Homemade Dolly Test

I mentioned a little while ago that I was building a few video camera rigs, spurred by my video buddy Andrew Gentle. Those included a simple steadicam (which still needs much work), a "pooper-scooper" rig (which allows really low ground shots - you'll see this in action in an upcoming soccer film I've made) plus a dolly!

A dolly is basically what cinematographers use to film smooth camera movements. If you've ever been in a studio or seen behind-the-scenes footage (go DVD extra features!) you may have seen something like this:


Unfortunately a professional dolly rig like that is way out of the league of amateur videographers like myself. I probably don't earn enough in a year to buy something like that (doesn't help being a teacher in Queensland too :P).

Thankfully, there are DIY shops and resources like these which allow me to make something similar, albeit much less professional. So, after a few trips to Mitre 10 and Bunnings, I'm pleased to present you with my homemade dolly!


A work of beauty, if you ask me. A regular tripod, mounted on a strong wood base fitted with 8 skateboard wheels on an aluminium track. My original set-up used PVC pipes as tracks, which proved to be much too flimsy. I found the aluminium track (a right-angled frame) this morning and knew I had struck gold. Firm yet light.


And of course, I had to film some test footage rightaway, so here's what I've just made. My apologies for the generally uninteresting footage - my home isn't very exciting! I was happy with being able to squeeze the dolly through doorways though. Can't wait to use this on a next film.