tags:
Gear Review
Grip Equipment
What do Dolly Grips do?
Dolly grips are responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment that helps to move the camera during filming. From dollies and sliders to technocranes and handheld setups, dolly grips collaborate closely with camera operators to achieve the desired shot as smoothly as possible.
To set up and operate the camera dolly - a wheeled platform that allows a camera to move fluidly along a track - Dolly grips will lay out and level a dolly track with wooden wedges or will set down a plywood “dance floor” to create an even, smooth surface to give greater control over the dolly’s movement.
When the dolly isn’t being used, dolly grips will take the camera between handheld takes, spot the steadicam or gimbal operators during camera moves, fly in any support needed for vehicle work and even swing the arm of the technocrane.
To master this multi-faceted job, dolly grips rely on a specialized toolkit (often seen hanging off the back of the dolly). But what are these specialty tools they carry?
What is in a Dolly Grip’s Toolkit?
25’ Tape measure
Measure distances for track, planks, dance floor.
Dance floor / Dolly Wedges
For hopping onto plywood, dance floor, or planks. Usually 3/4” height
For hopping onto plywood from Film Air track check out these
Dolly wrenches
Fisher and Chapman dollies come with their own wrenches for adjustments, but dolly grips will carry their own tools with the same bit and socket sizes
For Chapman there’s 1-1/2” & 5/16”. If you want a single tool for these check out this tool
For Fisher there’s 3/8”. Pick up a ratcheting wrench with a 3/8” bit and you’re good to go
Dolly-specific wrenches
T marks
Lay down quick marks for dolly moves on surfaces where tape won’t work.
A dolly grip’s hard marks and chalk marks
Grease pencil
Mark the boom height on the dolly.
Chalk holder
Place chalk marks on pavement, asphalt, sidewalks.
Small monitor with Magic Arm
Dolly Grips want a feed to see the shot so they can synchronize their movements and make any adjustments.
A Dolly Grip’s monitor & tool caddy
Spike tape
Tape tabs for marks & camera positions.
Bar of soap
For track lubrication. Soap doesn’t gunk up the track and get everywhere like spray lubrication does.
Torpedo level
For checking the camera, track and dance floor are level.
Here’s a smaller version
Anderton pins
Baby pins that fit specifically into seat holes on dollies
Perfect for adding rigging points to the dolly for any accessories or for extra support
Mitchell spanner
For tightening and loosening castle nuts
Bonus: Dolly caddy
Attaches to the rear of the dolly for tool storage like below.
A Dolly Caddy carries all the tools a dolly grip needs.
Conclusion - Gear Up for Great Shots
A dolly grip's success hinges on a well-equipped toolkit. With the right tools at their disposal, these skilled professionals can master intricate camera moves, make precise measurements and ensure seamless and visually stunning shots.
by:
Legacy Grip
