Dolly Grip Dave Shaw: Lessons from 30 years in the Industry

This week on Cinemapodgrapher, new host Josh Calder sits down with one of Australia's most respected dolly grips, Dave Shaw. With over 30 years in the industry and credits on War Machine, Thor: Ragnarok, The Hobbit, Avatar, Eat Pray Love, San Andreas, Furiosa, Nim's Island, and Pete's Dragon, Dave has seen it all from behind the camera. They unpack what it truly means to be a dolly grip, the craft, the instinct, and the trust required to move the camera in harmony with story and emotion. Dave shares how he got his start, the lessons that shaped his career, and the subtle art of reading an actor's performance to match the rhythm of a scene. From collaborating with operators and DPs to working alongside filmmakers like James Cameron and Peter Jackson, this episode dives deep into the communication and collaboration that define great gripping. Dave talks about staying engaged on set, embracing new technology, and why the right attitude, waking up excited to make movies, is everything. And of course, we revisit some of the golden lessons he has passed on to Josh over the years. A masterclass in precision, intuition, and passion for storytelling, this one is a must-listen for anyone serious about the craft of filmmaking.