How to Build a Shitty Dolly

I decided to build another shitty dolly since my old one is back in Sweden. I figured I might as well document the process.
Edit: Link to posters: imgur.com/a/RXPuD

[@AdrianHuff]

It's so amazing how you can go from directing a major blockbuster movie, to making a KZbin video on how to make cheap equipment for filmmakers on a budget. You are honestly such a huge inspiration for me. Congrats on all of your success.

[@HauntedGengar]

lmao backhanded compliment much

[@raquel8705]

its not backhanded. KZbin is a less professional platform among hollywood. He's comparing the size of the platforms. He appreciates the "down to earth" style of his channel.

[@AdrianHuff]

I mean't no disrespect, he is one of my biggest inspirations as a filmmaker, sorry if that came off as disingenuous.

[@mupicap7927]

Ikr.

[@cutevideos9571]

now he is doing that

[@Kaelyn99]

-"director of such films as: jump scare the movie." 😂 lmao

[@rayk9598]

only he can diss hollywood about his own film lol

[@diegom-a7970]

Respect +

[@ThreadBomb]

This guy should be making comedies. Or horror comedies.

[@pitchingwedge7546]

@@ThreadBomb he directed Shazam

[@boogerjones664]

🤣🤣🤣

[@theL4Y3R]

how a hollywood director still makes tutorials blows my mind

[@johncarambat4762]

Ikr..jus one of the peeps

[@MechanicGopher]

“Make movies, not excuses” Best advice I’ve ever heard

[@Loshii3]

You right.. same here

[@luisalcalabeltran7942]

"That's some good poopin'" was also very inspiring

[@edenjaycollins6055]

'jump scare the movie' as much as I loved the movie, thats frucking hilarious. Can't wait for some more shorts!!

[@ModelsandMovies]

"But David, that doesn't look very secure." "Well no shit." I want to build this now just because.

[@Turkeyrolls]

Didnt you, like, direct Shazam? That shit was amazing man

[@Linkale_]

yeah but later

[@deathhzrd]

This proves that horror and comedy really are the same

[@garyking1986]

they have a similar rhythm and timing between jokes/scares

[@mr.guydude]

@@garyking1986 Horror and Comedy, Romance and Tragedy. Character-Studies and Documentaries. Everything else is Porn essentially. I think.

[@CZsWorld]

YES! I'm totally going to make this! The posters, that is. Then maybe the dolly.

[@TheLeeJamesB]

"Well no shit" LOL I've never laughed so hard during a tutorial! Thanks so much for the tips and please keep this up I love it

[@KennethHolmDahlin]

An even cheaper option is lay down some cardboard and drag the camera on a blanket. Not as good as this option, but affordable at any range.

[@aah4735]

you can also use suitcases, which are also fairly smooth

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

I set my camera on a piece of plastic with a wire looped through the corners and then ran up the hall with it, and got a great low-angle shot. Not something you can use for just anything, but it worked great for the one shot I needed it for.

[@zombitegaming]

He IMMEDIATELY became one of my favorite directors. He has made some amazing movies but how cool is he to still make KZbin videos for beginner film makers & ACTUALLY give fantastic advice?!?

[@195studio5]

David F. Sandberg is my spirit animal

[@SecretGodMatara]

The fact that he refers to Lights Out as Jumpscare the Movie makes me respect him even more.

[@subhankarsengupta567]

you are the most minimalist and passionate movie maker in these days. You are a true inspiration

[@LoiselsPhotography]

With shitty directions like that? Oh yes so passionate.

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

I have to protest this description...I built one of these, and it's not shitty at all; it's almost verging on adequate. Definitely was a help on a project I'm currently shooting. It wasn't even noisy, which I was worried would be an issue. Thanks for the idea, and best of luck with your future projects.

[@arjunr5034]

You look a lot like old Orson Welles.

[@davidfernandogordillocampu6919]

"Ahhhh... the frensh shampain"

[@willdabeast8509]

This has been such a huge help! We built one to make movies for our digital media class, and we don’t think we’ll ever stop using it for every single movie we make!!! Thank you for posting this video!!!

[@joseluisanaya5738]

Most DOWN TO EARTH filmmaker in Hollywood now sharing his tutorials to newcoming independent filmmakers. That’s how you make a legend of your own. This channel is already a FILM SCHOOL for me, saving me lots of budget to go NYU, Columbia or AFI, and instead, using that budget for these useful gimmicks. And yep: go MAKE A MOVIE! 🎥🎬

[@WaqarAzeemKhan]

Lights out was one of the best horror movies I've seen in my life. Sandberg is love

[@Spider-Nefilo]

My hero...this guy directed SHAZAM! then went back to directing more indie films and stuff...and then made KZbin TUTORIALS FOR FILMMAKERS?!?! You're officially the coolest Filmmaker to ever walk the earth without a cigarrete on their face

[@IdeaBug]

omg this was exactly the motivation I needed in the middle of the night.

[@donovanalexanderdeleon4580]

Thank you for this! I had just checked your channel to see if there was any new content and nothing, 3 hrs later you posted. Your short films have really inspired me to get off my ass and finally start filming. I respect your work and love that you seem like a humble guy. Looking forward to your upcoming projects!

[@robertnees9781]

30' of shitty dolly made, riding on "sandbags" for leveling (heavy duty ziplocks filled with play sand) to shoot a walk and talk scene in one take... Love it, thank you David!

[@CameronGallagher96]

Love the fact that your a Hollywood director....and still help out your subscribers and fans!

[@StephenIsTrying]

KZbin missed you, David! I can't wait for Annabelle 2! Hope to see more from you soon!

[@plisskenetic]

Another superb video from a truly, truly humble and generous filmmaker! Usually the celebrity directors stay more & more private/ silent, while David keeps on sharing 👍 #respect #salute

[@HoradoTerror]

Really loved your Scare Jump Movie, and the tips, low budget stuff, and... where can I download that pooping poster again?

[@monsterv1995]

Holy Lights!! I want his sound as an announcer on Dota 2! and that poster all over my house!

[@StevieSomethin]

I actually watched this while pooping so that poster was scarily meta, things got personal very quickly, bravo

[@michaelcaringi5583]

This was the most helpful tutorial I've seen by far - in more ways than one. Thank you David, you've helped in more ways than you probably know.

[@madmarty2892]

I like how you are so chill in your videos. I like it more than those peeps who are way too serious. I can get a good laugh sometimes! ☺️ Keep it up! I'm learning a lot from your stuff!

[@Hello2U4s0e4r]

Watched a few of your videos. I love how real you are with everything. Keep up the great work!

[@codewordzebra]

Love that we get a comedy video as well as a tutorial. Best youtube channel going!

[@ipredic356]

Just got done watching the film, it was really well executed, and very few standard horror clichés. God bless you David, this film had the smallest amount of clichés I think I've ever experienced. Yes, there were a lot of jump scares but they were done in an atypical fashion which I appreciate. The pacing was really fast, there was very little "fat" in this film. It was extremely tight, if I have only really one big critique it was almost too "tight". Frankly, it is strange for me to make this comment because I'm always the first one to bitch about fluffy dialogue and unnecessary scenes that don't drive the narrative forward. But I must say you had absolutely none of that, and it made the film feel like it was moving at an accelerated pace. I am really proud of the work that you've done with this, to achieve what you achieved with a limited budget, unreasonable deadline and as a first time big time filmmaker. Bravo David, well done. I'm right behind you buddy, I will complete my own project one day and I will see you in LA.!

[@jasonchilado]

the dolly I built for the horror movie I'm planning to film are literly 2 long boards with 2 stools stacked on top with a bungee cord to pull it. David even if yours is crappy, trust me there are worst! 😉

[@Bombplayer305]

Good luck on your movie!!!!

[@jasonchilado]

+Jo Robinson thank u!!

[@ThreadBomb]

One day you will be able to afford wheels.

[@arlo4639]

@@ThreadBomb wheels are about as much of a luxury as today's toilet paper

[@raquel8705]

You're honestly the coolest instructor Ive seen.

[@succubunnie]

David you are the only one who can go from scaring the shit out of me to having me die laughing. I fucking love you man 😂

[@sarahdippity]

😂 David, I love your tutorial videos - and sense of humor! I hope you will still be able to find some time to do these videos even though your schedule must be pretty crazy these days in LA! Hi to Lotta!

[@Wuzzysbrand06]

"Now go make a movie." Ok ( ._.)

[@rams6702]

"but david, that doesn't look very secure" "well nO SHIT"

[@AronHolden]

This is everything a filmmaker could ever ask for in a tutorial video. Great to see you in front of the camera, David! 😎

[@gabrielborjas7923]

ponysmaher is honestly one of the best movie channels on youtube

[@tedmichaels]

"You're gonna need a 90 degree piece of metal with holes in it." This man has no illusions on life.

[@Colby-1997]

You should definitely get a show on HGTV with Lotta. DIY shit and stuff. BTW your sense of humor is great.

[@jas_bataille]

I'm gonna make this for my short-film at school!! Great tip from a great guy and director!

[@Mrcoolagainbuzy]

If you could make extensive in-depth Pre-Production, Production, & Post-Production (3D/VFX) Tutorials it would mean life to me and everyone over here. :)

[@BrianReyesFilm]

Good stuff man. I'm unsure why KZbin finally decided to put you in my feed. I could have used this many years back.

[@jamesoniris2647]

This dude is fucking legendary. Heres just a sparks note. - Made several popular horror shorts with his spouse. - Went further into one if his shorts in his first Hollywood movie. - Directed a prequel for a series with a hard following. - Directed the best DC movie ever - Made even more shorts, some while making his other films. - He still uses low budget techniques and equipment to make great shorts. - Dude makes fun of his own art and is really comedic. -AND he has a killer beard. I dream to be like this man.

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

Heck, I've just stuck the tripod right on a skateboard before. Sure, you can barely spread out the legs, but for slow, gentle movements, it can still work.

[@Beraksekebon21]

funny cool dude,the only big budget director that do youtube ,much respect

[@TheOpenmindStudio]

Just starting my third year of University doing film, and only just found your channel today. Man. You have helped so much! I'm so excited to go back now (on top of doing a 15 minute graduation film, I get to do my own 5 minute or so long film, and plan on doing something a bit 'creepy' and scary!) It'll be to do with a Farmhouse, a field, and an outhouse at the other end of the field at night... (Want to play with sound effects and practical effects with no music).

[@DanteSannelli]

You are one of the coolest, down to earth people. Thank you for staying true to yourself. PS: I was poopin' while watching this so thanks for the poster for next time 👍🏼

[@dietwedge]

My Dana Dolly is the best money I've ever spent on camera support / stabilization / movement. This is a great DIY version that actually looks to be somewhat usable...which isn't the case for most DIY stuff.

[@visionaryfilms]

your too awesome! don't ever change! just goes to show you can be a big hollywood director and still be yourself no matter what.

[@MetalTalk666]

You are great! You making Lights out, is such an inspiration.

[@DrQuest44]

I love this guy's sense of humor. :-)

[@jordanhurd1988]

I can't wait to see the bonus features on the Lights Out Blu Ray!

[@earthlinglucy4847]

Lights out was terrifying!! Well done guys :)

[@KaylenaOrr]

I really appreciate when you make BTS and DIY videos, as I find them incredibly helpful. I greatly admire your work and look forward to seeing your continued success!

[@KaylenaOrr]

Also, can you sell that poster? Because I could totally use that in my life.

[@scifieric]

Fantastic. I'm enjoying your sense of humor and the knowledge that you share! Thank you!

[@Sceptomaniac]

none of us thought we were gonna enjoy the video so much

[@klatchabobby]

I only use the gear excuse for feature-length films that I’ve been wanting to make for a long time, but I still make short films with just my phone (and they turn out just fine). Short films are great practice for feature-length films. And, I’m not just sitting around waiting for this camera gear to magically fall into my lap; I’m working long hours to buy it all.

[@notAshildr]

Thank you. I'm currently studying audiovisual media, and I sadly didn't get into the (high end) film study-production but am now in the interactive media study-production that has strict regulations on what equipment we're allowed to use from the media pool, with dollies and camera drones being some of the outlawed things. I guess our production will soon be using a Shitty Dolly (TM) for our filming. And because it's technically a glorified skateboard and some PVC pipe, I really hope it'll slide under the radar.

[@phoenixsapphire9274]

hi David! im also one of your biggest fan. i've written 2 short stories which we filmed for our short film fest in the office. And your short films have always been the source of my inspiration. my husband and I have been planning to make short films of our own too. thanks for all the tips you're posting. looking forward for more films and tips from you and Lotti. 👊 - sammy (Philippines)

[@ponysmasher]

Thank you! Glad to hear that.

[@chrisowens3326]

“But David,” you say “that’s all well and good but I’m a socially awkward introverted weirdo who doesn’t have any friends...” That’s pretty good lol

[@j.jmarlon1417]

you are so awesome man. you have no idea ,how much you inspire me. looking forward to more shorts with you and your wife. oh and annabelle 2.

[@Groucho3321]

I really enjoyed Jumpscare The Movie. At first I thought Hollywood bought your idea and made a shitty movie (probably found footage with a bunch of annoying 30 year old teenagers), but then I looked into it and I saw it was you doing yourself (that came out weird). So I went to the see it and I really enjoyed it, it was refreshing to watch a movie with characters I did not hate all the time, and that has underlying themes such as depression and mental illness. Keep it up man, your work is really inspiring!

[@chris.tijerino]

DAVID, DAVID, DAVID! I ran across this video through a link on someone else's channel. within the first few minutes I had to subscribed . I love your personality! I want to use that poster as a wallpaper on my phone's lock screen. I will definitely continue to follow your videos. thabk you so much for the tutorial, aaaaaand for the inspiration.

[@DrQuest44]

I LOVE your sense of humor!

[@j1d2o3t]

Soo glad I found this channel

[@umeedbandu1]

"But David that doesn't look secure !" "Well no shit " 😂😂😂that part killed me 😂😂🤣🤣

[@EdwardKilner]

Excellent. Subscribed. Delightfully irreverent. You’re a whole lot younger than me, but far more experienced in filmmaking. I wish you well.

[@LukeAyers]

Dude, your videos are so helpful and real and awesome. Thank you for sharing! And well done on your success as a filmmaker

[@Beraksekebon21]

i liked the fact that he admits that his first feature is jumpscare trash ,lol loved u david

[@Keanezz]

Love your artworks!! Such a funny and inspirational director 😂

[@BodyByKetoAndIF]

This had me laughing quite a few times. Your sense of humor is absolutely hilarious to me! Can't wait to see more short films. Loved "Lights Out" the movie, BTW. It made my niece scream out loud quite a few times.

[@piyush4801]

A Hollywood director making video tutorials with humour😂 what a guy

[@carlosalfonsocresporamirez6237]

I just did it and im gonna put in action everything i learned from this channel, wish me luck!

[@AnotherMovieStudio]

Hey, this is an easy trick incase you can’t afford the cheap ass dolly. It’s called Cardboard! You see, if you get some cheap pieces of cardboard and set one on the ground, then put another piece on top (make sure one end is bent slightly to use as a handle) then put your tripod on top of the second piece, then you’ll get a smooth movement. It’s not perfect, but it is a trick I found useful when making shorts.

[@johnnieminajatwa2782]

I LOVE YOU PONYSMASHER! Loved lights out (movie)

[@thekatchat6017]

I freaking love you! so talented!! I really hope you create more amazing films. lights out is my favorite horror movie since IT. keep up the amazing work 😊

[@ponysmasher]

+VomitingUnicorn Love your username! Almost as weird as mine.

[@thekatchat6017]

+ponysmasher 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 THANK YOU !!!

[@hankkingsley9183]

you could get a couple of 2x4s for each end of the track, put a metal U-shaped bracket bug enough for PVC to slide into to anchor the tracks and raise them up 4" off floor so they are stable, for just a few more bucks... make the 2x4s extra long so you can put sandbag on them

[@GamePlayMetal]

"Jump scare the movie" okay with a line like that, it makes sense that you're a RLM fan haha

[@octopusishere]

You're a Swedish national gem, must be protected by all cost!

[@ajartaslife]

Love your freaking humor, dude!

[@EricCarter12]

Nice one David. Very informative and hilarious video. I am looking really forward to your future shorts and of course Annabelle 2. :)

[@EricNietofilms]

I'll put this poster on my editing room for sure!

[@lyndonbaptiste]

I really like your videos. And posters.

[@MartaGervasutti]

Thank you David! You're so right! Not excuses! Many times I curb my craving because of lots of excuses ( maybe I don't have the right camera, the right light, the right camera movements...) or because of laziness ( tomorrow I'll write a new scene, tomorrow, tomorrow....) I think this is the real horror movie!! :-(

[@littletheatrefilms5825]

How large a piece of plywood did you use to make your dolly? I’m grateful you made this video.

[@Avrg3]

made my dolly today. Had to take those wheels back apart so many times.

[@TheAmanduh]

I really need the "good poopin'" poster. I don't always feel confident that I'm pooping good. That kind of encouragement would mean the world when I'm prairie dogging it because of insecure feelings.

[@prenomnom380]

You really are creative, sir!

[@meryjqueen]

Ho scoperto adesso il tuo canale e dopo i primi video ho già deciso che sarà il mio preferito. Bro, sei un fottuto genio. Adoro il tuo cervello. Gli altri registi ti spaventano a livello visivo, tu entri dentro le anime e le torturi. Sei geniale!!!!!!

[@simonling4644]

As an even cheaper option, I've experimented with sliding. Gently place your camera on the floor and with great force push it, the shear sliding should produce a good moving shot, although id probably take of the lens, as it may scrape it. Goodluck. Also any suggestions for a new camera

[@AtrocityEquine01]

Great advice XD. Also I watched Lights Out yesterday David, honestly, I'm blown away. It's just as good as the short, if not better! I also did see your past video talking about the trailer for Lights Out, and I'm impressed you defied the "Trailers Spoils Everything" trope, pretty much without the audience knowing. Can't wait for your next film and good luck :D. Although question, does this mean with you working on big budget films, does this mean no more shorts :(?

[@neilstriker1]

We just made this for a short film-worked perfectly!

[@maiamcguiness46]

Please do more films!!! Id love lights out it was much more scary than the conjuring 1 n 2 together!

[@selfpubcomics]

Hey man, i loved your first feature Lights out. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with Anabelle