Key grip

In American film-making, the key grip is the chief grip on the set. Like a foreman, the key grip directs a crew of grips, some with specialized skills such as dolly grips, crane operators, camera car operators, etc. Grips' responsibilities are to help the director of photography get the look they are looking for, a Gaffer will work only with the lights the grips will do everything else such as setting up flags, silks, and nets.

Related Topics:
American - Film - Grip - Dolly grip - Crane operators - Camera car - Director of photography - Gaffer

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Grips are also skilled lighting designers, working closely with the gaffer and director of photography to create shadow, diffusion and other lighting effects. Additionally the key grip is often the safety monitor of the film set, responsible for maintaining safe working conditions across all departments, including overseeing the safe use of theatrical ballistics, pyrotechnics, stunts, etc.

Related Topics:
Gaffer - Director of photography - Theatrical ballistics - Pyrotechnics - Stunts

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The term grip is used in slightly different ways in the British or Australian film making. In the British and Australian film industries, a grip is responsible for camera mounting and support, which can include anything beyond a basic tripod. Lighting in British, Australian, and American film-making is headed by the gaffer.

Related Topics:
British - Australia - Tripod - Gaffer

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