" Dolly grip " is another one of those movie job titles that tends to elicit titter from the few people who learn the credit until the sulphurous ending . It ’s kind of a silly name – and just in case you call back there ’s a grouping of grown men who get pay to wander movie set while clutching dolls , let us set you unbent . Dolly traction is probably one of the most physically and mentally demanding film jobs out there .
The dolly grip ’s sole focus is … await for it … thedolly . And what is a dolly , you ask ? It ’s a 500 - British pound sterling ( 227 - kilogram ) wheeled contraption mounted with acamerathat slides around on a track , allowing the camera to capture a moving shot . The dolly grip builds the track , mounts the tv camera and then physically moves the dolly ( and the photographic camera manipulator and assistant sit on the dolly ) during the actual shooter . Most dolly shots are so placid , you plausibly do n’t even notice them half the sentence . This is because the dolly grasp is doing a good line .
Being a dolly grip is plain a very physical job , but it ’s also fantastically complex . The photographic camera operator and his or her assistant are responsible for the focus , pan and tilt of the tv camera , but the dolly grip is in thrill of all the strong-arm social movement . Because that social movement could be immensely unlike for every scene , the dolly hold is constantly fix television camera , building and disassemble the caterpillar tread and moving equipment . The dolly grip , cinematographer and assistant have to be a rigorous team , instantly adapting to each unexampled camera apparatus .
The dolly grip always has to be in exactly the correct place at on the dot the proper prison term . Everything else could be perfect – lighting , sound , player in their places – but if the dolly slides past its mark , it ’s all for zip . They say the well dolly grips are the ones who have " honorable touch . " They can oppose on the fly to unexpected change and difficult situations , always in the right lieu at the right time .
Even if a scene does n’t call for a dolly , the dolly grip is still on the job , as the guard spotter for the camera operator . Dolly hairgrip can also earn redundant money during a shoot if they rent out their own equipment . An experienced dolly suitcase will normally own about 100 foot ( 30 meters ) of track , tools , rophy , harness and plenty ofskateboardwheels .
All dolly grips learn the rope as unspecialized grip , and sometimes as yield assistants , before work their style into the dolly military position . Many dolly clutches eventually make the move up to key suitcase , but a fate of them stay put . Dolly grips can make about $ 35,000 for a 12 - week shoot , about the same pay score as a good boy ( the second - in - statement to the key grip ) [ generator : Dzyak ] . They commonly get knock for a new job from a best boy they ’ve work with before , so a good mental attitude and pleasant demeanor lean to amount in ready to hand just as much as " undecomposed mite " does .
