Roles · role
Grip
Also known as Company Grip, Lighting Grip.
A Grip builds and operates the physical systems that shape light and support camera movement. Under the Key Grip, grips place flags and diffusion, build stands and mounts, lay dolly track, rig equipment, protect locations, and solve mechanical problems so lighting and camera setups can be executed safely.
Grip is a hands-on technical craft spanning light control, rigging, support, access, safety, and camera movement. The department works closely with electric but generally does not power or operate the lighting fixtures themselves in U.S. production practice.
The same equipment can create serious risk when poorly supported or exposed to wind, movement, people, or vehicles. Good grips combine speed with load awareness, communication, and disciplined hardware use.
Pre-production responsibilities
- Load, inventory, test, and organize grip equipment.
- Assist with pre-rigging, location protection, access, and support plans.
Production responsibilities
- Build and adjust light-control, support, rigging, and movement systems.
- Maintain safe clearances and communicate changes or hazards immediately.
Common questions
Does a Grip handle lights?
Grips shape and support light with flags, diffusion, frames, and rigs. Electric crew normally handles powered fixtures and electrical distribution.
What makes a Dolly Grip different?
A Dolly Grip specializes in moving camera platforms and track, while company Grips cover a broader range of shaping, support, and rigging work.
What does a Grip do day to day?
Day to day, Grip work commonly includes Place flags, nets, diffusion, solids, reflectors, and frames to shape light., Build stands, mounts, platforms, pipe grids, and support structures., and Lay track and support dollies, sliders, cranes, and moving camera systems.. The exact balance changes with the production schedule, crew size, and the point at which the role joins the project.
What skills matter most for a Grip?
The most useful skills are Mechanical problem solving, Light shaping, Rigging awareness, Camera support, and Safe lifting and handling. Together, they help the role make dependable decisions, communicate a clear handoff, and respond to notes or changing conditions.
Which tools and documents does a Grip use?
Common tools include C-stands, combo stands, clamps, arms, and mounts, Flags, nets, solids, diffusion, reflectors, and frames, Pipe, speed rail, rigging hardware, rope, and safety equipment, and Dollies, track, sliders, ladders, lifts, and carts. The role also relies on Equipment lists, Rigging plans, Camera movement plans, and Safety notes so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.
How does someone build experience for a Grip?
Entry paths include trainee, utility, stage, rental-house, or production-assistant experience followed by supervised grip work.
How does a Grip vary by production?
The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. Grip work is highly physical and may involve stages, exterior locations, lifts, vehicles, heights, rough terrain, wind, heat, rain, and overnight schedules.
Production variations
- International production
- Grip responsibilities differ by country; some crews focus more narrowly on camera support and movement than U.S. grip departments do.
Union and local practice notes
- IATSE Local 80 represents grips in its jurisdiction. Union coverage and work divisions differ by geography and contract.
Sources
Educational reference only. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, employer, venue, and production context.