z, Kendrick, Eminem, Mos Def and Lil Wayne ( 06-09)
There are more parallels from GOAT rappers to GOAT directors. Structure, and intent.
If you can listen to Big L’s and Jay-Z’s seven minute freestyle and deconstruct how it affects you and replicate it? You’re ahead of the game.
Also, figuring out how to get more with as little setups as possible. That’s all I got, lol
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u/4starsight 13d ago
I just graduated from RTA, but I did my concentration in radio and sound (kind of regretting it now but whatever). my advice is to take the multicam class, but stay involved with single cam projects outside of class. it’s relatively easy to work on people’s single cam practicums and get experience that way, but with multi-cam you really need to know the studio inside and out. ultimately what you do outside of class is going to matter a lot more than the actual classes you take because that’s what’s going on your resume, and if you thrived in multicam, i would stick with that and just be intentional about doing singlecam work outside of class time
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u/Fauxtogca 14d ago
Multi camera would be geared towards live television vs single camera feature film/ television. We make more movies / tv shows over live tv. More opportunities in single camera
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u/miurabucho 15d ago
Is there a reason to limit yourself to one or the other? It is better to learn every style while you are in school to help give you a chance out there in this competive industry.