The word "dollying" has an interesting spelling. It consists of two syllables: "doll" and "ing". The first syllable, "doll", is pronounced with the short "o" sound, as in "hot" (IPA: /dɑl/). The second syllable, "ing", is pronounced with the "ih" vowel sound, as in "sling" (IPA: /ɪŋ/). When combined, the word is pronounced as "doll-ihng" (IPA: /dɑlɪŋ/). "Dollying" is a term used in cinematography, referring to the movement of a camera on a dolly.
Dollying refers to a filmmaking technique in which a camera is mounted on a dolly, a wheeled platform or device, to achieve smooth and dynamic camera movements. It involves physically moving the camera closer to or away from the subject or moving the camera laterally, either sideways or in a circular path, to create a specific effect or capture a particular shot.
The dolly allows for fluid and controlled camera movements, adding depth and visual interest to a scene. It enables the camera to smoothly track or follow the subject, giving the audience a sense of spatial connection and immersion into the action. Dollying is commonly used in a variety of cinematic contexts, including tracking shots, establishing shots, and shot-reverse-shot sequences.
The dolly movement can be employed to emphasize a character's entrance or exit, reveal a new location, or intensify the suspense in a chase scene. Additionally, dollying can be used to convey emotional states, such as moving closer to a character to indicate intimacy or feeling distant to evoke a sense of isolation.
Dollying often requires coordination between the camera operator, grip, and other crew members to ensure a smooth and precisely executed shot. Various types of dollies, such as track-mounted dollies or crane-mounted dollies, may be used depending on the desired effect and the specific requirements of the shot.
Overall, dollying enhances the visual storytelling in film, allowing for dynamic camera movements that engage the audience and contribute to the overall cinematic experience.
The word "dollying" has its origins in the word "dolly", which can be traced back to the early 17th century. The term "dolly" originally referred to a child's doll, but gradually extended its meaning to include a wheeled platform or cart used for transportation. This cart was often used in the film industry to smoothly move the camera during a shot. The action of pushing or operating the dolly became known as "dollying", particularly in the context of cinematography. Over time, "dollying" has become a standard term in filmmaking to describe the movement of the camera on a dolly.