Single-Camera Sitcoms: The Next Generation of Television?
I don’t know how many of you know of a site called stage32.com but it is a nifty little site where writers, actor, puppeteers, designers, you name it, all get together to discuss projects and get feedback and network.
Well in the TV sitcom forum, there was some talk about whether or not we should keep writing mutli- camera sitcoms or movie into more of a single-camera sitcom world.
You may be asking what’s the difference?
Multi- Camera
These sitcoms represent the more traditional approach to television comedy where everything filmed in front of a live studio audience. The audience give these sitcoms more of a “live theater” feel.
3rd Rock from the Sun, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Married with Children, Mike & Molly, Seinfeld, The Big Bang Theory, and Two and a Half Men are just a few examples of multi-camera sitcoms.
Single- Camera
These sitcoms have become more popular in the last 10 years. While they do use more than one camera, the feel of the piece is that it was shot with only one. Kind of like a movie. And there is no live audience. They also tend to use real life filming locations rather than a studio.
30 Rock, Californication, Community, Everybody Hates Chris, Life in Pieces, Modern Family, New Girl, Parks and Recreation and The Office are a few examples of single -camera sitcoms.
So I’m asking you guys, should we keep writing both or move into a new “generation” of TV?
What’s your favorite multi-camera sitcom?
When Beth “grows up” she wants to see her creations appear on the screen and stage. In her free time, Beth blogs about her love of craft beer and writes screenplays. She received her bachelors in journalism from Youngstown State and received her masters in communication from The University of Akron. She is honored to be a part of the FanFest family.
