Finishing up my first short about 2 weeks ago, I used a inexpensive dolly shot running along convenient store ailes during a robbery. Now I did the old wheelchair dolly basicly as an experiment. If it looks good, i'll throw it in, if it dosen't, it's ok, it was just extra that I wasen't bankin on using. Now my next short will be coming soon in the upcoming months and I'm going to need another dolly shot. It will most likely be shot on a tile floor. Anybody have any ideas for some inexpensive dolly shots?.. Or give me any dolly shots you have done in the past yourself. Im open to everything that is inexpensive.
thanks
chris
I considered this just this week.
How about a monopod on a skateboard? It might not be exactly a dolly, but it would be smooth.
Remember the surfaces... Tile... A skateboard will not be smooth on tile. Wheelchair is even better then a skateboard. any other ideas?
chris
Quote from: ThecowgoooesmoooRemember the surfaces... Tile...
Aah, I was thinking industrial tile (like in a grocery store)... flat and smooth.
For an uneven surface like that I'd think you'd almost definitely have to run a track of some sort.
i wonder how good it would roll under dry wall, or some surface like that
chris
Or maybe one of those plastic carpet protector runners? Smooth out the bumps a little...
lay some cardboard out on the floor, itll make it much smoother.
You can rent a simple doorway dolly for about thirty bucks or so from a film/broadcast equipment rental place. They work great.
Put some rollerskates on. Otherwise, a broomstick works wonders.
If all else fails... vaso-cam it. Raimi knew how to operate on a budget.
raimi is a bad bad man, and a bastard.
Quote from: RaikusIf all else fails... vaso-cam it. Raimi knew how to operate on a budget.
yeah he did... the vaso-cam was awesome as were the other various "cams" he used.
Though the vaso-cam really only works well for trucking left and right.
I built my "dolly" out of this really big, gaudy, 80's style stroller that my mom had, I think it was mine. It's great. The wheels are so quiet, it's almost like it was meant to be made into a dolly. The shots are really pretty damn smooth.
So anyway, I would just lay some good old fashioned cardboard down man. Or something else really flat and hard.
http://www.glidecam.com/
Has anyone tried one of these? I'm looking at getting the 2000 Pro and I can find it for about $250/£160 ish. They look like a pretty good budget solution for some tricksy shots.
I have a glidecam and if you're willing to put the time into learning it, it is a very decent low budget solution instead of a steadicam jr.
Don't expect to get the glidecam and be able to shoto out of the box, it takes a fine touch to learn, and each time you mount and re-mount the camera you have to have a level surface for fine tuning the weights. It works on a free floating gimble, and it's ver smooth, but takes a little time to learn. And it takes some strength to use for extended peroids of time, but it is REALLY SMOOTH, the camera floats when used right.
Stick with the wheel chair, this is the best low budget solution for dollies, they hold up, they run quiet, and to make it really smooth add a GLIDECAM, this will give you an ULTRA SMOOTH picture, but it is an investment.
Otherwise try laying cardboard down OR go to home depot and find some PLASTIC piping, if you're not going to put a lot of weight on the chair or rig, use 2 plastic pipes side by side, setting the wheel on to, it settles down in between and you now have a track, this option isn't great for having to turn but you can do it.
Michael Alessandro
www.fof-films.com
Thanks Michael. I really think Im going to get one for my next project. I really think it would open everything up for me. I just have to find out how much the thing weighs - I dont want to be wiped out by import tax to the uk.
Quote from: redlumhttp://www.glidecam.com/
its sooo easy to use :P
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.glidecam.com%2Fimages%2Fw-v8-1.jpg&hash=a14fe16368f1e0191048e2674f88c15f1a5f1bab)
Reminds me of that 'chics with guns' video in Jackie Brown...except with steadi-cams...
"Glide Cam 2000. When you absolutely, positively got to track every motherfucker on the set. Accept no substitutes."
That pic is the bad boy of the glidecam world, you can go the step down where it is less like a steadicam jr and just has an arm you hold rather than the whole chest contraption gizmo.
It would certainly weight less for import tax purposes, and the initial cost is a few hundred less as well.
Quote from: michael alessandroThat pic is the bad boy of the glidecam world, you can go the step down where it is less like a steadicam jr and just has an arm you hold rather than the whole chest contraption gizmo.
would this contraption of chest eliminate the the strength needed for long shots? (I'm trying to get a shot just like the glidecam demo shots...but it lasts for around 6-7 minutes...)
The bad boy glidecam pictured is very much like a steadicam jr, so it does eleviate the arm stress, though you still must use some hand control.
The lower model also has a slight body contraption, but it doesn't help in any true motion situations, it is basically there for standing still moments.
So the lower end glidecam does require some arm and body strength but 6-7 minutes is not really tough, I'm not he-man and I walked a tough 1/2 mile up and down hill nature trail with the glidecam and was able to do it for over an hour, so unless you have boney girl arms :wink: you should be fine, though if you have the cash to spend the above pictured is worth the investment, it's smoother, less of a learning curve as well as a built in video screen on the lower edge for viewing while also being able to watch your feet.
ugh.. This isn't a glide/steadicam thread and you guys are mucking it up with that crap...
If you watch and listen to the commentary on Sydney, during Phillip Baker Hall's 'walk' through the casino PTA comments on the overuse of the steadicam because its ease of use, and obviously with regard to this thread... this is very very true.
The best idea is to have a a well thought out idea and then rent a doorway dolly... unless you are in the middle of nowhere, renting a dolly will be your best course of action. I live in omaha so I rent through LightsOn www.lightson.com -- they are also located in Minneapolis and Kansas City.
Other cheaper "solutions"
http://www.do-it-yourself.netfirms.com/dolly.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/movies/nobudgetsfx/dolly.html
Quote from: redlumReminds me of that 'chics with guns' video in Jackie Brown...except with steadi-cams...
"Glide Cam 2000. When you absolutely, positively got to track every motherfucker on the set. Accept no substitutes."
HAHAHAHAHA! That made me laugh. You're insane.
Quote from: bonanzatazYou're insane.
http://xixax.com/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=22
Quote from: 82ugh.. This isn't a glide/steadicam thread and you guys are mucking it up with that crap...
If you watch and listen to the commentary on Sydney, during Phillip Baker Hall's 'walk' through the casino PTA comments on the overuse of the steadicam because its ease of use, and obviously with regard to this thread... this is very very true.
The best idea is to have a a well thought out idea and then rent a doorway dolly... unless you are in the middle of nowhere, renting a dolly will be your best course of action. I live in omaha so I rent through LightsOn www.lightson.com -- they are also located in Minneapolis and Kansas City.
Other cheaper "solutions"
http://www.do-it-yourself.netfirms.com/dolly.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/movies/nobudgetsfx/dolly.html
While I agree it's true that there is an overuse because of it's ease with steadicam/glidecam etc... When you're on a low budget, working on a tight time gframe and need a smooth shot for your guerilla filmmaking, then it's your best solution.
Quote from: Jeremy BlackmanQuote from: bonanzatazYou're insane.
http://xixax.com/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=22
why thank you. ill take that as a compliment.
or should i?
Anyone had any experience with the following. Or know naything about them. I finally found a rental place. And these are the cheapest tracking options.
"Scaffold camera dolly"
Fits on standard scaffold poles. Supplied with euro boss plate & flight case.
"Table top dolly"
Mini dolly suitable for table top or low level tracking shots. Comprises 1x 1 metre rail section & 1x 2 metre rail section, camera dolly & flight case.
Also, where's good old Michael Allesandro? Last I remember he was going to shoot a film on Alcatraz.
Quote from: tommy_bothQuote from: redlumhttp://www.glidecam.com/
its sooo easy to use :P
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.glidecam.com%2Fimages%2Fw-v8-1.jpg&hash=a14fe16368f1e0191048e2674f88c15f1a5f1bab)
So you gotta watch your stuff on an LCD screen? Bah! Viewfinder all the way.
And another sad note, I seriously think that if I had to choose between having the girl or the XL1s, I'd take the camera.
Quote from: RecceQuote from: tommy_bothQuote from: redlumhttp://www.glidecam.com/
its sooo easy to use :P
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.glidecam.com%2Fimages%2Fw-v8-1.jpg&hash=a14fe16368f1e0191048e2674f88c15f1a5f1bab)
So you gotta watch your stuff on an LCD screen? Bah! Viewfinder all the way.
And another sad note, I seriously think that if I had to choose between having the girl or the XL1s, I'd take the camera.
Straight up. Then again, I have a g/f already. But even still.
That camera doesn't deserve sloppy seconds.
I love that ad. It's everything wonderful about Hollywood. "Here's a camera you young movie geeks would like. Here's an expensive but almost within your reach piece of equipment to support that camera. Oh, and here's a super hot babe obvious model who would never ever fucking ever be using this camera or rig, but damn man she looks good and we know you're lonely and horny".
Yes, yes, and yes. God bless you Glidecam.
I'm going to be guying a US$60 Garden cart from a farm supply store. Big pneumatic tires that I can slightly deflate. I was looking at all the big toys and ttried to find a cheaper analog for them. This seems to fit the bill. Just add a barstool strapped to it, and you can plant a camera operator on it too.
Made this over the past weekend, I have another set of 8' track, working out the kinks, will be put to the test in April/May. So far, working fine. So, just under 16' of track all together.
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All in all, spent roughly $100, all parts from Home Depot.
*Note, in the CU of the track, one piece of wood missing, we had taken it off to cut the length down.
So far, testing baby powder to help the glide, sanding wood, greasing casters, and the grooves on the wood, with weight on the dolly, I'd say it's a success, also going to add an adjustable seat soon.
I like the design.
I was thinking of a similar idea using drawer rollers, but extended lengths were hard to find in a hardware store. And, obviously, more expensive than your idea. Withstanding weight would also be a factor.
I know you said you've tested the glide with different styles of lubricants, but does the surface of the wheels when it rolls lead to a shake noticeable in the camera? Even on a clean surface?
Camera test is pending, I'll report back as soon as I get it done.
http://www.dvcamerarigs.com/
I shelled out the 30 bucks for this and it is VERY VERY helpful, it has alot of inexpensive variations and specific tools to make with easy to find materials. I reccomend it if you are in need of dolly or steady cam or crane, etc, in the future
also infact if you know specifically what you want I could just scan the instructions and share (it's not stealing if you need it =P)
thanks.
(https://xixax.com/templates/xixax/images/lang_english/icon_edit.gif)
:yabbse-wink:
http://www.diylife.com/2007/09/04/film-school-rigs-and-mounts/
i had an idea to use a bicycle, could be more for steady cam, but i think one could incorporate a dolly just as well...The idea is in the works(a couple years running), but pretty much, I'm having a buddy who is mechanic weld me some shit, and help with all the metal issues and pieces...
Gut out a mountain bike - remove the chain, cranks, pedals, and both sprockets etc.(may have to get an additional front tire, to throw on the back)
remove the seat, and what i initially did was made it to where the top of the seat post is the attachment for the tripod was...very quiet, very smooth cam movements, and sets you up for a track sort of as well
also, first i made an awesome crane, and i think if you substitute a crane instead of a regular straight bar, possibilities open
I'm sure this isn't an original idea, has anyone else heard of something similar, or possibly made one?
my 2 cents