How to Make a Video Camera Dolly
Being an independent filmmaker can be difficult, due to the lack of funds and low-quality equipment you have to deal with. But you can quickly find cheaper alternatives to certain shooting requirements, and a dolly and track can be one of the easiest and least expensive to create. One popular low-budget technique is to use a wheelchair, but if that doesn't produce the desired results, here is a fairly easy guide to making a higher-quality dolly.
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Things You'll Need
- Skateboard wheels with bearings
- Aluminum angles
- Nuts and bolts
- Screws
- Wooden boards
- PVC pipes
Instructions
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1
Drill four holes in a 2-by-2-inch aluminum angle, one hole in each corner. Make the holes large enough for a bolt to attach a skateboard wheel and bearings (see Image 1). Do this four times, with four angles. After securing the wheels and bearings, drill a hole in the center of the angle, where the angles join. This hole will be needed later, to attach the angles to the platform.
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2
Make the platform on which the camera will stand. This will most likely require two boards of identical size to make it sturdy. The size of the boards depends on your preference; make them as large or small as you see fit. The goal is simply to make a platform large enough for the camera and tripod. After finding the boards, screw them together at each of the four corners.
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3
Attach the angles to the boards. Drill another hole into each corner of the platform, this time large enough for the larger bolts. Place the bolts in the holes and attach the angles, with the wheels facing away from the boards (see Image 3). Do not attach nuts in this section; the bolts may need to rotate in case the tracks cause issues.
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4
Finally, lay down the PVC pipes as tracks. Make sure the distance between each pipe matches the width of the platform.
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Tips & Warnings
Some people find that adding caps to the platform adds extra security in case the tripod moves mid-shot. This isn't a necessity, but could be effective. You can also make a handle to push the dolly, for easier maneuverability.
Make sure everything is secure before you put your camera on the dolly. A smooth dolly shot won't comfort you if your camera gets busted. Depending on the size and strength of the platform, you may not be able to stand on it to secure your camera. However, it is possible to buy stronger boards, if necessary.
