The Key Grip leads the grip department, overseeing camera rigging and lighting setups. They are a senior, highly experienced professional responsible for managing the crew and coordinating equipment.
Videos on the Web
- Key Grip- from: Youtube Search
The Work
The Key Grip leads the grip department, overseeing camera rigging and lighting setups. They are a senior, highly experienced professional responsible for managing the crew and coordinating equipment.
Role and responsibilities
- Responsible for helping arrange rigging cameras for filming.
- Head of the grip department (lighting and rigging technicians). This is a senior role for a highly experienced professional.
- Collaborate with the director and director of photography in pre-production to understand their vision of how the project will look and decide on the requirements of the production.
- Hire the appropriate personnel to get the job done as required.
- Decide what support equipment is required to get the desired shots, as well as the vehicles and crew needed to get the equipment to various locations.
- Work with the director of photography and camera operators during filming to determine what grip equipment is needed and where. This includes dollies, cranes, camera placement, and rigging on any stationary or moving object.
- Plan ahead for the following series of shots during filming.
Works with
- Director
- Director of Photography
- Camera Operator
- Director of Lighting
- All of the Grips Department
Qualities - Key Grip
Is this role right for me?
For this role, you need:
Creativity, technical skills, and experience.
Ability to understand the director and the director of photography’s (DOP) vision for the project and how to achieve this technically.
Ability and knowledge to be able to source the required crew and equipment while working to a budget and schedule.
Leadership skills and experience in managing a team of grips, standbys, and other crew with the ability to delegate and communicate effectively.
Ability to problem solve and adapt to the constantly changing conditions on a film set due to weather, budget, schedule etc.
Strong understanding of camera movement, equipment, and the latest advances in technology.
Interests - Key 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 - Key Grip
Last Updated: May, 2025
Pay & Salary - Key Grip
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available
