Dolly

Term from Animation Storyboarding industry explained for recruiters

Dolly is a common camera movement technique used in animation and film storyboarding. It refers to the smooth movement of a camera toward, away from, or alongside a subject, as if the camera were placed on a moving platform (originally a wheeled cart called a dolly). In animation storyboards, artists need to indicate these camera movements to show how the viewer's perspective should change during a scene. This technique helps create dynamic visual storytelling and can be used to enhance emotional impact, reveal information gradually, or follow action sequences.

Examples in Resumes

Created detailed storyboards featuring Dolly movements for animated feature film sequences

Implemented Dolly shots in key emotional scenes to enhance storytelling impact

Trained junior artists in effectively using Dolly and Dolly Push techniques in storyboard sequences

Typical job title: "Storyboard Artists"

Also try searching for:

Storyboard Artist Animation Artist Visual Development Artist Layout Artist Story Artist Previsualization Artist Animation Designer

Where to Find Storyboard Artists

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you decide when to use a dolly movement in your storyboards to enhance storytelling?

Expected Answer: A senior artist should explain how dolly movements can create emotional impact, build tension, or reveal story elements, with specific examples from their experience. They should discuss how they consider pacing, timing, and story context in these decisions.

Q: How do you train junior artists in effectively using camera movements like dolly shots?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership abilities by explaining their teaching approach, common mistakes to avoid, and how they help others understand the storytelling impact of camera movements.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Can you explain different types of dolly movements and their storytelling purposes?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe dolly in, dolly out, and lateral dolly movements, with examples of when each type is most effective in storytelling.

Q: How do you indicate dolly movements clearly in your storyboards?

Expected Answer: Should explain their method for showing camera movement in storyboard panels, including any standard notation or arrows they use to indicate direction and speed.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a dolly shot and how is it different from a zoom?

Expected Answer: Should understand that a dolly physically moves the camera position while a zoom changes focal length, and be able to explain the different visual effects these create.

Q: How do you show camera movement in your storyboard sketches?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of using arrows or other indicators to show camera movement direction in storyboard panels.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of camera movements
  • Simple storyboard creation
  • Basic drawing skills
  • Understanding of animation principles

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced camera movement techniques
  • Strong visual storytelling ability
  • Efficient storyboard production
  • Collaboration with directors

Senior (5+ years)

  • Expert visual storytelling
  • Team leadership
  • Complex scene planning
  • Training and mentoring ability

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to explain basic camera movements
  • Poor understanding of visual storytelling principles
  • Lack of drawing skills
  • No knowledge of standard storyboarding notation
  • No experience with animation production pipeline

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