What is a Grip in Film? Have you ever heard the term ‘Grip’ in a film making set? If you don’t work before in a production then this term may be new for you. Don’t worry! This article will introduce you with ‘Grip’
Grip is an individual department in film making or any other production. A grip is part of the production team that develops and builds the set for a movie, commercial, or television show.
In the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, grips considered as technicians in the filmmaking and video production industries. They form their own department on a film set and directed by a key grip.
Table of Contents
Who is a Key Grip?
Key grip is the head of the grip department. The key grip with the gaffer and the main camera operator create the main staff whose responsibility it is to build the necessary set according to plot. They have budget responsibilities, including estimates for building costs. The key grip collaborates with camera operators to determine the required grip equipment. He is responsible for overlooking the moving and set-up of cameras, lights, dolly track and all other equipment as needed.
What Does the Grip Crew Do?
During production, the grip team plays a big role. The grip crew supports not only the camera but also electrical departments. The grips do the following:
i) The Grip Department is responsible for movement and security of the camera.
ii) They construct the required set.
iii) The Grips help with lighting support gear and ensure safety of all gear on set.
iv) Operate camera dollies or cranes during each take.
v) It is also their duty to build and maintain all the equipment that supports cameras.
What Kind of Skills and Personal Traits Do You Need to be a Key Grip?
- As a leader, the key grip needs to be patient, precise and concise when instructing crew members to run the grip department smoothly and safely.
- Being part of the grip department is very technical and you need to have practical experience with all kinds of grip equipment such as installing steel cables, taking down cranes or installing cameras in cars.
- Knowledge of carpentry, electricity, and cameras are very helpful to be a key grip.
- A key grip have to be physically fit and active. He hast to work hard and so physical fitness is must.
- Sometimes director of photography may request to key grip to change lighting set up. It is up to the key grip to use creative problem-solving with the equipment they have to achieve the desired effects. If he can satisfy director and DOP by his service, he is a good key grip.
- Grips need to be very flexible during working hours. They work usually only two days a week but for a continuous long time about 12-18 hours a day. If a scene occurs at night to shoot, the grip must work at night. Because the production of the scene is a group effort. Grips will certainly be able to work well with others and be patient. A certain shot may have to take frequently.
- The most important requirement for a grip is experience which is acquired through job training. Significant experience is required to operate camera carrying equipment. The more experience a grip will gain by working on sets, the greater opportunities of employment and promotion he will get.
Final Words
Don’t underestimate the duties that a grip department do. The grip members are responsible for the actual loading and moving of the equipment,that is not an easy task at all. Setting up the stands to support lights or any other hanging elements, setting up dollies and tracks, cranes, building sets, etc. are the core responsibility of them. Besides, they do many related works. Due to the contribution of grip members restless work a shooting day became successful.
