TZ26 - Basics of Tracking Shots

[lawnceWOO]

THank you guys for the great info and exmaples!!

i just started making videos myself.

and ive learnt alot from watching your vids, hopefully I CAN IMPROVE WITH TIME!

[chrophe]

Guys. It´s better to do another take than to risk losing a viewer which is very likely when you aren´t prepared and the sound is not very good.

[markrsutcliffe]

Did you guys see Russian Ark? One 96 minute unbroken take! They only had one day to shoot it and got it right on only the third attempt. Anyway, I like your videos, the enthusiasm for cinema really comes through.

[esotericsean]

@markrsutcliffe Thanks :) Haven't seen Russian Ark, but definitely have heard of it!

[kieselsteinjoghurt]

The opening sequence of Boogie Nights by PTA is a sweet sweet tracking shot. Not sure you're allowed to see the movie, though...=)

Let me put that as eloquently as my English permits: I dig your sh*t! Keep it up.

[esotericsean]

@kieselsteinjoghurt Thanks! Rewatched Boogie Nights 3 times last week and was even inspired to shoot a little bokake (check out our most recent video).

This week, we shot some really cool tracking shots, so if you check out our website on Friday, you'll get to see some of our new stuff :)

[yutubecop]

interesting video, subbed.

it is quite helpful because im doing film for a level

[termc]

As noted by "esoteric..." there is a HUGE amount of development at all levels going on in that 3+ minutes. . . . not to mention that we are waiting for that bomb to detonate, and wondering whom it will blow up. I don't get the comment that there is little going on there. Makes no sense at all. But, then again, I'm not very smart, ha ha. . .

[patbuddha]

This may seem blasphemous, but I think the studio got the Touch of Evil tracking shot right the first time (i.e. rolling credits over it.) Having the titles gives the shot a stronger sense of purpose. There's too many points in the shot where nothing is happening from a narrative or character standpoint. That sort of thing is perfectly appropriate for a credit sequence where you don't necessarily need or want to get too deep into the narrative, just enough to create a tableau.

[esotericsean]

Hmm, I disagree. I think there is quite a bit going on in the TOE tracking shot. Quite a lot of suspense, introducing characters, locations, themes. Having credits overlayed wouldn't be a bad thing, though.

[myk2201]

sorry guys i think you should know that tracking shots are all part and parcel of the whole film, they are in there for a reason, the directors don't just use them to look pretty, i think you need to watch the films your talking about before you attempt anymore vids.

[takezer0dotcom]

What makes you think we only believe tracking shots are used because they look cool? This is a YouTube audience, not a college. Take a look at our website if you want the real stuff.

[nairshampoo]

The last scene in Children of Men was actually spliced together very discreetly. I'm pretty sure it was only in one place, but it's definitely at least 2 shots. Nonetheless, it's still a great sequence. Also, if you really want a shot worth drooling over, check out Russian Ark. It's 93 minutes long (the whole movie). And I'm pretty sure they had to retake about 5 times.

[grallator]

The Children of Men tracking shot was amazing, even if it was split up or not. Totally had me sold. :D

[thatjamicanguy]

casino has great tracking shots

[soundslike2]

I think you both need to see the films you are talking about

[meikelkorleone]

what's about the opening of robert altmans movie .the player.

it tracks hundred (appr. 32) of people, it talks about orson welles and other tracking shots and finally it is about 7:30 min...

don't miss that

[esotericsean]

Yeah, that's definitely a great shot :)

[jeffcis]

shut the hell up icorry you suck

[icorry]

Ugh. disappointment sets in. Do you guys know anything about film? You two are horrid on camera; at least plan out what you're going to say before you shoot. This video sounds like the director went to the mall, pulled two random strangers, and forced them to have a coherent, interesting conversation with each other about two of the greatest films in modern and classic cinema. Great films, but you don't know anything about them in my opinion. also Please lose the AE and wear something original.

[esotericsean]

Feel free to actually give some CONSTRUCTIVE criticism if you care to help us. We have a decent following and get plenty of positive comments in each episode.

[epetkau]

god video guys. I'm writing an essay on the history of the tracking shot and long take. Thanks for the video.

[esotericsean]

Cool, always glad to help :)

[ngstylez]

Great topic guys! I love the tracking shots in the West Wing tv series. I think they get away with making several shots look like a single tracking shot via "through the wall" shots from one scene to another. I'm not certain, that's what I imagine. Keep up the good work!

[elfthehunter]

I really enjoyed the episode, though I must say I was dissapointed with the tracking shot in Atonement - not so much the shot, but that fact it served no purpose and was so long, it didn't service the movie imho.

My personal favorite is of course Children of Men, but before that it was the tracking shot of Bruce Willis in Pulp Fiction (as he heads back to his aparment through the fence). Though Touch of Evil is amazingly impressive! Wow, need to watch the film itself.

[esotericsean]

It could be because they only used it out of necessity with the tide coming in. I'm not one to judge though as I've never seen it :/

The scene from Pulp Fiction was pretty decent, though :)

[zoobar3]

loved the episode, great stuff guys...seans hair is different aint it?lol how weird of me to say

whats the song u guys play at the end, sorry if uve been asked a million times!!!

love the shows tho guys, thats some praise all the way from Ireland!

[zoobar3]

loved the episode, great stuff guys...seans hair is different aint it?lol how weird of me to say

whats the song u guys play at the end, sorry if uve been asked a million times!!!

love the shows tho guys, thats some praise all the way from Ireland!

[esotericsean]

Haha, yeah, my hair is different now (I just got it cut AGAIN, too). Anyway, that song is "Boy in the Night" by "Lull" (they're on jamendo dot com)

BTW, love your stop motion stuff!

[zoobar3]

Thanks 4 the info...im pleased that you like it...should have more coming soon, beyond basic that is...go ahead and subscribe and youll be up to date...what an honor it would be!!

anyway, thanks again for tz 1-26

[Dragonkwon]

This was one of your best videos. I really enjoyed watching it.

[esotericsean]

Thanks!

[Tinman1118]

Awesome episode!... I learned alot from this episode...nice...have yall gotten yalls new camera??

[esotericsean]

Yep :) We'll talk about it pretty soon

[randomhero0]

Another great tracking shot is the one in the end of Carlitos Way but the one in Touch of Evil is just amazing... I love that movie, it's one of my favourites actually. Anyway, great episode!

PS: Excuse my grammar. English it's not my native tongue

[esotericsean]

Thanks, man :) And no need to apologize whatsoever.