How To Use Dollies for Smooth Tracking Shots

Tracking shots are one of the most essential tools in cinematography. They bring motion to the scene, giving filmmakers the ability to follow action, reveal new dimensions, or create a sense of continuity. Dollies, one of the most versatile and reliable tools used to create smooth tracking shots, allow filmmakers to glide along with their subjects, providing a fluid and controlled way of moving the camera.

Whether you're shooting a dialogue scene, an action sequence, or an intimate moment, understanding how to use dollies effectively is crucial to achieving a professional, cinematic look. This article will dive deep into the use of dollies for smooth tracking shots, from the basics of the equipment to advanced techniques, and everything in between.

Introduction to Dollies in Filmmaking

What Is a Dolly?

A dolly is a wheeled cart that holds the camera and allows for smooth, controlled movement across the set. It can be used to move the camera in a straight line or along curved tracks, creating a sense of fluid motion that can enhance the visual storytelling. Dollies are typically mounted on tracks, but there are also portable and hand-held dolly options available for certain styles of filmmaking.

There are various types of dollies, including:

• Track Dollies: These dollies are mounted on rails, allowing for precise and smooth movement along a fixed path. The tracks can be straight or curved, depending on the desired motion.
• Handheld Dollies (also known as "slider dollies"): These are compact, lightweight dollies that can be moved by hand, ideal for small setups or tight spaces.
• Dolly Cranes: A more advanced type of dolly, these are used for overhead shots and can provide vertical as well as horizontal movement.

Why Use a Dolly?

Dollies are used to create smooth, dynamic tracking shots that are not possible with handheld cameras. The movement they provide is fluid, making them ideal for following characters, capturing a sense of time and space, or adding visual interest to static shots. The dolly allows the operator to maintain consistent framing and composition while moving through different scenes, which helps avoid the shaky, erratic footage often caused by handheld cameras.

Basic Components of a Dolly Setup

The Dolly

The dolly itself is the primary component of the system. It typically consists of a wheeled cart that can hold the camera on a flat platform. Depending on the complexity of the setup, the dolly can be basic or have additional features like adjustable height or a rotating base.

The Tracks

To achieve a smooth tracking shot, dollies are usually mounted on a set of tracks. These tracks are typically straight or curved and are designed to allow the dolly to glide smoothly across the floor. The tracks help to keep the dolly stable and on course, ensuring that the camera movement remains smooth and consistent throughout the shot.

Tracks come in different lengths, and the size and type of tracks will depend on the specific needs of the scene. For example, for a quick pan or a subtle tracking shot, shorter tracks may be sufficient. However, for more complex shots, longer tracks are needed to allow the dolly to cover greater distances.

The Dolly Operator and Focus Puller

A dolly shot often involves at least two key personnel: the dolly operator and the focus puller.

• Dolly Operator: The dolly operator is responsible for moving the dolly smoothly along the tracks, ensuring that the camera remains stable and follows the intended path.
• Focus Puller: The focus puller is tasked with adjusting the focus of the camera during the tracking shot to ensure that the subject remains sharp as they move through the frame. This role is crucial, as the dolly movement can often cause changes in distance between the subject and the camera, making it essential to adjust focus dynamically.

Setting Up a Dolly for a Tracking Shot

Choosing the Right Dolly and Tracks

The first step in creating a smooth tracking shot is selecting the right dolly and tracks for the shot. Consider the following factors:

• Scene Requirements: What type of movement do you need? Is the shot meant to follow a character, show the environment, or capture a particular action? The type of shot you are aiming for will help determine whether you need a straight or curved track, as well as the length of the track.
• Space Availability: Not all sets are suitable for track dollies, as they require ample space for setup. If your set is limited in space or you need to move quickly, a handheld dolly or a slider might be a better option.
• Track Quality: The quality of the tracks is crucial for achieving smooth movement. Tracks that are poorly aligned or have any imperfections can cause jerky or uneven dolly movement, which will disrupt the shot. Be sure the tracks are laid out flat and level to avoid any unwanted movement.

Laying the Tracks

Once the right dolly and tracks have been selected, the tracks need to be laid out. For a straight shot, this is relatively simple -- simply place the tracks on the ground where you want the dolly to move. For a curved shot, the tracks need to be positioned with greater care, ensuring that the curve is smooth and consistent to avoid jerky camera movement.

In some cases, if the shot requires an elevated dolly or a crane, the tracks may need to be mounted to a raised platform or rigging system.

Mounting the Camera

Once the dolly and tracks are set up, the camera is mounted on the dolly using a tripod or other camera mounting system. It is essential to balance the camera on the dolly to ensure that the shot remains stable and that the camera doesn't tilt or sway during movement.

Camera Movement and Techniques

Basic Dolly Movements

There are a few basic types of dolly movements:

• Dolly In: The camera moves toward the subject, typically to emphasize a particular detail or to create a sense of intimacy.
• Dolly Out: The camera moves away from the subject, often used to reveal more of the scene or to create a sense of distance.
• Tracking Shot (Dolly Left/Right): The dolly moves horizontally to follow the subject or reveal new elements of the scene.

Combining Dolly Movements with Other Techniques

To add more depth and creativity to your tracking shots, you can combine dolly movements with other techniques:

• Tilt and Pan: While moving the dolly, you can also tilt the camera up or down, or pan it left or right to follow action in the scene. This can add an additional layer of complexity to your shots.
• Focus Shifts: As the dolly moves, the distance between the camera and the subject may change, which means the focus needs to be adjusted. A skilled focus puller can maintain the sharpness of the subject during the shot, which enhances the fluidity of the overall scene.
• Cinematic Composition: While the dolly provides movement, don't forget to consider your shot composition. Keep your subject framed correctly and take advantage of the environment or background to create visual interest and balance.

Advanced Techniques for Smooth Tracking Shots

The Art of Speed Control

One of the most challenging aspects of working with a dolly is controlling the speed of the movement. For smooth tracking shots, the speed needs to be constant, which requires precise control over the dolly's motion. Sudden acceleration or deceleration can cause the shot to become jerky or uneven, disrupting the visual flow.

The dolly operator must develop a feel for how fast the dolly is moving and adjust accordingly. In some cases, the operator may need to rehearse the shot multiple times to ensure that the movement is as smooth as possible.

Using a Remote Head for More Complex Shots

For advanced tracking shots, using a remote-controlled camera head can give the operator additional control over the camera's tilt, pan, and zoom. This allows for more complex shots, where the operator can focus on the dolly movement while adjusting the camera's position remotely.

This technique is often used for dynamic shots that require the camera to be in constant motion, such as action scenes or moments that involve rapid subject changes. With a remote head, the camera can remain on the dolly, but the operator can adjust the angle or framing with precision as the dolly moves.

Steady Cam vs. Dolly

While both the steady cam and dolly can be used for smooth tracking shots, they serve slightly different purposes. A dolly is generally used for more controlled, structured shots that follow a predefined path. The steady cam, on the other hand, allows the operator to move through more unpredictable or dynamic environments without tracks, providing more freedom of movement.

If your shot requires tight spaces or the ability to navigate through crowded or difficult terrain, a steady cam might be more suitable. However, for larger, more controlled movements, a dolly provides unparalleled smoothness and precision.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Tracking Shots

Pre-Plan Your Shot

Planning your shot in advance is crucial to a smooth dolly operation. Think about the type of movement you need, the camera angles, and the overall pacing of the scene. Map out your dolly path and rehearse the movement multiple times to ensure everything works smoothly.

Practice Makes Perfect

Mastering dolly shots requires a lot of practice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different camera angles, speeds, and dolly movements until you achieve the desired result.

Check Your Focus

During a tracking shot, focus can easily shift as the dolly moves. Always have a focus puller who is skilled in keeping the subject sharp as the camera moves, especially if the subject is moving within the frame.

Use the Right Tools

Make sure your dolly is in good working condition, and that the tracks are properly aligned. A smooth dolly setup starts with quality equipment and proper maintenance.

Conclusion

Using a dolly for smooth tracking shots is an essential technique for filmmakers looking to add motion and dynamism to their work. From basic dolly movements to advanced techniques, the dolly provides filmmakers with unparalleled control over the camera's movement, allowing them to create visually captivating shots.

By mastering the equipment, understanding the nuances of movement, and employing creative techniques, filmmakers can use dollies to enhance the storytelling experience and produce high-quality, cinematic shots that leave a lasting impact on audiences.

View Product