Martin Docherty

That's great, thanks very much for the help guys. I don't think we'll be able to afford a mechanical dolly unfortunately, as it would certainly allow for a steadier movement. Many thanks

Hello, I am in need of some expert advice if possible. I have been making films for ten years or so and generally know what I am doing but I definitely do not consider myself a skilled camera operator or DOP. I have a short coming up that only involves a single, very slow moving tracking shot that is centred on a subject that is mostly static (a girl on a bed, she will perhaps move a little but only side-to-side so she should generally stay within the same focus range). The shot starts very wide and finishes in close-up. I've been trying to figure out a way to ensure that she stays in focus as the camera moves towards her without having to pull focus constantly as that would obviously require a remarkable level of skill and concentration. Does anyone know of a way that this can alternatively be done? I have considered alternative shots such as a slow zoom as that would cancel the focus problem but it works much better if we can physically move closer to her. We will very very probably be shooting on digital, in an ideal world I am looking to rent a Red camera and therefore a wide-angle prime lens as well. As it is a single shot of only around 6 mins I don't estimate any particular workflow problems, I hope! If anyone can help me with any form of suggestion it would be enormously appreciated.