Camera Movement

Tracking Shot
Otherwise known as the dolly shot, this is when the camera is mounted and moves backwards or forwards. This shot draws the audience in to the action, or when the camera is moving backwards, shows that the action in the scene is over. It may be a good way of moving from a long shot to a close-up, gradually focusing the audience on a particular object or character.



The tracking shot in this clip is used at 45 seconds. The characters are moving towards the camera as it moves backwards, this camera movement helps to show the audience the characters' emotions. The main character here is very unhappy with their situation. The effect of him chasing the camera portrays his anger and determination to get home.

Sideways Track
This shot follows the movement of an object or a character. It allows the audience to keep pace with the action. Objects or characters closer to the camera appear to move faster across the frame than those further away from the camera, this effect is known as parallax. This form of camera movement could be used to follow a race or characters walking along a street.



The sideways track is used at 6.07. This choice of shot allows the audience to keep up with the action.

Tilt Shot
The camera moves up or down on an axis. When it moves up it creates a sense of power or significance. It is often used in conjunction with a point of view shot to show an object of significance. It can simulate a tracking shot. This shot can be done hand held or with a tripod. An example of this shot, is having the camera at the foot of a building and tilting the camera up vertically to capture the whole building and show the audience it's significance.



The tilt shot is used at 47 seconds. This shot helps to emphasize the huge size of the tripod, and how small the humans are in comparison.

Arc Shot
The camera can move a full or semi-circle around an object/character(s). This shot enables the audience to see reactions of a character(s). It increases the intensity of the narrative. The arc shot could be used for an interview, to capture the reactions and emotions of the characters.



At 5.57, the arc shot is used to circle the two characters and show the audience the intensity of their situation. In addition, as the camera moves round the characters, it gives the effect of keeping them tightly next to each other. This shows the audience that the situation around them is pushing them back together; prior to this their relationship was under heavy strain.

Crane Shot
This shot follows the actor in a vertical direction. The camera can swoop in on action or move diagonally out of it. This could be used to view a character from their feet and raise the camera up to their head, usually indicating they are of some significance.



This clip contains a crane shot at 26 seconds, allowing the audience to view the battle from an aerial viewpoint. By showing the battle in this way, the audience can see the intent and erraticness of the Mordor army as they run towards their enemy.

Panning Shot
The camera is mounted, it is moved to the side to follow a moving object. This shot is commonly used in conjunction with a point of view shot e.g. when a character is searching a room. A panning shot could be used when a character see's a landscape evoking emotion, the camera could then pan round to allow the audience to see the landscape.



A panning shot is used at 54 seconds. It is used in conjunction with a point of view shot.