Tracking shot

Definition

A tracking shot is a cinematic technique where the camera moves along a track to follow the action or subject within a scene. This movement enhances the visual storytelling by creating a sense of motion and continuity, allowing the audience to feel immersed in the environment. Tracking shots are often used to build tension, reveal character dynamics, and establish spatial relationships between subjects and their surroundings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tracking shots can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, depending on the intended visual effect and narrative purpose.
2. They are often achieved using specialized equipment like dollies or tracks, but can also be executed handheld with techniques like steadicam for a more dynamic feel.
3. A well-executed tracking shot can create an emotional connection with the audience by immersing them in the character's journey and surroundings.
4. Tracking shots can also be combined with other techniques such as focus pulling or lighting changes to enhance storytelling.
5. Famous examples of tracking shots include the long takes in 'Goodfellas' and 'Birdman', which showcase the fluidity and artistry of this technique.

Review Questions

• How does a tracking shot contribute to storytelling in film?
  • A tracking shot contributes significantly to storytelling by creating an immersive experience for the audience. By moving the camera alongside characters or through environments, it allows viewers to engage with the narrative in real-time, enhancing emotional depth. This technique can reveal character relationships and dynamics while maintaining visual continuity, making scenes feel more alive and dynamic.
• Compare and contrast tracking shots with other camera movements like panning and dolly shots in terms of their narrative functions.
  • While both tracking shots and dolly shots involve camera movement to enhance storytelling, tracking shots specifically follow action across space, creating a more immersive experience. Panning, on the other hand, rotates the camera horizontally but remains stationary in one spot. Tracking shots allow for deeper exploration of character interactions within their environment, whereas panning is often used for broader context without following specific action closely.
• Evaluate the impact of tracking shots in contemporary cinema and how they have evolved with advancements in technology.
  • Tracking shots have evolved significantly with advancements in technology, particularly with tools like steadicams and drones. These innovations have expanded filmmakers' ability to create seamless and complex tracking sequences that were previously difficult to achieve. Contemporary cinema often uses tracking shots to maintain viewer engagement and enhance storytelling through dynamic movement. As audiences become more accustomed to these techniques, filmmakers are pushed to find new ways to creatively employ tracking shots that add fresh dimensions to visual narratives.

Related terms

Dolly Shot:

A dolly shot involves moving the camera on a wheeled platform or dolly towards or away from a subject to create a smooth movement that enhances the scene's emotional impact.

Panning: Panning is a camera movement that involves rotating the camera horizontally from a fixed position, often used to follow action or reveal new elements within a scene.

Steadicam: A steadicam is a stabilizing mount for a camera that allows for smooth tracking shots while moving through complex environments, giving the appearance of floating movement.