follow shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical (Film/TV/Sports)
Quick answer
What does “follow shot” mean?
A cinematic or photography technique where the camera moves to track a moving subject, keeping it in frame.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cinematic or photography technique where the camera moves to track a moving subject, keeping it in frame.
In sports like football, a shot taken by a player who is moving towards the goal after an initial shot or cross from another player. Also, in archery/golf, the continuation of the shot's motion after the ball/arrow has been released/struck.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. Spelling follows standard national conventions (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center' in related sports contexts).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in film. In sports (e.g., football), it's a standard descriptive term in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in film industry discourse due to Hollywood's global influence, but equally understood and used in relevant UK technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “follow shot” in a Sentence
[director/cinematographer] + follow-shot + [object/character][player] + takes + a follow shotthe + follow shot + reveals + [new information]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “follow shot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The director asked the camera operator to follow the actor through the market.
American English
- We need to follow the car as it turns the corner.
adverb
British English
- The scene was shot followingly (non-standard/rare).
American English
- The camera moved followingly behind the subject (non-standard/rare).
adjective
British English
- The follow-shot sequence was executed flawlessly.
American English
- They used a follow-shot technique for the chase scene.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in film/TV production meetings discussing shooting techniques and budgets.
Academic
Used in film studies, media studies, and sports science papers analyzing technique.
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly used by photography/videography enthusiasts or avid sports fans.
Technical
Primary context. Standard terminology in filmmaking, cinematography, broadcast sports analysis, and photography manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “follow shot”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “follow shot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “follow shot”
- Confusing 'follow shot' with 'pan shot' (side-to-side rotation) or 'zoom'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He follow-shot the actor') is non-standard; the verb is 'to follow' or 'to track'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in film terminology, 'follow shot' and 'tracking shot' (or 'dolly shot') are largely synonymous, both describing the camera physically moving to follow a subject.
No, it is a compound noun. The corresponding action is described with verbs like 'to follow', 'to track', or 'to dolly'.
Its main purpose is to maintain visual focus on a moving subject, creating a dynamic perspective, enhancing immersion, and directing the viewer's attention through the scene.
It is common and well-understood within specific sports commentaries (like football/soccer), but its primary and most frequent technical use remains in visual media like film and television.
A cinematic or photography technique where the camera moves to track a moving subject, keeping it in frame.
Follow shot is usually technical (film/tv/sports) in register.
Follow shot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒləʊ ʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɑːloʊ ʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly for this compound noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a detective FOLLOWing a suspect; the camera FOLLOWS the subject in a FOLLOW SHOT.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAMERA MOVEMENT IS PURSUIT / THE LENS IS AN EYE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'follow shot' MOST LIKELY be used?