Tracking Shot - Help!

looplein

Hi All,

I am trying to format two tracking shots, sweeping 'helicopter' style shots into and out of NYC for my script. I use Final Draft.

What is the accepted format for doing tracking shots?
Do I use CAMERA followed by ACTION, or do I state TRACKING SHOT, or do I just use normal lowercase descriptive text.

Any advice or ideas gratefully received,

Looplein
 

dpaterso

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If you're a spec writer, maybe just best to write it in plain English and leave the camera directions to the director, e.g. and just for fun's sake,

EXT. NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT

Sweeping in, helicopter style, toward the glittering metropolis.


EXT. NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT

Sweeping out of the city, helicopter style, over landmarks, ships, ocean, into blackness.

Use or ignore as you see fit.

-Derek
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Stop reading this and get some writing done instead.
 

English Dave

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What Dpat said. Your spec needs to be a clean, quick and most of all, involving read. Camera directions tend to distract and take the reader out of story. I'd avoid them if at all possible and just write what you see.
 

scripter1

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Write what you see

or in other words what the audience would see while they are watching the movie.
THEY won't be seeing the camera or the crew, just the action.

Close your eyes and WATCH the movie in your head.
Then write it.

Everything in the script is storyboarded and other artsy and talented people will twist and turn this story every which way to find it's full potential. They will be able to see the scenes in ways you haven't even imagined.
 

looplein

Thanks all of you.

Thank you so much scripter1, English Dave and dpaterso. I'll let you know if I win anything...L