Blog Spotlight: Dollygrippery

I am prepping for a  35mm shoot for next month. One of the beautiful things about this gig is that everything I have asked for in my equipment package has gotten the ok. Bizarre and very new for me. I’m used to haggling with a producer or being told “you can only get the doorway dolly”. Whatever, I’ve done some incredible films with a Metrocard, Mag light and a note from my Mom. But also important for us Indie film folks is to know what to ask for when the money does show up. Otherwise we look like idiots.

Prior to becoming a DP, I worked as a Grip or an Electric (occasionally as an AC on music videos), but never as a Dolly Grip. I think alot of folks look upon that position as someone who pushes you from point A to point B. A glorified Ox. Much like with an 1st AC, people only notice them when they f-up. However it is actually an art. There is plenty of finesse. There are also plenty of options in terms of dolly brands, models, accessories, jibs, cranes etc.

So in preparation for the job mentioned above and figuring out what equipment I wanted to ask for I did a google search on “comparing Fisher to Pee Wee dollies”. And I came across this well written, often witty site called Dollygrippery. Yes, it is all about dolly gripping and being a grip. A wonderful read for anyone venturing into filmmaking and thinking about being a Grip. And also an excellent read to get Indie filmmakers in the mind-set of thinking like the big dogs.

ps You HAVE to read this post about his new “tool belt”. Absolutely hilarious; Eventho’ us crew people look all rough in our Gortex sneakers and shorts with too many pockets, we are still very vain.