Tracking Shots in Film: Create Dynamic Cinematic Movement

Creating dynamic cinematic movement is essential for engaging storytelling in film. Tracking shots are one of the many techniques filmmakers use to capture the audience's attention. These shots can transform simple scenes into visually stunning sequences, making the action feel more alive and real. In this article, we'll provide tracking shot definition, its types, and how they can be used to create visually compelling scenes.

What is a tracking shot

A tracking shot is a type of physical movement of a camera in which the camera follows a subject smoothly, often mounted on a track or dolly. This technique maintains a continuous, dynamic view, adding a sense of motion and engagement. It's popular in film and television to create immersive scenes, whether it's following a character through a bustling city or capturing an action sequence. Essentially, tracking shots help the audience feel more connected to the story by moving with the action.

Why do filmmakers use tracking shots

Filmmakers use tracking shots to add motion and depth to their scenes, making the narrative more immersive and engaging. These shots help maintain continuity and focus, guiding the audience's attention smoothly. By mastering track shooting, you can transform how you capture and present your story, making every scene more dynamic and visually compelling.

Types of tracking shots

There are various types of tracking shots, each serving a unique purpose in film and video production. Let's explore some of the most common types and see how they are used to create different cinematic effects.

Dolly shot

The camera is mounted on a dolly (a wheeled platform) and moves along tracks to follow the subject smoothly. This type of shot is often used to create a sense of movement and to maintain a constant distance from the subject.



Crane shot

The camera is mounted over the crane or jib, allowing it to move vertically and horizontally. This type of shot is often used to capture dramatic, sweeping movements and high-angle shots.



Handheld shot

The camera is held by the operator and moves with the subject, creating a more intimate and sometimes shaky effect. This type of shot is often used for dynamic and immersive scenes.



Steadicam shot

The camera is mounted on a stabilizing system worn by the operator, allowing for smooth, fluid movements while following the subject. This type of shot combines the mobility of a handheld shot with the stability of a dolly shot.



Slider shot

The camera is mounted on a slider, a short track, allowing for smooth, linear movement over a limited distance. This type of shot is often used for subtle, controlled movements.



Vehicle-mounted shot

The camera is mounted on a vehicle (car, bike, etc.) to follow the subject, creating a sense of speed and movement. This type of shot is often used in action scenes and chase sequences.



Cable cam shot

The camera is mounted on a cable system, allowing it to glide along a cable and follow the subject over long distances. This type of shot is often used for aerial or wide-area tracking.



Gimbal shot

The camera is mounted over the gimbal stabilizer, which keeps the camera steady while following the subject. This type of shot is similar to a Steadicam shot but often more compact and versatile.



5 examples of tracking shots in movies

Here are five tracking shot examples showcasing the artistry of different shots in movies:

1. Goodfellas (1990)

Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" features an iconic tracking shot through the back entrance of the Copacabana nightclub. The shot follows Henry Hill and Karen through the kitchen into the main room, immersing the audience in the glamorous yet exclusive world of the characters. This shot showcases Henry's confidence in his life within the mob.



2. Oldboy (2003)

Park Chan-wook's "Oldboy" includes a renowned tracking shot during a brutal hallway fight. The camera follows the protagonist in a single, continuous take, emphasizing his relentless determination and the intense nature of his quest for revenge. This technique adds a crumbly realism and intrinsic impact to the scene, making it unforgettable.



3. Atonement (2007)

Joe Wright's "Atonement" features a remarkable five-minute tracking shot on the beaches of Dunkirk. This sequence captures the chaos of the evacuation while highlighting the personal struggles of the characters. The uninterrupted camera movement creates a powerful and immersive experience, drawing the audience into the historical and emotional disturbance of the moment.



4. Children of Men (2006)

Alfonso Cuarón's "Children of Men" is known for its impressive long takes, including a memorable tracking shot inside a car during a thrilling action scene. The camera moves smoothly from the front seats to the back, capturing the intense interactions between characters as they navigate a city torn by war. This shot places the audience at the core of the chaotic and dangerous environment.



5. 1917 (2019)

Sam Mendes' "1917" is the best tracking shot example. In this, the camera follows two British soldiers as they navigate the trenches and battlefields of World War I. This approach creates an immersive and tense experience, keeping the audience engaged and feeling as if they are part of the journey.



How to shoot a tracking shot

Embarking on the journey of shooting a tracking shot opens a world of dynamic storytelling possibilities. Whether you're aiming to follow a subject seamlessly through a scene or capture a fluid panoramic view, mastering this technique is essential for adding cinematic depth and engagement to your visual narratives.

Step
1. Pre-production planning
2. Start by thoroughly planning your shot. Storyboard the scene to visualize the camera's path and the movements of the actors. Determine the shot's purpose and how it contributes to the story. Consider logistics, such as the location, timing, and any potential obstacles in the environment.
Step
3. Select the appropriate equipment
4. Choose the right equipment to perfectly match your track shooting. You may use a dolly for smooth, linear movements or a steadicam or gimbal for more flexible and fluid shots. Each piece of equipment has its advantages.
Step
5. Set up your track
6. If using a dolly, lay down the track along the desired path. Ensure the track is level and securely in place to avoid any bumps or jolts during filming. If using a Steadicam or gimbal, practice walking the path to ensure smooth movement and identify any potential issues.
Step
7. Rehearse the shot
8. Conduct multiple rehearsals with actors and camera operators. This helps everyone understand their timing and positions, ensuring smooth coordination. Pay close attention to pacing and movement to maintain a consistent speed and fluid motion throughout the shot.
Step
9. Shoot the scene
10. Begin filming the scene, maintaining steady camera movement, and framing your subjects accurately. Keep the camera's motion smooth and continuous to avoid any jerky movements. Be prepared to shoot multiple takes to capture the perfect shot, making adjustments as necessary.
Step
11. Post-production enhancements

In post-production, refine your tracking shot using editing software. Stabilize the footage if needed, adjust color and lighting, and add any visual effects that enhance the scene. This final step ensures your track shot is polished and smoothly integrated into your project.

Enhance your tracking shots in post-production with CapCut

CapCut desktop video editor is a video editing software that excels in enhancing track shots in film during post-production. Designed for both beginners and professionals, CapCut offers a comprehensive suite of tools to refine and polish your footage. With its intuitive interface, you can easily stabilize shaky tracking shots, adjust colors, and add effects to create a smooth and engaging visual experience.



Key features

• Stabilize your footage

Smooth out shaky camera movements with a video stabilization tool to create professional-looking tracking shots.

• Precision editing tools

Trim, cut, and splice your clips with accuracy to maintain the flow and continuity of your tracking shots.

• Advanced color grading

Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation, and apply LUTs to give your tracking shots a cinematic look.

• Motion tracking

Track objects or subjects in your video to apply effects or text that follow their movement efficiently.

• Speed adjustment

Control the speed of your footage using a speed ramp to create dramatic slow-motion effects or dynamic fast-motion sequences.

How to use camera tracking in CapCut

To use camera tracking, you'll need the CapCut desktop video editor. Download it using the link below and install it by following the on-screen instructions.

Step
1. Upload a video
2. Open the CapCut desktop video editor and start a new project. Click "Import" to upload your video file.
3. 

   

Step
4. Employ camera tracking
5. Import your video clip and drag it onto the editing timeline. Right-click the video material on the timeline, select Copy, and paste it. Right-click on the pasted video, select "Tracking," then choose "Motion Tracking." Select the element you want to track and click "Start." CapCut will analyze the movement within a few minutes.
6. 

   

Step
7. Export and share

Once satisfied with the tracking, export your edited video. CapCut offers various export options, allowing you to choose the file format, resolution, and quality settings according to your preferences. After exporting, you can directly share your video on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.



Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the art of tracking shots can significantly enhance visual storytelling in films. These dynamic shots not only add depth and motion but also immerse the audience in the narrative. Filmmakers can perfect-track shooting in post-production with the valuable tool, the CapCut desktop video editor, to create polished and professional projects. Additionally, this editor offers precise edits, professional color adjustments, and effortless enhancement of footage.

FAQs

1. What is a tracking shot in film?
2. A tracking shot in movies is a technique where the camera moves smoothly alongside or follows the action or subject being filmed. It creates a sense of continuity and can emphasize the environment or emotions of the characters. While, the CapCut desktop video editor can help enhance these shots with its intuitive tools for editing and adding effects.
3. What are some examples of a tracking shot in film?
4. Examples of track shot in film include iconic scenes like the opening of "Touch of Evil," where the camera follows a car through streets bustling with activity, or in "Goodfellas," where the camera tracks Henry Hill and Karen through the back entrance of a nightclub.
5. What is a tracking shot used in film production?
6. In film production, track shooting is used to add movement and perspective to scenes, offering viewers a sense of immersion and continuity. Directors often use it to establish spatial relationships, intensify emotions, or build suspense. To further refine your shots in post-production, the CapCut desktop video editor is the best choice that tracks the motion of objects and provides advanced video and audio editing tools.
7. What makes a tracking shot effective in the film?
8. A tracking shot is effective in the film when it smoothly integrates movement with storytelling, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative. It can convey a character's perspective, reveal crucial details in a setting, or enhance the overall look of a scene. Additionally, the CapCut desktop video editor offers capabilities to refine and polish track shots, allowing filmmakers to achieve professional-level results in post production.