What is a Grip on a Movie Set? Job Description and Duties

What is a Movie Grip

First, let’s define Movie Grip

Part of understanding “What is a Grip” is knowing that there are actually a few different flavors of Grip on a movie set. But the main Grip job is to set up the equipment that shapes the light for each scene. Here's a proper Film Grip definition before we jump into the specifics of the role. For a complete guide to the major roles in film production, check out our ultimate guide to film crew positions.

Technically, and especially on union shows, Grips are not permitted to handle any of the actual lighting instruments. A good way to remember this is to think, “Movie Grips don’t have any power."

However, in practice there is a lot of crossover in the Grips department. The common distribution of labor (especially on smaller budget shows) is that part of the Grip film crew works under the Gaffer as Grip-Electric (G/E), and another part of the Grip film crew works under the Key as Riggers. This video explains it a little bit better:

And let’s not forget cable pullers, who trail the camera crew and keep the camera/dolly path clear for a smooth shot. So, what’s it like to work as a Grip for film? Let’s discuss that next.

Movie Grip Job Description

Film Grip tools and tips for success

Now, if you’re wondering “what is a Grip’s most important asset?" The most important skills you’ll need to acquire as a Grip in the film industry are strength and stamina. They are often the first part of the crew to arrive on set and the last to sign out for the day.

To maintain your energy and stamina, the first thing you’ll want to do is invest in is some good shoes. It might sound strange, but good shoes go a long way toward keeping up your energy over a long shooting schedule.

You’re going to be on your feet about 90% of the day, so your work shoes need to be sturdy but lightweight. They should also have good arch support to minimize strain on your back and joints.

Now that we've covered "what does a Grip do," let's talk more specifically about the essential Film Grip tools and equipment. It helps to know some of the basics of the job before you get to the set. So, let’s look at the gear you’ll be using the most.

FILM GRIP SET LIFE

Know your Film Grip equipment list

Any Film Grip equipment list starts with protecting your hands. You’ll want a well-fitting pair of leather Film Grip gloves that both enhance your grip and protect you from injury.

You should also pick up a strong belt that allows you to carry your entire Film Grip tool kit like the one pictured below.

There are cables to be coiled, C-stands to be folded up, rigging to be taken down, silks and reflectors to be folded and stashed. And all of that needs to be inventoried to be sure that nothing’s been left out in the wild.

Any damaged gear needs to be reported to the Key Grip, or to whomever the Key assigns to keep track of inventory. As it gets put back on the truck, all the gear needs to stay neat and organized. A disorganized grip truck not only leads to damaged equipment, but also short tempers and production time lost.

But there is one thing that will definitely endear you to the crew, even on your first day: knowing how to properly wrap cable. This video will show you the proper technique, but you’ll still need to take the initiative and practice, practice, practice.

The following list is what you can expect to find in even a small Film Grip equipment list that might be rented for a low-budget show. If you’re unfamiliar with some of these, a quick image search will help. 

One thing to note is that there is a lot of slang specific to set life that you’ll pick up as you go along. But a good one to know ahead of time is that a “head” (as in “head cart”) means the lamp itself. 

• C-Stand (Century stand) — This sturdy light stand has three different legs that can be adjusted to accommodate steps; a long metal “arm,” and a round clamping head called a gobo.
• Clamps — There are all different kinds of clamps you’ll use on set. Everything from C-47s to Cardellinis and beyond. These hold gels to lights, lights to walls, and diffusion to whatever it takes.
• Cucoloris (“cookie”) — A type of flag with shapes cut into it that creates the look of tree branches, window shades, etc.
• Kino Flo — A bank of fluorescent bulbs used for soft light.
• HMI — A powerful hard light that can be used in place of sunlight.
• Flags — Black, light-absorbing cloth (duvetine) stretched on a metal frame and used to block out areas of light in all different sizes.
• Screens (single, double) — Mesh on a metal frame used to cut the intensity of light without blocking it out.
• Butterfly — A large sheet of fabric used to diffuse a wide area of light.
• Stingers — Extension cords (Practice wrapping them correctly).
• Fresnel — Pronounced “fruh-NELL,” this is a hard-lensed light that comes in different sizes. Each size of fresnel has a different nickname. You’ll learn these on set.
• Barn Doors — A metal frame with metal flaps that attaches to the head. It shapes and focuses the direction of the light.
• Chimera (soft box) — A cloth frame that attaches to a hard light and turns it into diffused light.
• Gels — Colored and transparent sheets that change the color or color temperature of the light.
• Diffusion — Softens the light or knocks down the intensity.
• Gaffer tape — Strong fabric-backed tape that is easily removed when no longer needed. Used for all kinds of things on set.
• Apple box — Different sized (quarter, half, full, pancake) wooden boxes used for a variety of purposes.  
  
  

The cool thing about being a Grip for film is that it’s the kind of job where you can easily learn everything as you go, and you’ll learn it very quickly. So don’t worry if you’re totally inexperienced.

The veterans will show you what you need to know, along with best practices. Just remember to stay hydrated, stay energized, and pace yourself. Read on for a complete glossary of filmmaking terms.