Key grip

The job

Head of the grip department. In prep you plan camera support and movement with the DoP and director, recce, order kit, hire the grips and agree the budget. You write the risk assessment for every rig.

On the shoot you lead the grips, build the big moves and often run the dolly. On public locations you help keep the shoot safe, working with hire companies and, where needed, the police.

A typical day

At the truck first, checking the day's kit.
Watch blocking with the DoP and operator and decide how to make the move.
Brief the grips and best boy, then build or supervise the rig.
You may run the dolly on takes.
Between setups, plan ahead and order specialist kit.
At wrap, check kit and crew for tomorrow.

Your judgement often decides whether a rig goes up. If a move can't be done safely, say so and offer the alternative: a different mount, a slider instead of track, a longer lens.

Skills

Deep knowledge of grip kit, cranes and rigging.
Planning and risk assessment.
Leading and hiring a crew.
Budgeting and dealing with rental houses.
Close collaboration with the DoP and operator.

Who you report to

You report to the DoP and production manager. The best boy grip, dolly grip, grips and trainees report to you.

How people get in

Key grips come up as grips, dolly grips and best boy grips. Bectu certification and the Level 3 Diploma for Advanced Grips are usual. ScreenSkills publishes a key grip skills checklist.

Next step up

Key grip on larger productions. Some move into rental-house management or specialist crane and remote-head work.

The key grip makes every camera move possible and safe.