DIY Film accessories (Dollies etc). at DVinfo.net

David Scattergood · September 17th, 2006, 03:38 AM

Hi all,

I've well and truely crashed through my budget for equipment (new mac and FCP has finished that off)...hopefully one or two jobs will put me back on the 'straight and narrow'.
Reason for the post is that I could do with some kit/gear which I don't suppose I could afford at this time - I'm therefore looking for ways around this (rentals are pretty much out also).
First off I'm looking into making a dolly - I was shooting the other day and really could've done with one for a few of the shots; I also have a couple of short films I'm attempting to get off the ground and I'd consider a dolly/tracking shot essential....soooo...is it a case of somehow attaching wheels to your tripod or 'borrowing' a local supermarket trolly?
I'd also like to film from inside my car...I don't think the coffee cup holder will hold the HD100...

I'd be interested to know if any of you out there had any DIY accessory recipes you wouldn't mind sharing.
Many thanks.
Dave.

Brian Drysdale · September 17th, 2006, 03:57 AM

Wheelchairs are used for simple tracking shots. Unfortunately, shopping trolleys are difficult control and need smooth surfaces. You could check out companies that supply industrial trolleys, they often sell wheels that can be used to make your own dolly.

Ron Dexter has lots of DIY stuff on his website http://www.rondexter.com

You can also make your own car mounts. If you get a photograph of the bonnet beam type mount you can make an DIY version out of 4" x 2" wood, or even metal piping. Just make sure it's mounted securely onto the car and that you protect the car's paint work.

David Scattergood · September 17th, 2006, 06:59 AM

Many thanks Brian. I'll look into those.

Earl Thurston · September 17th, 2006, 05:03 PM

Also check out the Homebuilt Stabilizer site at http://www.homebuiltstabilizers.com/ and http://hbsboard.com/. Although the primary focus is Stedicam-type devices, there are several other DIY sections including dollies, cranes and remote heads.

David Scattergood · September 19th, 2006, 07:27 AM

Thanks Earl - didn't realise there was a Dolly section - apologies all!
I've bookmarked the sites - cheers.

September 17th, 2006, 03:38 AM	#1
David Scattergood Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 755	DIY Film accessories (Dollies etc). Hi all, I've well and truely crashed through my budget for equipment (new mac and FCP has finished that off)...hopefully one or two jobs will put me back on the 'straight and narrow'. Reason for the post is that I could do with some kit/gear which I don't suppose I could afford at this time - I'm therefore looking for ways around this (rentals are pretty much out also). First off I'm looking into making a dolly - I was shooting the other day and really could've done with one for a few of the shots; I also have a couple of short films I'm attempting to get off the ground and I'd consider a dolly/tracking shot essential....soooo...is it a case of somehow attaching wheels to your tripod or 'borrowing' a local supermarket trolly? I'd also like to film from inside my car...I don't think the coffee cup holder will hold the HD100... I'd be interested to know if any of you out there had any DIY accessory recipes you wouldn't mind sharing. Many thanks. Dave.

September 17th, 2006, 05:03 PM	#4
Earl Thurston Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Burnaby & Maple Ridge BC Posts: 289	Also check out the Homebuilt Stabilizer site at http://www.homebuiltstabilizers.com/ and http://hbsboard.com/. Although the primary focus is Stedicam-type devices, there are several other DIY sections including dollies, cranes and remote heads. __________________ Earl R. Thurston, Stargate Connections Inc. Made with GY-HD100: The Container Adventures: The Rescue

September 17th, 2006, 03:57 AM	#2
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,152	Wheelchairs are used for simple tracking shots. Unfortunately, shopping trolleys are difficult control and need smooth surfaces. You could check out companies that supply industrial trolleys, they often sell wheels that can be used to make your own dolly. Ron Dexter has lots of DIY stuff on his website http://www.rondexter.com You can also make your own car mounts. If you get a photograph of the bonnet beam type mount you can make an DIY version out of 4" x 2" wood, or even metal piping. Just make sure it's mounted securely onto the car and that you protect the car's paint work.

September 17th, 2006, 06:59 AM	#3
David Scattergood Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 755	Many thanks Brian. I'll look into those.

September 19th, 2006, 07:27 AM	#5
David Scattergood Major Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 755	Thanks Earl - didn't realise there was a Dolly section - apologies all! I've bookmarked the sites - cheers.