There are many tricks to the trade of filming. Being able to maneuver and get around to capture the perfect shot in a way that does not disturb the continuity of the shot is a major aspect of filming. A skateboard dolly is a convenient little tool to have when filming. It is a platform that allows you to move your video camera around smoothly. It prevents jumps in your film work. It has a seat for the cameraman and it has a built in platform with sockets that mount the filming equipment. Here is how you can make your skateboard dolly to help improve your film work. Read on.
Procedure:
Things You’ll Need:
- (2) 12-by-14 inch sheets of plywood
- (3) 4-by-14 inch pieces of plywood (tripod sockets)
- (3) 12-by-24 inch sheets of plywood (box sides and bottom)
- 36-by-36 inch sheet of plywood
- Drill and bits
- Keyhole saw
- Drywall screws
- Skateboard wheels
Step 1
Take the 36-by-36 inch dolly platform and draw a circle on the center . This will help you keep the tripod for the camera centers. Use a circle to draw a true circle. Substitute a string and a thumb tack if you do not have one.
Step 2
Divide the circle into six areas. These are the centers for your tripos sockets.
Step 3
You will need to use your 1 inch drill bit and drill to make holes in the end of the box. Smooth out the edges of the holes with your sander or sand paper. Make a handle and attach it so you can move the skateboard dolly platform.
Step 4
Put together the seat box for the cameraman. Screw the bottom and side pieces together. Use drywall screws and gorilla glue to secure everything. Screw and glues every side. Do them one at a time.
Step 5
You will need to attach the box’s rear to the cameraman’s seat box. They must be lower than the box bottom to have space for your dolly platform.
Step 6
Use 3 tripod socket boards to assemble the tripod sockets . Clamp and drill the boards. Drill holes into the tripod socket boards. Make sure the legs of the tripod fit tightly and are not loose. The easiest way to ensure this is by using the correct sized drill bit.
Step 7
Sand, stain and varnish your skateboard dolly platform. Attach skateboard wheels to the bottom of the platform.
Step 8
Test your skateboard platform dolly out for safety, mobility and security. Test each section out to make sure the seating is access froendly to the film equipment. And, that the filming equipment is secure in the skateboard dolly. Make any changes necessary.
