What is dolly shot

A dolly shot is a camera movement technique that cinematographers use to follow a subject in action. It is also known as a tracking shot or trucking shot. The camera is mounted over an apparatus called the “dolly” to facilitate tracking. It is moved in front of, behind, or alongside a subject, such as an actor, location setting, product, etc. Therefore, it helps create smooth and controlled footage of the subject’s movement. 

How Is A Dolly Shot Created? 

You can shoot a dolly shot in two different ways with the help of a dolly grip. A dolly grip refers to a devoted technician explicitly trained to operate the camera dolly. 

Camera Dolly

A camera dolly is a platform with wheels over which a camera is mounted to transport it along a set of rail tracks. Therefore, a camera operator is required to move the dolly. However, a camera assistant and a dolly grip also control the dolly. Additionally, while shooting with camera dollies, you need to film the scene by placing the camera perpendicular to the rail tracks. This way you can avoid the rail tracks from being visible. Alternatively, you can also use post-production to remove rail tracks. 

Dolly Cart

“A dolly cart is devoid of a rail track; hence it requires a smooth surface to move along with a set of wheels. A camera is then mounted over the cart to facilitate camera movement. As a result, Dolly carts provide a greater degree of movement. On the contrary, driving over an uneven surface will compromise a shot’s steadiness.”