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Elevate and track camera dollies

URN: SKSG13
Business Sectors (Suites): Grips and Crane Technicians
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 01 Mar 2018

Overview

This Standard involves elevating and tracking camera dollies. Dollies may be electric or use a pressure system.  It is about understanding the operation and limitations of the equipment and interpreting the production’s needs in order to provide safe movements of camera mountings.

It is about communicating clearly and precisely with the relevant crew members in order to achieve artistic solutions which meet production needs.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. move cameras in a smooth motion in line with director's or camera operator's requirements on each occasion
  2. time all vertical and horizontal movements to suit production requirements
  3. identify moves which are outside the capabilities of the equipment, or restricted by available personnel
  4. operate electric dollies or those with pressure systems in line with safety regulations and manufacturers' instructions
  5. report limitations to relevant production staff and seek and present viable solutions
  6. give clear notification to all people of the intended route and working heights
  7. check that routes are free from non-essential people, cables and other obstructions
  8. check that environmental conditions are within equipment specification
  9. communication with other people in ways that enhance the quality and effectiveness of moves
  10. secure dollies after use in line with manufacturers' specifications and agree all such movements with other operators

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. relevant legislation, guidance and industry best practice
  2. how to operate the tracking and elevation equipment
  3. differences in practice when working with electric dollies and those with pressure systems
  4. safety considerations when using electric dollies and those with pressure systems
  5. how pressure systems work, their relevance and how to recharge them
  6. safe working loads including how to balance the loads of hydraulic or gas charged systems
  7. the benefits of teamwork and how to communicate with others
  8. the positional, balance and height limitations of the equipment with which you are working
  9. where to find information about production requirements
  10. the roles of other production staff and when you need to communicate with them
  11. how to secure equipment when not in use
  12. why it is important to keep equipment dry and free of dust, sand and other debris

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

01 Mar 2021

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Creative Skillset

Original URN

SKSG13

Relevant Occupations

Grips, Trainee Grip, Key Grip, Crane Operator (Film & TV), Crane Technician (Film & TV)

SOC Code

3416

Keywords

Grip; camera dollies; track; health and safety