How to use
- Copy the installation command and review the source package before installing it in your own agent environment.
- Check the source document for required tools, credentials and supported hosts.
- Describe your input and desired deliverable; review the output against the source material.
npx skills add https://github.com/kevinbadi/blender-skills --skill dolly-rotateBefore you start
- Installation does not include a model subscription, API allowance or permission to access your files.
- Repository stars and installation counts describe activity, not an independent quality or security test.
Original skill document
Rendered from the source repository. Headings, examples, code, tables, links, and referenced images are preserved.
Dolly + Rotate Camera Animation
Camera dollies forward while simultaneously rotating around the product, creating a dynamic sweeping reveal that's more engaging than a straight zoom or static orbit.
When to Use
- User wants a "dynamic" or "sweeping" shot
- User says "dolly", "move and rotate", "sweeping reveal"
- More cinematic than a simple turntable
Parameters
| Parameter | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
duration | 5 | Video length in seconds |
fps | 24 | Frames per second |
rotation_degrees | 90 | How far to rotate during the dolly |
start_distance | 4.0 | Starting distance |
end_distance | 2.5 | Ending distance |
start_height | 2.0 | Starting height |
end_height | 1.5 | Ending height |
Flow
Step 1: Set Up Camera Rig
python
import bpy, math
bpy.ops.object.empty_add(type='PLAIN_AXES', location=(0, 0, 0.05))
tgt = bpy.context.active_object
tgt.name = 'DollyTarget'
bpy.ops.object.camera_add(location=(2.5, -START_DISTANCE, START_HEIGHT))
cam = bpy.context.active_object
cam.name = 'DollyCam'
cam.data.lens = 40
trk = cam.constraints.new(type='TRACK_TO')
trk.target = tgt
trk.track_axis = 'TRACK_NEGATIVE_Z'
trk.up_axis = 'UP_Y'
# Parent camera to target for orbital rotation
bpy.ops.object.select_all(action='DESELECT')
cam.select_set(True)
tgt.select_set(True)
bpy.context.view_layer.objects.active = tgt
bpy.ops.object.parent_set(type='OBJECT', keep_transform=True)
bpy.context.scene.camera = camStep 2: Animate Dolly + Rotation
python
TOTAL_FRAMES = DURATION * FPS
scene = bpy.context.scene
scene.frame_start = 1
scene.frame_end = TOTAL_FRAMES
scene.render.fps = FPS
# Frame 1: start position
tgt.rotation_euler = (0, 0, 0)
tgt.keyframe_insert(data_path='rotation_euler', frame=1)
cam.location = (2.5, -START_DISTANCE, START_HEIGHT)
cam.keyframe_insert(data_path='location', frame=1)
cam.data.lens = 40
cam.data.keyframe_insert(data_path='lens', frame=1)
# End: rotated + closer
tgt.rotation_euler = (0, 0, math.radians(ROTATION_DEGREES))
tgt.keyframe_insert(data_path='rotation_euler', frame=TOTAL_FRAMES)
cam.location = (1.5, -END_DISTANCE, END_HEIGHT)
cam.keyframe_insert(data_path='location', frame=TOTAL_FRAMES)
cam.data.lens = 50
cam.data.keyframe_insert(data_path='lens', frame=TOTAL_FRAMES)
# Default BEZIER interpolation for smooth cinematic feelStep 3: Render + Encode
Same as turntable — PNG sequence with Cycles, encode to ProRes 4444.
bash
ffmpeg -y -framerate 24 \
-i "~/Desktop/Blender Videos/dolly_rotate_frames/%04d.png" \
-c:v prores_ks -profile:v 4444 -pix_fmt yuva444p10le \
"~/Desktop/Blender Videos/dolly_rotate.mov"
