Saturday, September 29, 2007

Laying Circle Track

This one scares more people than anything I think. I get more calls asking for advice on this one than any other. The reason is, no matter how perfectly you lay it, it always dips and raises as you go around it. My advice, treat it like you would straight track. Find the highest point and go around till one rail is level, then come up to it. Realize that you will never get it to the point where it stays down and perfectly level (also, there's usually not time) . It's the nature of the beast. If you're on it, you are probably on a fairly wide lens anyway so you have some leeway. Don't overthink it. If you spend all your time trying to get it perfect you will literally never be ready to say "bring me a head." If it moves a little, it's no big deal. It's honestly never been an issue on any job I've done. Some people get a long 2x4 and go across it to level it and this is fine I'm sure. Everyone has their own way of doing it and no one is sure their way is the best. Again, don't over think it. We actually fabricated a 6' diameter circle track for one movie and while tight, it worked like a charm. If you have to, add some sandbags to the inside of the dolly for counterweight.

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