tracking shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist / Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “tracking shot” mean?
A continuous film or video shot in which the camera moves alongside or follows the subject, typically mounted on a wheeled platform (dolly) or other moving vehicle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A continuous film or video shot in which the camera moves alongside or follows the subject, typically mounted on a wheeled platform (dolly) or other moving vehicle.
A cinematic technique used to create a sense of immersion, movement, or to reveal a spatial relationship between characters and their environment. It can convey pursuit, connection, or a guided tour through a scene.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical. The technique and its name are universal in filmmaking.
Connotations
Carries connotations of artistic ambition, technical skill, and cinematic tradition (e.g., associated with directors like Scorsese or Kubrick).
Frequency
Equally frequent in UK and US film/TV contexts. Almost non-existent in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “tracking shot” in a Sentence
The director employed a ~.The film features a remarkable ~ through the casino.We need to set up for the ~ in scene 24.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tracking shot” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The tracking shot in 'Atonement' along the Dunkirk beach is a technical marvel.
- They rehearsed the tracking shot through the hospital corridors for hours.
American English
- The famous tracking shot in 'Goodfellas' goes through the Copacabana's back entrance.
- Spielberg is known for his fluid, narrative-driving tracking shots.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in film/TV production planning and budgeting (e.g., 'The tracking shot in Act 2 will require an extra day.')
Academic
Used in film studies and critical analysis (e.g., 'The tracking shot establishes the geography of the battlefield.')
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson might say 'that long shot where the camera follows them'.
Technical
Precise term in cinematography, directing, and editing (e.g., 'Use a 50mm lens for the tracking shot to minimize distortion.')
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tracking shot”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tracking shot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tracking shot”
- Using 'tracking shot' to describe any moving camera shot (e.g., a handheld shakey shot).
- Confusing it with a 'pan' (camera rotates side-to-side) or 'zoom' (lens focal length changes).
- Pronouncing 'tracking' as /ˈtreɪkɪŋ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'dolly shot' is a type of tracking shot where the camera is placed on a wheeled platform (a dolly). All dolly shots are tracking shots, but not all tracking shots use a dolly (e.g., they might use a Steadicam, a car, or a crane).
Yes, a Steadicam shot is a type of tracking shot that uses a body-mounted stabilizer, allowing for smooth movement without tracks or a dolly, often through complex spaces like stairwells.
Absolutely. A 'long take' refers to the duration of the shot (uninterrupted). A tracking shot refers to the movement of the camera. A shot can be both a long take and a tracking shot, such as the famous opening scene of 'Touch of Evil'.
They are used to: 1) Create immersion and draw the viewer into the world, 2) Reveal the spatial relationship between characters and locations, 3) Follow action in a dynamic way, 4) Establish a specific pace or rhythm, and 5) Showcase technical skill as a stylistic choice.
A continuous film or video shot in which the camera moves alongside or follows the subject, typically mounted on a wheeled platform (dolly) or other moving vehicle.
Tracking shot is usually specialist / formal / technical in register.
Tracking shot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtrækɪŋ ʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtrækɪŋ ʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a camera on train TRACKS, smoothly SHOOTing a scene as it rolls along.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CAMERA IS A GUIDED TOUR / THE CAMERA IS A COMPANION
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature of a tracking shot?