The Grip, under the direction of the Key Grip and Best Boy, is responsible for building and maintaining equipment used to mount and rig cameras, ensuring proper positioning to achieve the desired shots.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Grip- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
The Grip, under the direction of the Key Grip and Best Boy, is responsible for building and maintaining equipment used to mount and rig cameras, ensuring proper positioning to achieve the desired shots.
Role and Responsibilities
- Responsible for rigging (i.e. building) supporting equipment, mounting cameras in various places to get the required shot.
- Plan with the director, DOP, and camera operator to ensure that the movement, angle, and positioning of cameras can achieve the vision for the shot or scene.
- Ensure everything is unloaded, constructed, and prepared for the day’s filming, as planned and directed, during shoot.
- Anticipate and respond to camera movements while planning ahead for the next shot.
- Responsible for the safety of all the equipment rigged and inspiring a sense of security on set.
Works with
- Key Grip
- Best Boy Grip
Qualities - Grip
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you need:
Great knowledge and competency in the technical logistics of the job, including camera-support equipment and the latest technological advances.
Strength and physical fitness in assembling and rigging equipment.
Ability to understand the director’s vision for the film and to help realise this in practical ways.
Knowledge and awareness of health and safety issues on a working film set.
Ability to collaborate, troubleshoot, and work as part of a team.
Interests - Grip
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Grip
Education Route: Courses in film production, cinematography, technical production, or specialised grip training may be useful.
Career Path to Grip: There are no typical career paths for the grip. Often, they would have worked their way through the grip department, starting as a trainee grip.
Career Path from Grip: Best Boy Grip, Key Grip, Specialised Grip roles.
