Dana Dolly: lightweight aluminum-chassis dolly by Dana Christiaansen with precision-machined steel wheels for Round Rail or Speed Rail. 6.8 kg, 61 cm gauge, optional motorized.
Technical Details
The basic system consists of an aluminum chassis with four precision-milled hardened steel wheels, which can run on 1.9 cm Round Rails, Speed Rail, or the proprietary Dana Dolly Track System. The track gauge is 61 cm as standard, and the chassis itself weighs 6.8 kg. The system features integrated 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 threads for fluid heads and supports Mitchell mounts. Optional motorization units for programmed moves with repeatability function and various track systems from 1.2 m to 6 m in length per segment are available.
History & Development
Dana Christiaansen developed the system in 2009 out of the need to create a cost-effective and quickly deployable dolly system for independent productions. The first commercial version was launched in 2011 and quickly established itself as a standard for low-budget productions and documentary work. In 2015, the motorized "Dana Dolly Hi-Hat System" was introduced, followed in 2018 by integration with motion control systems such as Kessler and Dynamic Perception for time-lapse and VFX applications.
Practical Use in Film
The Dana Dolly is typically used for tracking shots, parallax movements, and smooth reveal shots. It is particularly effective for interview setups with subtle push-ins or for product photography with precise lateral moves. Setup takes about 5-10 minutes with two people, depending on the track length. The system operates almost silently, making it suitable for sync sound recordings. For exterior shots, the tracks can be stabilized directly on uneven terrain with sandbags.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike traditional film dollies such as the Chapman PeeWee or Fisher 10, the Dana Dolly does not require special dolly tracks and is considerably more transport-friendly. Modern alternatives include Kessler CineSlider systems or Rhino Camera Gear sliders, which, however, usually offer shorter travel distances. Gimbal systems like DJI Ronin or MoVI can achieve similar movements but offer less precision for longer, controlled moves. For budget productions, it competes with DIY PVC pipe systems but significantly surpasses them in stability and repeatability.