Laying track is one of the most demanding tasks on a film set — and one of the most underestimated in production schedules. Track laid correctly on a difficult surface, perfectly levelled, produces an invisible camera move. Track installed badly, with imprecise joints or an approximate level, produces perceptible bumps that compromise the shot permanently.
This guide covers the available track types, associated dollies, installation method, and solutions for difficult surfaces.
What types of track exist for cinema travelling?
The choice of track type is the key grip’s first decision during a location scout. It depends on the surface, the required travelling length, the weight of the dolly and camera, and the available logistical budget.
Lightweight aluminium track
Aluminium track is the most common on medium-sized productions. Its weight — around 8 to 12 kg per 1.5 to 2-metre section — makes it transportable without heavy handling equipment. A 12-metre set fits in a standard van.
Available in two configurations: straight sections and curved sections (variable radii from 1.5 to 6 metres). Curved sections enable circular travelling moves around a subject — widely used in advertising for product shots, and in drama for confrontation scenes or set reveals.
Their limit is load capacity: up to 300 to 400 kg depending on the model. For heavy configurations — full dolly, head, camera, operator — steel track takes over.
Steel track — the solution for heavy configurations
Steel track offers superior rigidity and load capacity. Standard europride sections (60x40 mm or 80x40 mm profile) accept loads well beyond one tonne — covering every professional dolly configuration without exception.
The drawback is weight. A 2-metre steel section weighs between 20 and 30 kg. A 20-metre set represents 200 to 300 kg to move — truck required, sufficient crew, significant rigging time. On hard-to-access locations, steel track can become logistically impossible.
Scaffold track — the solution for long exterior runs
Scaffold tube (48.3 mm standard scaffold tube) is used in specific configurations for long exterior travelling moves. Standard construction tubes mounted on saddle clamps and levelled with telescopic scaffold legs.
This is a little-known solution among productions, but greatly appreciated by experienced grips. It allows runs of 30 to 50 metres at logistical budgets below those of specialist cinema track. Its installation requires mastery of scaffold techniques and close attention to fixing safety.
“For a 40-metre travelling on a night exterior for a Prime Video series, we had the choice between ordering 40 metres of steel cinema track — a full truck and two days of rigging — or building an adapted scaffold rig with locally available material. We went with the scaffold, levelled section by section. The shot was perfect and we saved an entire day of logistics.”
The main dolly trucks
The dolly truck is the mechanical interface between the track and the dolly. Its choice depends on track type, the dolly in use, and weight constraints.
Panther — the German benchmark
Panther trucks (notably the Panther Compact and Panther Galaxy) are engineered in Germany and recognised for their finish and rolling smoothness. Their silent ball bearings are particularly valued on sound-sensitive shots where mechanical noise is a risk. The grip pulling the dolly hears immediately if a bearing is failing.
The Panther range is compatible with most professional dollies and accepts standard aluminium and steel track. The Panther Compact is the most common solution on medium-sized European productions.
Fisher — the American standard
Fisher trucks naturally accompany dollies of the same brand. The Fisher Model 10 on a Fisher truck produces a coherent unit whose assembly dimensions are perfectly compatible. The same logic applies to the Chapman PeeWee on its Chapman truck.
On Franco-American co-productions — frequent with HBO and Netflix clients — the question of truck/dolly compatibility arises regularly. A grip familiar with both systems quickly identifies the adaptations required.
Elemack — versatility and compactness
Elemack trucks stand out for their small footprint and light weight. The Elemack Crickett in track configuration is often used for dialogue travelling moves — shots where the length is short (4 to 8 metres) and where speed of set-up matters more than maximum load capacity.
Its rigging is fast — 15 to 20 minutes for a complete 6-metre set on flat ground. Invaluable when the schedule leaves no margin for lengthy installations.
How to install dolly track correctly
Track installation is where the key grip’s expertise makes the greatest difference. Poorly laid track shows on screen. Perfectly levelled track is invisible.
Levelling — the critical step
Each track section must be levelled individually and in alignment with the preceding section. A spirit level is used on each section, adjusting telescopic legs or shims under each support.
The most common mistake is to lay all the track on the ground first and then level it — which produces uneven corrections and mechanical stress in the joints. The correct method is to level progressively, section by section, advancing in the direction of travel.
“I always start from the highest point of the floor. From that reference point, I level toward both ends. It takes 20% more time than laying all the track first, but it avoids stripping everything down after the first dolly pass.”
Joints between sections
Each joint between sections is a risk point. A misaligned joint produces a perceptible bump as the truck passes. The standard test is to run an empty truck through by hand, slowly, and feel each joint manually. A smooth pass with no resistance indicates a correct joint.
On aluminium track, joints are secured by male/female fittings that slot together. On steel track, joints are bolted. In both cases, horizontal and vertical alignment must be verified with a level and straight edge before the installation is considered complete.
Optimal travelling length
Travelling length must be calculated by adding a safety margin at both ends. If the shot requires a 6-metre travelling move, the track must measure at least 8 metres — 1 metre of margin at the start of the run so the truck is already at constant speed before the shot is triggered, and 1 metre at the end to prevent the truck from hitting the stop during filming.
This margin is often overlooked in track length estimates at the equipment order stage. It may seem minor, but it prevents emergency section additions during the shoot.
Travelling on difficult surfaces: solutions and methods
Hardwood floors and hard interior surfaces
Hardwood flooring is a deceptive surface. Apparently flat, it often shows level variations of 2 to 5 mm between boards — imperceptible on foot, unacceptable for a dolly truck. Support levelling is mandatory, even on a floor that looks perfect.
To protect hardwood against marks from track feet, felt or rubber distribution pads are placed between the feet and the floor. On production sets, this precaution is often contractually required.
Earth and grass surfaces
Grass and earth present the problem of sinkage. Track feet gradually sink under the dolly’s weight, causing the trajectory to slowly settle between takes. The solution is to rest the track on 18 mm marine plywood sheets that distribute the load across a wider surface.
On soft ground, the level must be rechecked after the first full-load dolly pass — the first passes often reveal settling that was not visible during installation.
Asphalt and urban exterior surfaces
Asphalt is generally the most favourable exterior surface. Hard, stable, with gradual level variations. Its traps: expansion joints, potholes, level drops at road edges. A precise location scout, done on hands and knees with a hand level, avoids surprises on the shooting day.
For shoots on public roads, laying track often requires a municipal permit and temporary signage. This administrative step must be anticipated several weeks in advance — lead time varies by municipality.
Paved and uneven terrain
Old paved surfaces — cobblestones, irregular stone flags — are the most demanding. Level variations between two adjacent flags can reach 10 to 15 mm. Shims must compensate for each variation individually. On these surfaces, levelling a 10-metre set can take two to three times as long as a flat surface.
An alternative on such terrain: wide-profile track with micrometric screw feet — the “giraffe feet” used by certain manufacturers — which allow fine adjustments without manipulating shims.
Safety and on-set standards
Dolly track presents real hazards on a film set. Poorly secured sections can shift under load; failing joints can cause the truck and dolly to derail.
Mandatory checks
Before each shooting day, the key grip systematically checks the entire installation: stability of each support foot, tightening of all joints, level. This check cannot be delegated.
Track ends must be marked on the floor with brightly coloured gaffer tape — a trip hazard for the shooting crew. Mechanical stops must be installed at both ends to arrest the truck in the event of excessive speed or a false move.
Maximum load ratings
Each track type has a maximum load rating stated by the manufacturer. This rating includes the weight of the truck, dolly, head, camera, operator, and all mounted accessories. It is not unusual for the total to exceed 250 to 300 kg on a full configuration. Verifying that the selected track is rated for this total load is an obligation, not an optional precaution.
For choosing the right dolly to mount on this track, see our complete guide on dolly and travelling. For camera moves requiring height in addition to travelling, see our article on cinema cranes and jibs. Our cinema grip services include track, trucks, and on-set expertise — contact us for a quote.
FAQ
How much track should you allow for a cinema travelling shot?
Track length should exceed the required travelling distance by at least 2 metres — 1 metre of margin at the start of the run (so the truck reaches constant speed before the shot triggers) and 1 metre at the end (to prevent hard stops). For a 6-metre travel in the scene, order a minimum of 8 metres of track. This rule is often overlooked in production briefs and leads to emergency section additions on set.
How do you lay dolly track on an uneven surface?
On uneven ground (earth, grass, cobblestones), start by identifying the highest point of the floor as the level reference. Each track support is then levelled back from that point, section by section, using telescopic legs or shims. 18 mm plywood sheets distribute the load on soft ground. The level must be rechecked after the first full-load dolly pass, as the first passes often reveal settling that was invisible during installation.
What is the difference between aluminium and steel track for cinema?
Aluminium track is lightweight (8 to 12 kg per 2-metre section), transportable in a van, and adequate for configurations up to 300–400 kg. Steel track is heavier (20 to 30 kg per section) but accepts loads well beyond one tonne — suited to heavy dollies such as the Chapman PeeWee in full configuration. The choice depends on the total weight of the dolly/head/camera assembly and the logistical constraints of accessing the location.
How long does it take to install dolly track?
On a flat, favourable surface (studio, smooth concrete), a 10-metre set takes 30 to 45 minutes with two grips. On uneven ground or outdoors, allow 1h30 to 3 hours depending on the length and terrain complexity. Curved track sections (for circular travelling moves) take 20 to 30% extra time for curvature checks. These times must be built into the daily schedule — they are consistently underestimated by production managers.
Can dolly track be rented without a key grip?
Track rental without a crew is possible, but inadvisable without an experienced grip. Incorrect installation — approximate levelling, misaligned joints, inadequately shimmed feet — produces unusable shots and can cause material or personal injury accidents. Cinema grip equipment must be installed by a trained crew. The most effective — and safest — arrangement is to rent track directly from the key grip who supervises its installation and strike.