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 Dolly Grip is a specialized Grip responsible for building, operating, and safely moving camera dollies and related camera-movement systems. Dolly Grips work closely with the Camera Operator, Director of Photography, First Assistant Camera, and Key Grip to execute precise camera moves, track layouts, marks, and movement timing.
View Definition →A plural form of the term Grip, is essentially in layman terms a handyman or woman, for a film or television production. All grips are represented by I.A.T.S.E. Local 80, and there are others similar tasks that other Grips, such as a Dolly Grip performs.
View Definition →A camera crane is a mechanical camera-support system that moves a camera through vertical, horizontal, or sweeping arcs to create elevated or dynamic shots. Cranes may be manually operated or motorized and can range from compact jibs to large telescoping systems. Grip and camera personnel coordinate their setup and operation according to the equipment and…
View Definition →A C-Stand (Century Stand) is a versatile support stand commonly used by grip and lighting crews to hold flags, nets, diffusion frames, cutters, reflectors, small lights, and other accessories. Its sliding leg, risers, grip head, and arm allow equipment to be positioned and secured around a set.
View Definition →Rigging is the process of installing, securing, supporting, and removing equipment or structural systems used for production. In the grip department, rigging can include pipe, truss, platforms, camera-support structures, overhead points, safety systems, and other hardware needed to position or support equipment. Rigging Grip work is distinct from electrical rigging, although the departments often coordinate…
View Definition →In film and television production, a Grip is a member of the grip department responsible for camera support, rigging, and the mechanical tools used to shape and control light, including flags, frames, diffusion, solids, and related support equipment. The department is led by the Key Grip, assisted by the Best Boy Grip (the traditional title…
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