Need help and advice for Dolly and Operator

J

JamesL

Member
Hello all,

I'm setting up a one day production 2 weeks from now. I have a cameraman (he's using a Sony beta sp cam), but I'm interested in getting a dolly and operator. Problem is, I don't have a good understanding of what is possible to get, costs to expect, etc...

Any help, advice and resources you can point me toward would be greatly appreciated.

You can reply direct to landsdraft@yahoo.com if you like.

Thanks a bunch,

JL
 
Ask the cameraman what he wants. There are many types of dollies, from cheap skateboard dollies up to full Fischer dollies, which can rent for anywhere from $20 to several hundred dollars per day. Do you need it to be able to fit through a doorway? Does it need to be able to ride on its own wheels directly on whatever surface you're shooting on, or is it appropriate (or even preferable) to lay down track? Does it need to be able to ride curved track?

I'd say ask the camera guy what type of dolly he'd want, and then check with rental places to see what they cost.
 
Thanks for the reply - some answers.

The cameraman hasn't worked with a dolly much, so he can't help there.

The surface will be carpet and cement, so it will be smooth.

It will need to fit through a door to enter the room, but don't think it will dolly through.

I'd like the type without track since it would seem to provide a quicker setup time, although I'm guessing it's not as precise. I have a shot in mind that will aproach a standing subject, then circle around them (possible with this type of dolly?).

I really am going to need a dolly operator to help out, so rental is only half the issue. I don't know where to go to find one...

Thanks for the help.

JL
 
Any rental house should be able to hook you up with an operator, or at least make recommendations on who's a good dolly grip.

Where are you located?
 
With the shot you are thinking of, It is going to be difficult for a first time dolly user to pull off. I would suggest a steadicam or glidecam system. It will also save you money. Im not sure if you can rent those though...
 
Glen - I'm in Southern California (near LA)

InvisionProductions - You think a steadicam would really be better? I'm worried about the smoothness of it. I need some really solid pans. What if the dolly crew is more experienced? Maybe a steadicam would be interesting.
 
If given the choice of a steadycam or dolly for a first time operator, I would choose the dolly far and above. No sweat, rent a doorway dolly. Its the easiest for first timers to use. Where you rent from should be able to give you an operator or suggest someone.
 
Heed Walter's words! Go with the dolly! If you can swing it, get the dolly a few days before the shoot and practice with it if the operator isn't experienced. Since you live in So. Cal. finding an experienced grip will be a breeze, but will you be able to afford him?

Dan
www.DVcameraRigs.com
 
yeah, unless you going to hire and experienced steadicam operator youd only be renting yourself a headache. they take alot of time and practise to operate.. anyone should be able to operate a dolly smoothly without much practise. id just rent a doorway dolly. you might want to think about getting tracks for it too.. although the setup is longer if you have to lay down tracks.. your going to get a smoother shot out of it. carpet is not always smooth, and smaller wheels and even larger ones will tend to drag in certain spots and such giving you undue strees when trying to get a smooth shot. but if the surfaces will be flat enough you and youve tested then for that, you could use something as simple as a red rider wagon or wheelchair or even a baby stroller. .. you can use a car outside on the road.. or whatever. if you wanted to save money. anyway.. good luck with the shoot :)
 
According to the 'special features' section of the DVD for Robert Rodregues's 'El Mariachi', he used a old hospital wheelchair to 'track' some of his actions shots... The movie was shot in Mexico, and allegedly for $7,000, $3000 or so was gotten by Rodregues as pay for being a lab rat testing a weight reduction medication.

I've also heard of people using office rolling chairs to serve as well...

This of course is in the class of 'no budget' productions...
 
you've already gotten some great advice...

all i can add is don't ask "what dolly should i rent?" ask "here is the shot i have in mind..."

if you are looking to go in a circle or even a half a circle around a stationery object then you most likely need a dolly that has the ability to either go in a circle on its own with semi-pneumatic wheels, or to follow track that is setup to form a circle or part of a circle.

i have never used one but i believe there is a system that is a tripod mounted on dolly wheels that comes with a length of flexible track.

you mentioned indoors so for your application renting one of these might be simpler for your application and moving a tripod over flexible "hose" track might not require as much special talent.

just my meager comments. i've only used more traditional solid dollies with straight track and with pivoting wheels on hard surfaces.

maybe you could post more info about the shot you want to get and we can come up with alternatives?

matthew
 
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