A grip is a technician in the film and TV drama industries responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining the rigging and equipment that supports the camera, such as dollies, cranes, tracks, jibs, tripods, process trailers, and lighting equipment like stands, diffusers, and nets
. Grips work closely with the director of photography (DoP) and the gaffer, shaping lighting and moving the camera to achieve the desired shot
. There are different types of grips on a film set:
- Company Grip : Also known as the third grip, this person works on set and is guided by the key grip
- Construction Grip : This grip builds and dismantles sets, clears obstacles, adjusts set pieces, and builds platforms for cameras
- Dolly Grip : This grip manages the cranes and dollies, placing the camera at various heights on a platform constructed above a unit on wheels
The key grip is the department head who works directly with the gaffer and cinematographer, ensuring that the camera movement and lighting are executed as planned
. To become a grip, one typically starts as a production assistant or loader, shadowing professional grips and learning the trade firsthand
. With experience and knowledge, a grip can expect to work a lot on set, eventually advancing to best boy grip or key grip
. Physical stamina, strength, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge are essential for a grip to successfully work on a film set
