Course Information

HELD JUNE 2020 AT GRIP HQ AUCKLAND

Using examples from Feature Films, TV Shows and Commercials, a brief history on the evolution and functionality of the Techno Dolly and how it can and has been used.

Mechanical Breakdown

As a piece of engineering the Techno Dolly is a complex blend of mechanical, electronics and software; in this section we will delve into the basic mechanical parts of the Techno Dolly and how they function:

• Base

• Pedestal

• Box Section Telescoping Crane

• 60’ Track System

Basic Maintenance & Environmental Conditions

The Techno Dolly is a closed proprietary system which requires all parts to be working to achieve its overall functionality. You will learn the choices that need to be made to ensure the integrity of the Techno Dolly along with the daily, weekly and long term practices essential to its smooth operation. 

Stabilized Remote Head System

The Techno Dolly provides an accurate and repeatable, stabilized platform for nearly every type of camera package. You will learn the range of adjustability, balance and basic needs of the system to achieve a perfectly balanced and repeatable head, every time and regardless of camera package requirements. Setting up, preparing and managing the stabilized gyros so as not to compromise shot performance or repeatability in subsequent passes will be covered and discussed.

Focus/Iris/Zoom

As the Techno Dolly is a full motion control rig, we control and manage the lens. Through this part of the course you will learn how this is achieved and which equipment is used. Obviously there are many focus control systems used on set but in this section we will concentrate on Preston MDR range and also the Techno Dolly’s own proprietary hardware.

Track System

It’s time to start getting the crane moving around and for this we will need the Techno Dolly’s own 60’ of sectional and motorized track. We will cover how to assemble the ordering and process of track builds, how to cable correctly and when to use the umbilical cable management system. Also covered in this section is the safe and efficient way the Techno Dolly is moved around on set and placed into position; this can be through a variety of means from track ramps to 100’ boom lifts.

Following on from the above we can then see how we can start making the Techno Dolly work to achieve the complex and dynamic shots that it is capable of:

 Shot Applications

• Live Action/Recorded

• Keyframed

• Hybrid Keyframed/Live Action

• FBX Imported

 Live Action/Recorded

Time to start playing for real and here is where you will learn about the direct relationship and delicate dance needed between the Camera Operator, Techno Dolly ‘Pickle’ Operator & Dolly Grip, while you use the Techno Dolly as a conventional camera crane while recording the data for repeatability.

Keyframed

In this section we will build moves using predetermined ‘keyframed’ points along a programmed path, understanding and time will be given to how the software interpolates your keyframe choices and how this ultimately effects shot performance and look. The total time for the shot is pre-determined and executed through a trigger.

 Hybrid Keyframed/Live Action

The strength of the Techno Dolly is its versatility to achieve the required creative look and in this part of the course you will experience and practice how we create and execute complex motion control shots by blending the Techno Dolly’s different abilities. Actors will still be free to move within their performance as the combination of pickle, keyframe, camera operator and focus puller follow along in various capacities; all while recording the data for perfect repeatability.

FBX Imported

When is a crane a robot? Right now. As the industry moves further into heavy VFX shows and productions we find more and more of the Pre-vis/Tech-vis world is making it directly onto our film sets. In this mode we are able to ingest pre-built moves from the virtual world of Tech-vis and replicate them perfectly in a practical environment. The basic principles and applications will be covered along with examples of the work and how I execute.

Playtime

Using the information gathered we will set real world shot applications and ask that you try and achieve the creative look and practicalities of each shot with the course leader on-hand to guide and assist in the process.