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How to Build a Track for a Camera

Independent filmmakers create films without the help of a large budget from major motion picture production studios. For a low budget independent film, it's often necessary to improvise the tools being used in the filming process to create serviceable substitutes for expensive commercial products. A PVC-pipe dolly track is an easy way to create a guide to assist with moving your dolly. Once placed atop the PVC track, a dolly can be moved in a straight, steady path to create a tracking shot.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 wood 1-by-3 planks
  • 4 PVC end caps, 1-1/2 inch diameter
  • PVC pipe, 1-1/2 inch diameter
  • Camera dolly
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two planks as wide as the dolly your camera will be sitting on.

    • 2

      Drill a pair of holes in both planks, 1 inch in from each 3-inch side, centered across the 3-inch width.

    • 3

      Drill a hole through the center of each end cap.

    • 4

      Secure a pair of end caps to the plank through the holes drilled in the planks, so the caps on each plank point in the same direction.

    • 5

      Cut two pieces of PVC as long as the desired tracking dolly shot.

    • 6

      Secure one end of each pipe into the end caps on one plank, then secure the caps on the remaining plank to the other end of the two pipes.

    • 7

      Lay the track out in the location of the tracking shot.

    • 8

      Place the dolly atop the PVC pipes, with the sets of wheels straddling the two PVC pipes.

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Film Production

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