Ultimate Guide to the Tracking Shot — Cinematic Camera Movement Explained

The Tracking Shot in Film — the ultimate guide to this very popular and useful camera movement, including considerations for lenses, speed, direction, stabilizers, editing, and more. The Ultimate Guide to the Tracking Shots ►► StudioBinder Blog ►► ───────────────────── Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Tracking Shots 00:54 - What is a Tracking Shot? 02:39 - Chapter 1: Types of Movement 07:30 - Chapter 2: Frame & Angle 11:47 - Chapter 3: Blocking & Staging 14:59 - Chapter 4: Editing & Duration 16:55 - Takeaways ───────────────────── ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE TRACKING SHOT There are many types of camera movement in cinema, but one in particular is perhaps the most common: the tracking shot. In this video, we will explore the art of the tracking shot in film, including the many considerations involved and how this camera movement adds to visual storytelling. WHAT IS A TRACKING SHOT A tracking shot is any shot in which a camera independently follows one or more moving characters. This excludes similar shots like a pan or tilt where the camera is otherwise stationary. A camera moving through a location with multiple characters also doesn’t qualify because we aren’t specifically following anyone. HOW TO DO A TRACKING SHOT There are many factors to consider when filming a tracking shot. These include the lens, depth of field, speed of movement, direction, what sort of stabilizer to use, framing and camera angle, blocking and staging, and editing. Wide lenses tend to amplify the speed of a tracking shot, while a telephoto lens can compress the foreground, middle ground, and background to create layers of movement. A shallow depth of field can isolate your subject. Speed is also a consideration — if you want to generate suspense (go slow), if you want to add energy (go fast). This also determines which direction you want the camera to track the character. Following them from behind might suggest tension or mystery while leading them from the front can create a more powerful or confident perspective. There are many types of stabilization that each have an effect on the tracking shot. For example, a smooth dolly shot or Steadicam tracking shot vs. a frenetic handheld camera. Drones have recently begun expanding the scope and range of the tracking shot. Do you want a more neutral tracking shot, try framing the subject in a medium shot. For a more intense or claustrophobic tracking shot effect, tighten the frame into a close-up. Finally, the question becomes, how long do you sustain the tracking shot? Should the shot last for over two minutes, or should you cut between multiple tracking shots instead? There’s a reason the tracking shot in film is so popular — it can accomplish so many moods and energies. And once you understand how versatile the tracking shot is, you’ll be hooked. #FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking ───────────────────── ♬ SONGS USED: “All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix “Battle Without Honor or Humanity” by Hotel “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by Santa Esmeralda “HWY 104 Surveying Sands by Makeup and Vanity Set “Los Paramos by Makeup and Vanity Set “Tangra by Makeup and Vanity Set “Kidnappers Lair by Alexandre Desplat “Lonely Summertime by The Rocking Berries “Quantum II by Makeup and Vanity Set “Keep Moving by Makeup and Vanity Set “Crush by Makeup and Vanity Set “Nonplus by Makeup and Vanity Set “The Pursuit of the Falcon by John Williams “Future Markets by Johnny Greenwood “Tannhauser Gate by Makeup and Vanity Set “Toys” by Makeup and Vanity Set Music by Artlist ► Music by Artgrid ► Music by Soundstripe ► Music by MusicBed ► ───────────────────── SUBSCRIBE to StudioBinder’s YouTube channel! ►► Looking for production management solution for your film? Try StudioBinder for FREE today: — Join us on Social Media! — Instagram ►► Facebook ►► Twitter ►► #film-theory, #video-essay, #filmmaker