Tracking shot: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:57, 9 February 2025

A tracking shot is a type of cinematography technique where the camera is moved smoothly alongside the subject being filmed. This movement can be achieved using a variety of equipment, such as a dolly, Steadicam, or a tracking vehicle. Tracking shots are often used to follow a subject or to explore a space, providing a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience.

History

The tracking shot has been a staple of filmmaking since the early days of cinema. One of the earliest examples can be seen in the 1914 film Cabiria, directed by Giovanni Pastrone, which utilized a dolly to create smooth camera movements. The technique gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, with filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles employing it to great effect.

Technique

Tracking shots can be executed in several ways, depending on the desired effect and the available equipment. The most common method is using a dolly, which is a wheeled cart that moves along tracks laid on the ground. This allows for smooth, controlled movement. Alternatively, a Steadicam can be used, which is a stabilizing mount for a camera that allows for fluid motion without the need for tracks.

In modern filmmaking, tracking shots can also be achieved using remote camera heads mounted on vehicles, such as the Newton stabilized remote camera head. This allows for high-speed tracking shots that can follow fast-moving subjects, such as cars or athletes.

Notable Examples

Tracking shots have been used in many iconic films to create memorable scenes. In Goodfellas (1990), director Martin Scorsese used a long tracking shot to follow the characters through the Copacabana nightclub, immersing the audience in the bustling atmosphere. Another famous example is the opening scene of Touch of Evil (1958), directed by Orson Welles, which features a continuous tracking shot that sets the tone for the film.

Related pages

References

Brown, Blain. Cinematography: Theory and Practice: Image Making for Cinematographers and Directors. Focal Press, 2016.
Malkiewicz, Kris, and M. David Mullen. Cinematography: A Guide for Film Makers and Film Teachers. Simon & Schuster, 2005.

A tracking shot being filmed on location.

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-'''Tracking shot''' is a cinematic technique where the [[camera]] moves alongside the subject(s) it is recording. The camera is mounted on a [[dolly]] and is moved on tracks or with the aid of a [[Steadicam]], a [[gimbal]], or a [[drone]]. Tracking shots are used to follow a character or to explore a space, providing a dynamic perspective and enhancing the narrative by adding movement and depth to the scene. This technique is often contrasted with static shots, where the camera does not move.
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+{{Film technique}}
-==Usage in Film==
+A '''tracking shot''' is a type of [[cinematography]] technique where the camera is moved smoothly alongside the subject being filmed. This movement can be achieved using a variety of equipment, such as a [[dolly (filmmaking)|dolly]], [[Steadicam]], or a [[tracking vehicle]]. Tracking shots are often used to follow a subject or to explore a space, providing a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience.
-Tracking shots are a staple in [[film production]] and are used for various purposes, such as:
-* Enhancing the sense of motion or speed in action scenes.
-* Creating a sense of immersion, making the audience feel like they are part of the scene.
-* Exploring a location, giving viewers a detailed view of the setting.
-* Following characters during significant moments, adding to the emotional weight of the scene.
-Directors like [[Alfred Hitchcock]], [[Martin Scorsese]], and [[Alfonso Cuarón]] are known for their innovative use of tracking shots to build tension, reveal plot points, or create visually stunning sequences that contribute significantly to the storytelling.
+==History==
+The tracking shot has been a staple of filmmaking since the early days of cinema. One of the earliest examples can be seen in the 1914 film ''[[Cabiria]]'', directed by [[Giovanni Pastrone]], which utilized a dolly to create smooth camera movements. The technique gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, with filmmakers like [[Alfred Hitchcock]] and [[Orson Welles]] employing it to great effect.
-==Techniques==
+==Technique==
-Several techniques are employed to achieve a tracking shot, including:
+Tracking shots can be executed in several ways, depending on the desired effect and the available equipment. The most common method is using a dolly, which is a wheeled cart that moves along tracks laid on the ground. This allows for smooth, controlled movement. Alternatively, a [[Steadicam]] can be used, which is a stabilizing mount for a camera that allows for fluid motion without the need for tracks.
-* '''Dolly Shots:''' The camera is mounted on a dolly, which is then moved along tracks for a smooth movement.
-* '''Steadicam Shots:''' A Steadicam operator wears a harness that stabilizes the camera, allowing for smooth movement without the need for tracks.
+In modern filmmaking, tracking shots can also be achieved using [[remote camera heads]] mounted on vehicles, such as the [[Newton stabilized remote camera head]]. This allows for high-speed tracking shots that can follow fast-moving subjects, such as cars or athletes.
-* '''Gimbal Shots:''' A gimbal stabilizes the camera, allowing for smooth movement in various directions without the constraints of a dolly or Steadicam.
-* '''Drone Shots:''' Drones allow for aerial tracking shots, providing a bird's-eye view of the action.
 ==Notable Examples==
-Some of the most iconic tracking shots in cinema include:
+Tracking shots have been used in many iconic films to create memorable scenes. In ''[[Goodfellas]]'' (1990), director [[Martin Scorsese]] used a long tracking shot to follow the characters through the [[Copacabana (nightclub)|Copacabana nightclub]], immersing the audience in the bustling atmosphere. Another famous example is the opening scene of ''[[Touch of Evil]]'' (1958), directed by Orson Welles, which features a continuous tracking shot that sets the tone for the film.
-* The Copacabana scene in [[Goodfellas]] directed by Martin Scorsese, where a single tracking shot follows Henry Hill and his date through the back entrance of a nightclub.
-* The opening scene of [[Touch of Evil]] directed by Orson Welles, featuring a long, uninterrupted tracking shot that sets up the film's complex plot.
-* The hallway fight scene in [[Oldboy]] (2003) directed by Park Chan-wook, which uses a side-scrolling tracking shot to follow the protagonist's violent rampage.
-==Challenges==
+==Related pages==
-Executing a tracking shot requires careful planning and coordination. The movement of the camera must be precisely timed with the actors' movements and the changing composition of the scene. Additionally, lighting and focus must be managed dynamically as the camera moves. The complexity of tracking shots often requires extensive rehearsal and multiple takes to perfect.
+* [[Dolly shot]]
+* [[Steadicam]]
+* [[Cinematography]]
+* [[Film techniques]]
-==In Modern Filmmaking==
+==References==
-With advancements in technology, such as lightweight digital cameras, gimbals, and drones, tracking shots have become more accessible to filmmakers. These tools allow for more complex and creative shots, even in low-budget productions. However, the use of tracking shots still depends on the director's vision and the narrative needs of the film.
+* Brown, Blain. ''Cinematography: Theory and Practice: Image Making for Cinematographers and Directors''. Focal Press, 2016.
+* Malkiewicz, Kris, and M. David Mullen. ''Cinematography: A Guide for Film Makers and Film Teachers''. Simon & Schuster, 2005.
-[[Category:Cinematography]]
+[[File:AlamoFilming.jpg|thumb|right|A tracking shot being filmed on location.]]
-[[Category:Film production]]
+[[File:Newton stabilized remote camera head on a tracking car.jpg|thumb|right|A Newton stabilized remote camera head mounted on a tracking car.]]
-[[Category:Film terminology]]
-{{Cinematography-stub}}
+[[Category:Film techniques]]