LITB Was A Very Well-Filmed Show - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

stevea · 05-14-2017, 10:18 PM

This was a single-camera comedy, and as such, there was much use of location shooting. The combination of on location scenes, and realistic interiors, made LITB a very well-made show.

In comparison with other single-camera comedies, virtually all LITB exterior scenes were shot in 'real' outdoors (on location scenes are VERY expensive). In comparison, take, for example, the Brady Bunch. This show had a back yard that was obviously a sound stage, complete with astroturf.

As far as interiors go, most multi-camera comedies, such as I Love Lucy, have interiors that are obviously fake (on the other hand, some multi camera comedies have very well made, elaborate sets, such as Two and A Half Men). Since they are put on as a play, normally with an audience, the sets are not angled like normal rooms, and any exterior shots can't normally be matched up with an interior. Any so-called exterior shots are very obviously on a sound stage. Multi-camera programs virtually never go on location, and most never even attempt exterior scenes. (There are exceptions, of course--both of these comedies did some on location shots, and Everybody Loves Raymond had an on location trip to Italy).

The only real advantage a multi-camera comedy has, is the live audience reactions. Single camera comedies can get around this problem, also...comedies such and Ozzie and Harriet and the Burns and Allen Show were played back to an audience, thus no (or little) canned laughter. Some single camera sitcoms don't use any laughter, such as The Middle.

1960'sTVfan · 05-14-2017, 10:28 PM

I believe Jerry Mathers himself has said that LITB is a show that was done with great care. From the scripts to the filming, everything was done with great care.

MichaelMartinD · 05-15-2017, 09:58 AM

LITB was a great-looking show and the camera work was innovative in highlighting the interaction between the adults and the children.

I'm curious, though (this question is for the OP): what is the relationship between being a one-camera show and using exterior locations? Does the one exclude the other?

stevea · 05-15-2017, 11:10 AM

Normally multi-camera comedies are shot like a play, and are therefore most often confined to the studio (I don't know why this is). A single camera comedy, shot more like a movie, is more likely to go on location.

There are always exceptions. I Love Lucy took exterior shots (Lucy's helicopter flight to meet the ship), partially shot on location. Two And A Half Men had a location scene when Jake was going on the school bus to start junior high.

05-14-2017, 10:18 PM	#1
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,860	LITB Was A Very Well-Filmed Show This was a single-camera comedy, and as such, there was much use of location shooting. The combination of on location scenes, and realistic interiors, made LITB a very well-made show. In comparison with other single-camera comedies, virtually all LITB exterior scenes were shot in 'real' outdoors (on location scenes are VERY expensive). In comparison, take, for example, the Brady Bunch. This show had a back yard that was obviously a sound stage, complete with astroturf. As far as interiors go, most multi-camera comedies, such as I Love Lucy, have interiors that are obviously fake (on the other hand, some multi camera comedies have very well made, elaborate sets, such as Two and A Half Men). Since they are put on as a play, normally with an audience, the sets are not angled like normal rooms, and any exterior shots can't normally be matched up with an interior. Any so-called exterior shots are very obviously on a sound stage. Multi-camera programs virtually never go on location, and most never even attempt exterior scenes. (There are exceptions, of course--both of these comedies did some on location shots, and Everybody Loves Raymond had an on location trip to Italy). The only real advantage a multi-camera comedy has, is the live audience reactions. Single camera comedies can get around this problem, also...comedies such and Ozzie and Harriet and the Burns and Allen Show were played back to an audience, thus no (or little) canned laughter. Some single camera sitcoms don't use any laughter, such as The Middle.

05-14-2017, 10:28 PM	#2
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,126	I believe Jerry Mathers himself has said that LITB is a show that was done with great care. From the scripts to the filming, everything was done with great care.

05-15-2017, 09:58 AM	#3
MichaelMartinD Member Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 23, 2013 Posts: 576	LITB was a great-looking show and the camera work was innovative in highlighting the interaction between the adults and the children. I'm curious, though (this question is for the OP): what is the relationship between being a one-camera show and using exterior locations? Does the one exclude the other?

05-15-2017, 11:10 AM	#4
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,860	Normally multi-camera comedies are shot like a play, and are therefore most often confined to the studio (I don't know why this is). A single camera comedy, shot more like a movie, is more likely to go on location. There are always exceptions. I Love Lucy took exterior shots (Lucy's helicopter flight to meet the ship), partially shot on location. Two And A Half Men had a location scene when Jake was going on the school bus to start junior high.