In short: A dolly grip is the grip who runs the dolly, the wheeled platform that carries the camera and operator, so the planned camera move happens smoothly and safely. They lay and level the track, push the move and work with the key grip, the camera operator and the director of photography. Most start as grip trainees.
A dolly grip is the grip assigned to the dolly, the wheeled platform that carries the camera and operator, and makes sure the planned camera move can happen safely. ScreenSkills describes grips as the people who make the camera work physically possible, and dolly work is one of the jobs they are assigned to.
What a dolly grip does on a shoot day
Grips arrive early to rig the equipment. A dolly grip prepares the dolly and any track or camera supports the move needs, then works with the camera operator through each set-up. On a move they push or pull the dolly with the operator on board, keep the track level and clear, and stop the move when something looks wrong.
The day has a rhythm:
- Plan the move. Before the shoot, they agree with the director of photography and the camera operator what support each scene needs.
- Rig early. They set up the dolly and track before the camera team arrives, so the day is not held up.
- Anticipate changes. They expect the camera moves to change and adjust the rig for them.
- Solve problems quickly. When the ground, the lighting or the actors get in the way, they fix it on the spot.
- Pack down. At the end of the day they take the dolly and track down and pack the equipment properly.
ScreenSkills notes that grips share information with each other, especially under pressure.
Who they work with
Grips work to the director of photography and the director, who decide what the shot needs. The key grip leads the department on larger productions. The best boy handles the paperwork, equipment hire, risk assessments and contracts. The camera operator and focus puller are the people closest to the dolly on the day, and trainee grips help operate the camera supports.
For the grip side of the shoot, see what a key grip does and what a best boy does.
Kit and skills
The kit is camera support equipment, including baseplates, dollies, cranes and jib arms, plus the gear needed to mount and move them. A dolly grip also needs to lift safely and have the stamina for a long day of pushing and rigging.
Good practice on the dolly is about working as a team. The useful habits are these:
- Lift with the legs and ask for help before a load becomes a problem.
- Walk the track before the move, and check the surface and the joins.
- Agree signals with the operator, and stop when anyone calls it.
- Keep clear of the actors' marks and the cables.
Dolly work involves heavy equipment, moving track and people working close together. The points here are general guidance only. A competent person must assess the actual site, the track, the equipment and the crew before any move.
How to become a dolly grip
ScreenSkills describes a clear route into grip work:
- Become a grip trainee. Trainees help operate the camera supports and learn the department from the inside.
- Level 2 diploma. After two years as a grip, the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Competence for Grips qualifies you for the certified grips list held by Bectu's Grips Branch.
- Level 3 diploma. After two or three more years qualified, the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for Advanced Grips follows.
To get started, ScreenSkills suggests attending its events and local film office or arts community events, building a LinkedIn profile, joining local film groups and using its free e-learning, which is for over-18s. Its skills checklists are also useful reading.
Do you need one on a small shoot?
- A static interview or a talking head: no. A tripod or a fixed rig does the job.
- A small camera slider or a short handheld move: usually one person can manage it, with a competent operator in charge.
- A dolly or track move on a location, or anywhere near the public: yes. Someone who knows the dolly and track should be in charge of the move.
If your shoot needs grip support, the film crew hire page covers how crew is booked. Granary lists grip kit at the studio as C-stands, flags, bounce and apple boxes, and does not list a dolly grip day rate, so ask for a quote.
Related roles
Sources
- ScreenSkills, Grip (also known as key grip), film and TV drama job profile, read 5 November 2026
Related guides
Questions we get asked
What does a dolly grip do on a film set?
A dolly grip operates the dolly, the wheeled camera platform, and any track or camera supports it needs. They work with the camera operator and the director of photography to make the planned camera move possible and safe, and return to the grip crew when the dolly is not needed.
Is a dolly grip a separate job from a grip?
Not as a formal title. ScreenSkills says certain grips are assigned to operate dollies, cranes and jibs, and return to the regular grip crew when that equipment is not needed.
Do you need a dolly grip on a small shoot?
Not for a static interview. A dolly move on a location, or a track on a shoot with public nearby, needs someone who knows the equipment, and a competent person must assess the actual job.
granary.digital · 01243 884993 · studio@granary.digital · The Old Grainstore, Adsdean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 9DN · Prices exclude VAT unless marked inc VAT