What is a Camera Dolly?
A camera dolly is a specialized piece of filmmaking and television production equipment
designed to create smooth camera movements (cinematic techniques). The camera is mounted to
the dolly and the camera operator and focus puller or...
More
What is a Camera Dolly?
A camera dolly is a specialized piece of filmmaking and television production equipment
designed to create smooth camera movements (cinematic techniques). The camera is mounted to
the dolly and the camera operator and focus puller or camera assistant usually ride on the dolly to
operate the camera. The dolly grip is the dedicated technician trained to operate the dolly.
The camera dolly may be used as a shooting platform on any surface but is often raised onto a
track, to create smooth movement on a horizontal axis known as a dolly shot. Additionally, most
professional film studio dollies have a hydraulic jib arm that raises or lowers the camera on the
vertical axis. When a dolly grip operates a dolly on perpendicular axes simultaneously, it’s
known as a compound move.
Dolly moves may also be executed without track, giving more freedom on the horizontal plane
and with it, a higher degree of difficulty. These are called dance floor moves and may either be
done on
Less
