Sneaker Dolly

The idea behind The Sneaker was to create the ultimate mobility platform for the handheld cameraman

. It’s far beyond a rolling stool. It’s a network of modular components that convert in seconds to an array of camera and operator supports. The Sneaker system was conceived and developed by professional camera operators in the high-pressure worlds of feature film and episodic TV. The system was refined over three years through rigorous field-testing. Every build was conceived from real world scenarios. Every scenario was included in the design. Extensive input was gathered from operators, key grips, AC’s and film technicians to create the most complete and versatile mobility system in the business.

It’s a smooth and silent rolling seat for handheld work. It’s a sturdy Mitchell base on wheels. It’s an adjustable pedestal that goes from eye to ankle height in seconds. Follow fast moving action in super low hand-held mode. Roll the camera and fluid head into tiny spaces in Mitchell build. Mount the seat directly to a dolly arm for handheld booming. Set the camera on a sandbag and Sneaker base to roll 5 inches off the ground. These are just a few of the many possibilities, which are limited only by your creativity. One thing’s for sure these days; The film set is a fast paced world and schedules are tighter than ever. Crews must work with precision, speed and efficiency to make their days. And equipment must do the same. So the Sneaker system came to be.

A key element in the design of the Sneaker was speed of use. Every second counts on a high pressure film set so we had to move swiftly between builds. The Sneaker can be set up in a multitude of different modes, most of which can be converted in less than ten seconds. The few more complex conversions still clock in at less than thirty seconds. Switching a center post, for example, takes under 10 seconds. Going from high mode to super low mode can be done in about 20. A simple adjustment of seat height takes 5 seconds or less.