Dolly Movement

D

dsk

Active member
Hi All - 4 days from from my first DVX shoot and so damn excited I cannot wait.  I appear to have most of my ducks in a row. My shot index is finalized, extras and additional production help is ready, talent is ready, script is tight....Just need to kind some talent / location releases.  

In an attempt to ditch the "video" feel, I have decided at the 11th hour I am interested in bringing in some type of dolly to use.  I have not shot with a dolly before and am looking for some general do's and don'ts.  I am looking for some dolly techniques that may add to the visuals of my project.  Majority of the first piece being filmed this weekend requires the filming of people walking in a downtown area.


Many Thanks!


Dave
 
Re: Dolly Movement

First thing that comes to my mind is HOW you use the dolly. What I mean is a PUSH or PULL will most likely require a rack focus; this can be done on the DVX but without a focus puller or focus assist it can be tricky. It will definately be a matter of blocking the shot and practicing the rack focus...

However, with a lateral dolly movement, you can get a highly effective dolly shot awith stressing to hard on the Focus Pull.

Personally, I like both ideas and I think executing the dolly push or pull would be well worth the time practicing the shot(s). LIke anything, less is more. Just cause you have a dolly, doesnt mean every shot has to be a dolly shot.

IMHO
 
Re: Dolly Movement

John,

Thanks for the reply. Being new I need to ask a very simple question. Could you please give me a definition for "Rack Focus"

I did a search and basically found links pointing to "wow, look at this kids work"

Also - you wrote...

However, with a lateral dolly movement, you can get a highly effective dolly shot awith stressing to hard on the Focus Pull.

I'm lost with that last line.

Many Thanks!


Dave
 
Re: Dolly Movement

a rack focus is basically any shot where you visibly shift the focus during the shot, to bring the viewers attention to somthing on a differnt plain than the current plain in focus. so you would pull from the background to the foreground, or push from the forground to the background. like when thers someone in the back of the room , and the forground is blurry, and thena phone rings, and the focus shifts to the phone in the foreground, and the background goes out of focus.
 
Re: Dolly Movement

Exactly IAL.

What I meant by the Lateral Dolly Move is not having to chnage the focal point of the shot (Depends on what is going on in the shot of course)
 
Re: Dolly Movement

[quote author=John Hudson link=board=news;num=1081869184;start=0#1 date=04/13/04 at 09:02:35]...lateral dolly movement...[/quote]

I'm assuming this means TRUCKING? Never heard it referred to as that before.

Dynamic Camera movement 101:
Camera position moves towards/away from subject= "Dolly"
Camera position moves paralell/side-to-sid of subject= "Truck"
Camera position moves vertically/up and down= "Boom"

Then of course there's other camera moves like Tilt, Pan, Dutch, and infinite combinations, and the lines between them all can be blurred depending on the blocking.
 
Re: Dolly Movement

Another tricky part of moving shots (dolly, crane, or even zoom) is how you're going to edit them — what's before ; what's after.

For example, if you go on a tracking shot, then interrupt it with a static shot, then go back to the tracking shot, you're likely to lose the dynamics of the shot flow instead of enhancing it.

This is just a theoretical statement of course and there are many creative ways to break these kinds of rules, but basically, whether you let the tracking shot go until it's static again, whether you plan another tracking shot of equivalent pace to edit it with. This is especially true with slow movements.
 
Re: Dolly Movement

Anartiste,

Great point. I had not thought that far out, I see exactly what you mean. Are there any general rules or tips for what comes before or after a "moving" shot?

Thanks!

Dave
 
Re: Dolly Movement

[quote author=dpwanab link=board=news;num=1081869184;start=0#6 date=04/14/04 at 23:48:49]
Dynamic Camera movement 101:
Camera position moves towards/away from subject= "Dolly"
Camera position moves paralell/side-to-sid of subject= "Truck"
Camera position moves vertically/up and down= "Boom"
[/quote]

These are terms used in schools. In the real world of film production, the term "trucking" is not used. The instruction is either "dolly in," "dolly out," "dolly left," or "dolly right." The term "trucking" is only used in reference to video pedestals. At least in Los Angeles.
 
Re: Dolly Movement

Yeah, I've only heard the term "trucking" used in TV stations or in the video world.

In fact, they don't say "boom" up or down at TV stations. Instead, they say "pedestal" up or down.... assuming of course, the camera is riding on a sweet pneumatic pedestal.
 
Re: Dolly Movement

[quote author=Mike Most link=board=news;num=1081869184;start=0#10 date=04/15/04 at 09:25:50]

These are terms used in schools. In the real world of film production, the term "trucking" is not used.
[/quote]

I disagree. I've worked on national and regional TV film spots all over the midwest/south and in NYC and worked with DP's from LA. I've often heard various DP's instruct the dolly grip to Truck left or right on set. Yes, they do say dolly left or right as well sometimes. I've heard 'pedestal up/down' a very few times, but I don't work in TV stations. I've heard boom up and down on set all the time.
 
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