How to Determine if an Old TV Show Was Filmed or Shot on Video
When it comes to determining whether an old TV show was filmed or shot on video, there are several key factors and clues you can look for. This article will guide you through the process, including visual cues, credits, and technical specifications.
Visual Cues to Look for
One of the most obvious visual indicators is the production style. Multicamera productions, which are common in sitcoms, are often filmed on video. For example, if the show looks like a standard multicamera production, it likely used videotape. Hence, a show with a classic sitcom-like appearance is likely to have been shot on video.
Another important visual clue is the aspect ratio. A 4:3 aspect ratio is a strong indicator that the show was filmed on video. This ratio was the standard for most television broadcasts until the transition to widescreen formats in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Modern widescreen films and widescreen video formats typically feature a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Clues from the Credits
The credits can provide specific information about the production methods. If you see more than one cameraman listed, it is a sign that the show was likely filmed on video. Additionally, the credits may include a "videotaped at" indication, or mention a videotape operator, which further confirms the use of video.
On the other hand, if the credits mention film, you might see a cinematographer and a "clapper/loader" for the film. The clapper/loader is responsible for syncing the sound and ensuring smooth transitions between scenes in film production.
Technical Specifications
Technical specifications, available on platforms like IMDb, can be incredibly helpful in determining whether a show was filmed on video or on film. The "negative format" listed in the technical specs is particularly telling. For instance, in the case of the 1980s TV show, The A-Team, the negative format is listed as "35mm," which clearly indicates that the show was filmed on film.
The cinematographic process is also a key piece of information. For example, spherical lenses are commonly used in film production, while anamorphic lenses are more common in video. Shows that use spherical lenses or Super-35 formats are more likely to have been shot on film.
Consistent Digital Cinema Camera Use
As the transition from film to digital took place, you can look at the production dates to determine the era. Starting around 2005, digital cinema cameras became more widely used. For example, the show Star Trek: Enterprise is considered one of the first to extensively use digital technology in its production.
For newer shows, the technical specs will typically indicate whether the show was shot on digital. In the case of the more recent show, The Blacklist, the negative format is listed as digital, which confirms its production on a digital format.
Conclusion
By using a combination of visual cues, credits analysis, and technical specifications, you can determine whether an old TV show was filmed or shot on video. This process requires a keen eye and a thorough understanding of production techniques, but it is feasible if you approach it systematically.
Whether you are a dedicated fan, a historian, or a producer looking to trace the origins and production methods of old TV shows, understanding these details can provide valuable insights into the evolution of television production techniques.