Tracking shot conundrums...

[Dave Draper]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

So we've spoken to the Director, explaining the situation, and there is now a small budget for a dolly set up.

Are there any low-budget ride-on dollies with pneumatic wheels that can be locked either forwards / backwards, and can be used without a track, on a studio floor?

Last time we used a dolly was a PeeWee, and that was on either Ronford or Arri track. Doubt the budget will stretch that far.

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Best bet might be an Elemack Spyder.
They have been around long enough to be had for a very reasonable cost.
It can also do some dance floor moves so you might find some other uses on your project.


Get in touch with Philiip Covell phillip-covell.co.uk +44 (0) 7881 828 355
A great resource right there in the UK


As an alternate, ARRI rental is one option arrirental.co.uk +44 (0) 1895 457 100

 

[abreu-canedo]

Here's a puzzle for you...

How would you perform a linear, long take, tracking shot, that needs to last around 3 minutes, and cover approximately 12 feet in distance, with NO budget?

12' on a 24mm might be tricky. Also, the no budget part is tricky.

But it as far as slow movements go, GRAVITY. Gravity is constant. For example, when I can't afford a moco system, I build the dolly track at a very slight and constant angle. Because the force of gravity is constant, it will always roll down the track at a repeatable speed. Any little bumps or friction on your system will have to be taken into account in post.

However, this doesn't solve your problem of potentially seeing the dolly tracks at the end of your movement. If you had a Steadicam, which you already stated as a no-go, you could be on rollerblades while someone winches you backwards.

In any case, best of luck and please do post the results if possible!
-All the best, Rafael

 

[abreu-canedo]

Sorry, quoted the first post without reading forward on the thread.

Perhaps a baby tripod on a cart with pneumatic wheels. Something like an inovativ cart. If you shoot at 45 degree shutter, you can stabilize any bumps from the wheel. Otherwise, a Dana doorway dolly without the track could even achieve similar results.

 

[Dave Draper]

Huge thanks to everyone's input.

The Director of Photography and Grip managed to pull off the shot with a trackless dolly -- the Panther Husky -- using pneumatic wheels.

Floor wasn't at all level, and the dolly had to be re-positioned after every take, but they got it on the last one.

 

[Jimmy Reynolds]

How DIY inclined are you?
Buy a cheap 12v geared motor. connect to a cheap RC speed control, servo tester and a 12v adaptor. then build a winch and tie off a piece of thin rope to pull your dolly along. I've also used a winch from a jet ski trailer with the same speed control to winch a camera up very slowly into trees.

Damn, just saw your last post. well done.