SOCIALBILITTY • GLOSSARY DEPARTMENT
Grip-department roles, camera-support systems, dollies, cranes, rigging, stands, frames, overheads, and the mechanical tools used to support cameras and shape or control light.
A Company Grip is a Grip assigned to the main shooting company and available to perform the day-to-day grip work required by production. Duties can include flags, frames, stands, camera support, rigging, dollies, diffusion, overheads, and general grip equipment. In Los Angeles grip usage, a Company Grip may also be referred to colloquially as a…
View Definition →A Rigging Grip specializes in installing and removing grip-support systems that must be prepared before photography or remain in place across shooting. Work can include pipe grids, truss, platforms, overheads, camera-support structures, safety systems, and other engineered or load-bearing grip equipment under the supervision of the rigging department.
View Definition →The Key Rigging Grip is the department head responsible for supervising the rigging grip crew and planning the installation, maintenance, and removal of grip rigging systems. The position coordinates with the Key Grip, production, construction, electric, safety personnel, and other departments as required by the work.
View Definition →A Construction Grip performs grip work associated with building, supporting, modifying, or preparing production structures, sets, platforms, rigging points, and related physical systems. The exact scope can vary by production and collective-bargaining jurisdiction, and the work may require close coordination with construction and art departments.
View Definition →A Marine Grip is a Grip working on or around water-based production environments, vessels, floating platforms, docks, marine camera-support systems, or other specialized setups. The work combines normal grip responsibilities with additional coordination and safety requirements associated with marine operations.
View Definition →A Sub-Foreman Grip is a supervisory Grip assigned to lead a portion of the grip crew, a specific work area, or a defined rigging or production task under the department’s senior supervision. The exact duties and use of the title can vary by production and labor agreement.
View Definition →The Key Grip is the head of the grip department on a film or television production. Working closely with the Director of Photography and Gaffer, the Key Grip supervises grip personnel and is responsible for camera-support rigging, dollies, cranes, flags, diffusion, overheads, rigging systems, and other mechanical methods used to support the camera and shape…
View Definition →Best Boy Grip is the traditional industry title for the principal assistant to the Key Grip. The position helps manage the grip crew, staffing, equipment, expendables, timesheets, scheduling, logistics, and coordination with production and other departments. Some productions or jurisdictions may use an alternative title for the same function.
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