What is a Tracking Shot & How to Film One Like a Pro (2024)

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No technique in cinematography is more talked about than the tracking shot. A movie that uses a tracking shot will often be overshadowed by its own use of its long take; it has gotten to the point where critics debate about the shot’s self-indulgence. It is impossible for even the most general movie fan to remain unaware of the tracking shot’s existence.

The 2019 war drama 1917 was shot to appear as if it were all one thrilling tracking shot. It’s difficult to deny the craftsmanship of a tracking shot, however, as it takes more than just shooting one to make it impressive.

What also matters is a memorable filming location. Featuring thousands of production venues across the country and beyond, Peerspace allows filmmakers to create not only a successful tracking shot but find the best location to pull it off. All spaces on Peerspace are available to book by the hour and can suit any style, location, budget, and amenities you need. We’ll share a few of these amazing spaces ahead.

That said, let’s first dive into the fundamentals of the tracking shot.

First of all, what is a tracking shot?

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Originally, a “tracking shot” was only a lateral movement in which the camera moved on a track to the right or left as it followed a subject. Now with the advancement of technology, the movement of a camera has expanded. The term “tracking” now encompasses moving through a space for an extended action. This means the camera is following a character, but it can also thoroughly show a setting. Regardless, a tracking shot can only be successful if it places us into the perspective of a character. It’s a cinematic technique that helps pull viewers into the lives of the characters and to literally follow them on their journey.

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What makes a tracking shot successful?

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As time has elapsed and technology evolved, the tracking shot has become an athletic feat. In fact, it’s a marathon in which filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with each serious attempt. Usually, this can mean longer and longer — as mentioned before, 1917 made an entire movie using this shot.

Meanwhile, the movie Children of Men (2006) attempted this by limiting the space to a single car with the action going on around it, inspiring the creation of a specialized rig and a modified car. Both movies use the tracking shot to place the audience directly in the action, thus creating a feeling of chaos and panic.

For the tracking shot in Atonement (2007), the filmmakers could not afford all the extras in the scene if they were to shoot the scene in the traditional shot-for-shot way. Instead, they choreographed one single take that clearly depicted all the people affected by a single battle during WWI. They timed everything perfectly to give us one of the greatest tracking shots of all time:

But the tracking shot takes more than technology and length. It’s also about the action within the frame. These shots require a heavy amount of choreography and blocking between the camera crew and the actors. Whether it’s one actor or thousands, you have to ensure that everyone knows their mark for the sake of the whole team. And as a filmmaker, it goes without saying that you have to make the tracking shot interesting for your viewers. When done successfully, it can be an incredibly revealing feat.

How to shoot a successful tracking shot

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First and foremost, like any other creative decision, you have to understand your story and what emotion or idea you are trying to communicate to the audience. This way, you can make the best use of whatever technique you choose. When you have a clear reason to use the tracking shot, the shot should fit seamlessly into your story.

The aim of filmmaking is always to convince the audience to forget that a camera is shooting. Full immersion is key. People should not notice the tracking right away, but rather find themselves lost in the story because of the lack of cuts. To achieve this, decide what kind of look you want for the shot to help enhance the tone of the scene. For example, if a character is desperately searching for his wallet, panicking every second, then that’s going to have a very specific feeling with a handheld operation than with a Steadicam or a gimbal.

In contrast, a date with a character’s dream girl that is going really well, to the point where the character even has trouble believing it’s real, might be shot smoothly with no kinks. A remote-operated gimbal might be better to showcase the dream-like quality.

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How to use blocking and scene-setting to assist your tracking shot

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Blocking is the act of choreographing the movements of the actors in character during the scene. It is perhaps most important during a tracking shot than in any other shots. The camera has its own movements to pinpoint, so you either dismiss or narrow down the space for improvisation.

The setting of the scene goes hand in hand with the blocking as well. Often, the movements cannot be rehearsed without the exact location of the shooting space. Blocking and setting add the biggest elements of interest to the simplest and longest tracking shots. As such, it is important to make sure they all add to your story in the most engaging and enhancing ways.

With blocking, the camera operator and actors can take note of their speed and the duration of the scene once played out. This is also why it’s crucial to have a location that suits your vision early on in the process. Your crew and actors can successfully block the scene on-site, ensuring they’re fully prepared by the time the cameras roll.

To keep everyone on the same page, it is smart to create a shot list of your tracking shot, whatever length it may be, into separate shots. Break down your tracking shot into individual compositions. This can serve as checkpoints for everyone, making the process of creating this complex movement a lot simpler.

Get inspired by the tracking shot masters

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Let’s look at another scene from a cinematic classic that utilizes one of the best tracking shots. This scene from 1990’s Goodfellas is another popular long-take example:

It is a brilliant cinematic shot because it hits all the themes of the movie in one seamless and naturalistic shot. The scene also introduces us to how far Henry Hill, the protagonist, can go. He’s wanted the privilege, respect, and command of a room that accompanies a life of crime. Not to mention his desire for wealth and luxury.

As Henry Hill attempts to win over his date, he simultaneously woos the audience. And as he enters the back of the club, believing he can skip the line much as he’s skipped the everyday work to gain that life of privilege, we as an audience understand who we are dealing with. That is what an excellent tracking shot reveals: a clear storyline, a compelling character, and smooth motion.

Peerspace can streamline your tracking shot

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Now that you’re all caught up on what a tracking shot is, we bet you want to try it for yourself, right? Great! Besides providing you with filmmaking resources, Peerspace also provides you with filmmaking locations. We have thousands of production-worthy venues in towns and cities across the globe.

As one quick example for you, check out Redwall Studio for photos and film in Las Vegas, NV. This amazing 2,100-square-foot black box studio provides you with many ready-to-roll sets and numerous configurations that will help you nail your tracking shot in a super stylish setting. You can also add on some of the studio’s most unique looks, like a DMX lighting beam, a fog canon, and more.

Like most production spaces on Peerspace, this studio has dozens of reviews from real creatives like you who have booked it in the past. Here’s one example so that you can see what we mean: “I can’t begin to tell people how happy I am with this studio!! Amazing place great environment and the host sunny is a very great person!! I promise this is one of the best studios and experiences I’ve had onset!!! Thank u!!!!”

Simply click the link, enter your location or destination, and see what pops up. You can narrow down the results with keywords, such as “green screen” or “rooftop“, for instance. And you can also filter results by budget and location size. Peerspace is the easiest (and most fun!) way to scout locations while enhancing your craft.

Filming a tracking shot like a pro: conclusion

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In the end, don’t obsess yourself with trying to create the most extensive shot in cinematic history — at least not yet. It’s important to plan what you want to say with each shot. If the tracking shot is the most effective way to do it, then by all means do it. Just remember to do it with purpose and, most of all, have fun.

Once you’re ready to start filming, remember to head to Peerspace and uncover some amazing filming locations near you. Peerspace production studios often have the space, style, and amenities you need to get that perfect shot every time. And since Peerspaces are hosted by locals, and in the case of production locations, industry insiders, you can rely on yours to help if you have any questions or requests relating to the venue or your project.

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