A Curved Dolly is a camera movement that follows a curved path around the subject rather than moving in a straight line, typically achieved using curved dolly track or a motorized arm that allows the camera to arc smoothly through space. The movement combines lateral tracking with a gradual change in camera angle, creating a sense of exploration and revealing the subject from multiple perspectives in a single continuous shot.

The curved dolly is particularly effective for introducing characters, environments, or objects with a sense of significance and drama. By circling around the subject, the camera can reveal details that would not be visible from a static angle, show the relationship between the subject and the surrounding environment, and create a sense of motion and momentum that propels the narrative forward. The movement is smooth, controlled, and cinematic, often used in high-production-value sequences where visual polish and intentional camera choreography are priorities.

In AI video generation, specifying a curved dolly or arc movement helps models understand that the camera should follow a non-linear path around the subject. As AI video tools develop more sophisticated camera motion control, traditional terminology like curved dolly provides the precise directional language needed to achieve intentional, cinematically grounded camera behaviour.