In the realm of filmmaking, the dolly is a cinematic workhorse. A dolly shot can enhance visual storytelling by providing a sense of depth and movement, intensifying the emotional impact of a scene. Even if you don’t know the term, you have seen it many times in many different movies. In the hands of passionate filmmakers, the dolly shot becomes an indispensable tool, a conduit for capturing breathtaking sequences.
What is a Dolly Shot?
So, how is this movement achieved and what exactly is a dolly shot? A dolly shot is a technique that involves moving the entire camera (and usually some form of head) by placing it on a wheeled platform or track system. The tracks can either be straight or curved, very short or run the length of a football field.
This movement allows filmmakers to achieve smooth and dynamic shots, capturing a range of perspectives within a scene. Unlike static shots, a dolly shot introduces a sense of motion and depth, enhancing the visual storytelling of a film. It can involve lateral tracking, where the camera moves sideways, or forward/backward tracking, following subjects or exploring environments with precision. As there are tracks involved, the movement can easily be repeated.
Whether used for subtle scene transitions or dramatic escapes, the dolly shot is a fundamental technique in cinematography. It offers a dynamic means to engage audiences and elevate the overall visual experience of a film.
Different Types of Dolly Shots
Dolly In and Dolly Out
The most basic form of a dolly shot involves the camera moving along a straight path, either laterally or forward/backward. This type of movement is often used to follow characters or objects, providing a smooth and dynamic view of the scene.
- A dolly pull-out can reveal the world around the subject, potentially creating isolation, or revealing information about the surroundings.
- A dolly push-in can intensify tension or focus on a critical moment, drawing viewers into the narrative.
Directors such as Stanley Kubrick were known for meticulous use of linear tracking shots to create a sense of precision and control.
Dolly Zoom
A dolly zoom, also known as the “Vertigo effect,” is a style of dolly move that was dreamt up by Alfred Hitchcock while working on “Rebecca.” This technique involves simultaneously moving the camera physically away from or towards the subject while adjusting the camera lens’s focal length using a zoom lens. This results in a visually arresting effect where the subject remains a constant size within the frame, but the background either expands or compresses. It creates a disorienting and dramatic visual impact.
Often employed to evoke a sense of unease or psychological tension, the dolly zoom has become an iconic cinematographic tool. Notable instances of its use are found in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” as well as a very famous usage in Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws,” where the technique masterfully intensifies moments of suspense and heightens the emotional impact on the audience.
Tracking Shot
Combining dolly movement with zooming in or out creates a dynamic effect. This technique, popularized by filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, involves the camera physically moving while simultaneously adjusting the focal length. The result is a visually compelling shot that can convey a sense of urgency, suspense, or intimacy. The tracking shot with zoom adds a layer of complexity to the cinematography, showcasing the director’s ability to manipulate both physical and optical elements.
360 Dolly Shot
A 360-degree dolly shot involves the camera moving in a complete circle around a subject or within a scene. This technique immerses the audience in a visually dynamic experience, providing a comprehensive view of the surroundings.
The camera rotates, capturing the entire environment from every angle, offering a sense of continuity and spatial awareness. This type of shot creates moments of spectacle, highlight intricate details, or establish a profound connection between characters and their surroundings. An example of this type of shot comes from the famous lobby scene in “The Matrix” centering around Neo and Trinity.
Why Use a Dolly Shot?
Why might a filmmaker decide to use a dolly shot?
The smooth and controlled movement of the camera on a dolly allows for dynamic tracking shots, capturing scenes with a level of precision and fluidity unattainable with static shots. Dolly shots add a layer of cinematic sophistication, enhancing the overall production quality. These movements draw the audience into the narrative, intensify emotions, and provide a nuanced perspective on the unfolding story.
What does it add to the scene or story?
A dolly shot adds a multitude of dimensions to a scene or story. Firstly, it introduces a sense of fluidity and movement, transcending static frames and providing a visually dynamic experience. This mobility enhances the narrative by allowing the camera to seamlessly follow characters or explore environments. Additionally, the deliberate use of dolly movements can evoke specific moods, enhance tension, or signify pivotal moments.
Describe some scenarios where it would be useful.
A dolly shot proves particularly useful during intense dialogue exchanges. A subtle dolly movement can add depth to the interaction, emphasizing emotions and nuances. In action sequences, the dynamic tracking capability of a dolly allows the camera to seamless follow characters, heightening the excitement and realism. In introspective moments or character revelations, a slow push-in on the dolly can intensify the audience’s connection to the subject.
Dolly shots can also offer sweeping views and emphasize the grandeur of the setting. Whether unveiling a dramatic reveal, capturing the energy of a bustling cityscape, or providing an intimate glimpse into characters’ lives, the versatility of dolly shots makes them indispensable.
Gear to Create a Dolly Shot
Now that you know what a dolly shot is, and why and when you would want to include this in your films, let’s go over some of the gear you can use to accomplish these shots. There are different levels included below, which have different price points, feature sets, and capabilities.
edelkrone DollyONE Motorized Camera Dolly
This app-based motorized slider is super portable and powerful, the edelkrone DollyONE Motorized Camera Dolly allows you to get linear or curved dolly shots that are perfectly repeatable. This table-top dolly system is made for smaller cameras, such as DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.
DanaDolly Original Kit
The DanaDolly Original Kit includes a universal track ready design, allowing for compatibility with various tripod systems. With a weight capacity of up to 100 pounds, it supports a broad range of camera setups. The DanaDolly’s tool-free setup and break down, along with its portability, make it an efficient choice for location shoots. It uses 16 custom modified soft polyurethane wheels which look like roller skate wheels. It can take either a 75mm and 100mm bowl with the included adapters.
SmallRig Universal Tripod Dolly
This type of dolly is excellent for wedding videographers or other shooters who need to take quick and unobtrusive moving shots. One benefit of this system is that you don’t have to lay down tracks to roll over. However, be aware that in order to get smooth shots with the SmallRig Universal Tripod Dolly, or another similar style of dolly, you need to be operating on very smooth and even floors. Even small imperfections in the surface of the floor can lead to bumps that will show up in your footage.
Matthews Doorway Dolly with 28.25″ Wheel Base, Weight Capacity: 800 Lbs
Made for the big guns, the Doorway Dolly from Matthews has a staggering 800-pound capacity. This dolly has some of the features to the tripod dolly above, but it is made for more high budget shoots and includes much more for the expense. This dolly can operate using the included quick change pneumatic wheels, or track wheels when you need to be operating over less-than-ideal surfaces. The Matthews Doorway Dolly has the ability to be maneuvered with either the Push Bar or the Pull Bar.
Conclusion
Integrating a dolly into your filmmaking toolkit is akin to unlocking a new gateway to visual storytelling. A dolly allows for smooth, controlled camera movements, offering dynamic tracking shots that elevate scenes with precision and fluidity. This cinematic tool adds a layer of sophistication to your storytelling, immersing audiences in a seamless visual experience. By providing nuanced perspectives and intensifying emotions, a dolly enhances the overall impact of your narrative. Whether capturing the quiet subtleties of dialogue exchanges or the grandeur of sweeping landscapes, a dolly’s versatility makes your filmmaking more immersive, engaging, and memorable.
