ABSTRACT
Knowing how to shoot them well makes working in other formats easier because, although the preparation for other formats is different, the conventions governing panel programs are the same as those for shooting any kind of conversation or discussion. The easiest way to approach the panel show is to imagine that there is just a host and a guest sitting in the limbo or "cameo black look", of a studio. On most of the popular panel/variety programs, the host's home-base area is on the audience's left side of the stage and is shot by camera. Each camera in a panel program has a specific function. The director needs to be able to show the audience a close-up of whoever is talking. That's usually done with camera, which in this example is on the far right. A wide shot that emphasizes the relationships of the guests and shows any action that may be happening is also necessary.
