Tracking shot

In cinematography, a tracking shot is any shot where the camera follows backward, forward or moves alongside the subject being recorded. Often the camera is mounted on a camera dolly which rides on rails similar to a railroad track; in this case, the shot is referred to as a dolly shot. A handheld steadycam or gimbal may also be used for smaller scale productions. The camera is then pushed along the track while the scene is being filmed, or moved manually when using a handheld rig. The effect can be used to create a sense of movement, to follow a character or object, or a sense of immersion to draw the viewer into the action.[1][2]

"Dollying" redirects here. For the mining process, see Dolly pot.
During filming of The Alamo, a tracking shot was used during a battle scene
Creating long steady tracking shots with a remote controlled film camera on a Newton stabilized head and a Flowcine Black arm.

The technique is often used to follow a subject that would otherwise leave the frame (thus also called a following shot), such as an actor or vehicle in motion.[3] A handheld or Steadicam mounted camera following a similar trajectory is called a tracking shot as well. In fact a tracking shot can use any manual or motorized conveyance, and may include careful planning for passing the camera between vehicles or modes. While the core idea is that the camera moves parallel to its subject, a tracking shot may move in a circular or semi-circular fashion, rotating around its subject while remaining equidistant.[4]

This kind of shot, in which the camera itself moves along with the subject or in relationship to it, should not be confused with panning, in which the camera remains stationary but pivots right or left on its axis.[5]

Terminology

A tracking shot is a blanket term used to refer any camera shot with movement, with "trucking shot" and "dolly shot" being tracking shot variations. Generally, a "dolly shot" refers to a specific variation of tracking shot in which the camera move forwards or backwards with respect to the subject. [6] The term "trucking shot" is less common but usually specifically refers to a shot in which the camera moves left or right in respect to the subject. [7]

Variant

A variant of the tracking shot is the onride video, also known as a phantom ride, where the camera films during a ride on a train, an amusement ride (especially a roller coaster) or another vehicle. Such videos may be used to document the route, and the camera can be fixed to the vehicle or held by a person in the vehicle.[8]


Use in sporting events

The "rail cam" made a public debut in the NHL on November 20, 2006 in the Colorado Avalanche/Dallas Stars hockey game. The Versus cable television network used the camera during the game to test it out for a live use on a nationally broadcast program. The camera was fastened to a rail system that ran on the top of the glass on one side of the ice rink. As the play shifted from end to end, the motorized mount allowed the camera to follow the action, sliding rapidly down the side of the ice. The system was developed by Fletcher Chicago.[9] The experiment was short-lived, and the "rail-cam" is no longer used in NHL hockey games.[10]

For live TV broadcast of sporting events, a remote stabilized camera head is often mounted on a cable suspended system or a vehicle to track the athletes. For example a Newton stabilized head is often used on 1D cable cam at Nordic skiing or on a car for tracking the runners at marathons.

See also
  • Walk and talk, a film technique which makes use of the tracking shot
  • Steadicam
  • Process trailer, a trailer designed to be used as a camera platform and/or to carry a car during a tracking shot

References
  1. "The Dolly Shot: Creative Uses of Camera Movements, Shots, Angles - By Jason Hellerman". www.cinemagics.com. Retrieved 2023-03-11.
  2. Trotter, David (2010-04-28). "Hitchcock's Modernism". Modernist Cultures. 5: 122–123. doi:10.3366/mod.2010.0008. ISSN 2041-1022.
  3. Blain Brown. Cinematography: Theory and Practice : I:) magemaking for Cinematographers, Directors & Videographers. Focal Press, 2002; pg. 66; ISBN 0240805003.
  4. Mercado, Gustavo. The Filmmaker's Eye: Learning (and Breaking) the Rules of Cinematic Composition. Focal Press, 2010; pg. 155; ISBN 0240812174.
  5. Dirks, Tim. Film Terms Glossary. "Film Terms Glossary: pan (or panning shot, or panoramic shot)". filmsite.org.
  6. "Dolly Shot". www.mediacollege.com. Retrieved 20 Sep 2023.
  7. "Trucking Shot". www.mediacollege.com. Retrieved 20 Sep 2023.
  8. "BFI Screenonline: Phantom Rides". www.screenonline.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-11-05.
  9. "VERSUS To Debut Rail Cam For Avalanche-Stars Game Monday". NHL.com. NHL.com. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  10. Fischer, John (5 November 2010). "Enhancing the Viewer's Hockey Experience with Isolated Cameras on Players". inlouwetrust.com. Vox Media, Inc. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
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