dolly

cinematography

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

A dolly shot, also known as a tracking shot, is a cinematography technique where the camera is moved along a track or dolly. This allows for smooth, fluid camera movements that can follow the action or explore a scene.1

In professional motion-picture production, cameras are mounted on substantial supports to prevent unwanted movement during filming. A common support is a heavy dolly, which can carry both the camera and the seated cameraman. This allows the camera to be pushed or driven around the set, enabling dynamic shots like following movement along a street. If the surface is uneven, rails may be laid for the dolly to ensure smooth traversal.2

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Allan Dwan
Early life and the silent era
…is credited with introducing the dolly shot—he used a moving automobile to film actor William H. Crane’s stroll in David Harum (1915)—and with inventing the equipment used for the crane shots in Griffith’s Intolerance (1916).
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…is credited with introducing the dolly shot—he used a moving automobile to film actor William H. Crane’s stroll in David Harum (1915)—and with inventing the equipment used for the crane shots in Griffith’s Intolerance (1916).
Read More

motion-picture technology
Camera supports
Often a heavy dolly, holding both the camera and a seated cameraman, is used. This can be pushed or driven around the set. When shots from elevated positions are to be used, both camera and cameraman are carried on the end of a crane, also on a dolly.…
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Often a heavy dolly, holding both the camera and a seated cameraman, is used. This can be pushed or driven around the set. When shots from elevated positions are to be used, both camera and cameraman are carried on the end of a crane, also on a dolly.…
Read More