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.
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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
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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.
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10 июл 2024
