Case study - Conan

Coverage of action...
Much like our college set up there appears to be three cameras, one on a mid-shot Mila (guest), one on a mid-shot of Conan (host) and the third on wide shot of the both of them this is to show the two of them interacting with each other talking, joking and to see their body language towards one another. Even though this is only a small section of the show the rest of the show is built up of comedy sketches, musical guests of live band and more interviews with other guests.

Communicating meaning...
As this is a chat show there usual purpose is to promote the guest/s new films, shows, album or tours but it is also another way of getting to know the person in a comfortable environment with a series of questions about experiences on set with co-stars and the making of and questions about their personal life in order to help the viewer understand more about the guests they show this by cutting between the host and the guests but also showing split screens of video clips or photos involving the guests.

Visual style...
The set up of the stage is formal with the desk that Conan sits at as if its a formal interview (which it is), however its less formal with the sofas and chairs, some guests dress up for the occasion and some dont its not a requirement of the show. The atmosphere is a relaxed feeling like two old friends catching up. The main colours used for the graphics and set up is blue and orange sown say that the Orange is to represent the Conan's ginger hair. The desk used could also show the news or informative feel the host is going for.

Viewer interest...
Is kept throughout the show because of the host being such a comedian by coming out with these spontaneous jokes that are more offensive towards himself gaining laughter from both the audience and the guests and by using cutaways of pictures and clips that are humorous involving the guests and or host.

Constraints...
I think that the audience is a small intimate group as the laughter is not loud enough or varied enough for a crowd of people. However the studio is rather large at certain points they might need more cameras or have them on a track or dolly as sometimes the show starts of backstage as little mini comedy sketches.

Multi camera...
Much like with a sit-com its a good idea to have a back up camera in case one breaks down, however in the case of a chat show the idea is to get as much coverage as possible as in one take as most of an interview is constant and if you stop the flow you might not get the same reaction. Using multiple cameras means there's coverage of everything so nothing is missed.