Overview
This is the inaugural event of the Cambridge Initiative for Planetary Science and Life in the Universe (now the Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe), which took place at Wolfson Hall, Churchill College on the 11th of November 2021. The new Centre brings together an emerging community of researchers dedicated to the investigation of life in our planet and potential life in the Universe, from understanding how it emerged on Earth to examining the processes that could make other planets suitable for life. The panellists covered some of the aspects at the forefront of Origin of Life research including: the detection and characterisation of exoplanets, exploration of Mars, and progress made in chemistry and biochemistry in attempting to understand abiogenesis. Prof. Didier Queloz, in his opening speech explained the role of the initiative, “We will be trying to enable the science and enhance networking: can we fight the jargon? Can we learn from each other by working across disciplines? Can we develop a new way of thinking about this topic?”
Production
Filming/editing of the event was directed by Samuele Lilliu and with the support of Oggi Tomic (DP and second camera operator) and Mariano Tuveri. The event was filmed with 2 Canon C200, 1 BMPCC4K, 1 Sony FX6, 1 Sony FX9, and a GoPro 9.
Filming a panel discussion can be a challenging task, as it involves capturing the perspectives and insights of multiple speakers in a single frame. While it is possible to film a panel discussion using a single camera, using multiple cameras can greatly enhance the final product.
One of the main benefits of using multiple cameras is that it allows for greater flexibility in terms of shot composition. By using multiple cameras, you can capture different angles and perspectives of the panellists, which can make the video more visually interesting and engaging. For example, you can use one camera to capture a wide shot of the entire panel, and another camera to focus on individual speakers. This can help to convey the dynamics of the discussion and allow viewers to better follow along with the conversation.
Another advantage of using multiple cameras is that it allows for greater flexibility and continuity in the final edit. If you are using a single camera, it can be difficult to capture all speakers in a single shot, especially if they are moving around or interacting with each other. With multiple cameras, you can switch between different angles and shots to ensure that speakers are visible and clearly audible. This can help to make the video more coherent and easier to follow.
Additionally, using multiple cameras can also help to mitigate the risk of technical issues. If you are relying on a single camera, any problems with the camera or audio can significantly impact the quality of the final video. With multiple cameras, you can have backups in case of any issues, which can help to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality.
Overall, using multiple cameras when filming a panel discussion can greatly enhance the final product, by providing greater flexibility, continuity, and reliability. While it may require additional equipment and manpower, the benefits are well worth the investment for a professional and high-quality video.