Orbital Track

An orbital track sets the camera in a motion around its subject. Typically the central character remains static as the camera spins around them in a circular motion.


THE EFFECT
This dynamic shot turns the subject into a visual hinge whilst the camera swings around them in a 360° axis. The orbital motion centers the subject making them a prominent and significant feature in the shot. There are several effects that can be created using this motion depending on the context of the scene. These include:

1. Dominance: The motion endows the subject with a sense of importance and grandiosity 
2. Confinement: The subject appears hemmed in by surrounding forces that circle and entrap them 
3. Vigilance: The subject scrutinises their immediate environment in a single held shot


THE SCENE
In this particular scene I'll be using an orbital track from Ridley Scott's Gladiator as an example of ALL THREE effects. Decimus Maximus (Russel Crowe) walks into an arena with his fellow gladiators ready for battle. They are slaves to the crowd who rant ecstatically for their blood - all in the name of entertainment. See clip below:

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* Please note this orbital motion may have been achieved by a steady-cam, but I have used a circular track to explain the same effect using a similar method. 

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EXECUTION

1. Set up a circular track left of the artists. The camera should be on the side of the track closest to the actors.
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2a. On action, the gladiators walk a linear path into the circle, turning around to look at the crowd. 
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2b. On action the camera glides counter clockwise around the track, facing the gladiators head on at all times. 
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* NB The actors should turn with the camera maintaining a forward facing position.
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3. As the artists enter the circle the camera should be half way around the track.
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4. At the end of the shot the actors stop in a triangular formation facing the camera. At this point the camera comes to a rest punctuating the shot.

                    Motion Effects

Dominance

The orbital track creates a visual juxtaposition between the foreground and background motion:

• The foreground image remains relatively static & centered as though it were shot in slow motion.
• The background image sweeps rapidly across the horizon appearing blurred and uncontrolled.

This contrast makes the foreground characters appear firm and resolute in a world that seems wild and turbulent. It endows the subject with a sense of gravity, making them appear solid, steadfast and composed. 

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Confinement

The 360° panoramic shot shows the audience that the gladiators are surrounded by a raving mob. In this context the coliseum appears like a cage that blockades the characters in a confined space with no escape route. It adds an edge of tension and intimidation.

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Vigilance

By following the gaze of the gladiators, we (the audience) view the frenzied crowd from their perspective (albeit it from a mirrored perspective). Whereas a static shot can only show us a single, fixed viewpoint in space, the orbital track reveals the whole environment. We see everything helping us gain a greater sense of geography and better assess their predicament.


* Additional (Low Angle Effect)
This clip is shot from a very low angle which makes the Gladiator's look like giants towering above us. This low angle compounded with the orbital track adds to the sense that they are strong, resolute warriors ready for battle.