Timothy Troy

What is your job on set:
Dolly Grip

What do you like most about your job?
I like that my job is a creative position. I frequently interact with the directors, cinematographers, actors, and other creative people on the set… and hopefully contribute ideas that make the shots and episodes better in some small way.

Short description what are you doing on set:
I am support for the camera operator – we work together to execute the camera moves required for a shot as designed by the director and cinematographer.
When the camera is on a dolly or crane, it’s my job to move them, and when the camera is handheld, it’s my job to make sure the operator stays safe while they are moving.

What’s the worst thing about your job?
Just the usual downsides of the film business. Long hours, working in the elements.

Other people should learn this job, because…
… they shouldn’t, because I don’t want the competition! No, actually I always encourage people to try the job if they have an interest. It’s a great way to learn a lot about how sets work, how stories get told, and the movie business in general. As a friend of mine once put it, dolly gripping puts you right in the middle of the action, and it definitely makes the day go faster.

How long are you working for Chicago PD/MED/Fire?
I worked the pilot for Chicago Fire, day-played on the first season of Chicago PD, and took a full-time position on PD in season 2, and I’ve been there ever since.