What is a tracking shot?
A tracking shot can refer to a shot that is seated on a camera dolly that is placed onto a a wheeled podium which is elevated on the rails while following either an actor or vehicle within the frame. It is one clean shot without any cuts. In this style of tracking shooting, is known to be called a Trucking Shot. Here is an example of how it looks on set:
There are other techniques you can use to do tracking shots, for example, you can use a hand held camera (steady cam shot), ropes, tripod, tripod with wheels or an on-ride clip, which is shot from in side of a vehicle. A tracking shot can be filmed in most ways but in a way where the camera operator can follow the event/action or person within the frame.
A tracking shot is a good way to give the viewer an interesting tour of the situation in the scene. It has the viewers full attention as there are no cuts that may divert their attention. A tracking shot would take a lot of time, attention and rehearsing to get right but the outcome is worth the time and effort.
History
The first popular film to include a dolly shot was an Italian feature film called ‘Cabiria’ (1914), directed by Giovanni Pastrone. About a month after this film was made, the film ‘Child Of The Big City’ directed by Yevengi Bauer was released and also involved a dolly shot. Some say he was inspired by Pastrone.
A film called “Mean Streets” made in 1973 was also a popular dolly shot and it won an award in 1997 for being culturally historical.
Goodfellas – Tracking Shot
In the film ‘Goodfellas’ directed by, Martin Scorsese filmed in 1990 a nightclub tracking shot was used which became historically famous. The thing that made it stand out the most was the way the camera looked as if it were going to smash into the two characters who were being followed, there is an element of recklessness which makes it thrilling to watch.
Perrie Kurban 