The gaffer knows where to put the lights throughout each scene, whereas a grip builds the actual lights. A simple way to look at it is that a gaffer provides the vision and the grip offers the mechanical work. ↑ Back to top What Is a Gaffer’s Average Salary? Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock Gaffers
Gaffer
In film and television crews, the gaffer or chief lighting technician is the head electrician, responsible for the execution of the lighting plan for a production. The term "gaffer" originally related to the moving of overhead equipment to control lighting levels using a gaff. The gaffer's assistant …
What is the difference between a gaffer and a key grip?
The key grip is the head grip, in charge of the labor and non-electrical equipment used to support and modify the lighting. The term gaffer originally related to the moving of overhead equipment to control lighting levels using a gaff. The gaffer's assistant is the best boy.
What is the difference between a best boy and gaffer?
The best boy is the assistant to the grip. They manage the crew members in their department, schedule work and hire equipment. The best boy is responsible for having the right grips and equipment at the right location. What is a Gaffer? The gaffer is responsible for the lighting in the film and runs the electrical department for film production.
What is a gaffer in film production?
The gaffer is responsible for the lighting in the film and runs the electrical department for film production. They determine the set up of lights, while the best boy sets up the lighting arrangement. A solid set of skills will prepare you for a job as the grip, best boy and gaffer.
Do gaffers and grips ever get old?
I'm telling you- this joke does not get old. Gaffers and grips are the same. Think of it like this: the gaffer is theory, the grip is execution. The gaffer knows where the lights should be placed for a scene to look right (sometimes but not always at the direction of the DP or director), and the grip builds the lights to be placed.
Why is a grip called a grip?
The term "grip" is derived from an older term in U.S. theatre where it designated stagehands who moved scenery. U.S. grips typically belong to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
What does grip mean in film?
GRIP DEFINITION Film A Grip is responsible for setting up, rigging, and striking lighting equipment on set. They are also responsible for keeping equipment organized, and sometimes equipment maintenance. A Key Grip in film is the boss of the Grips department.
What is a key grip and best boy?
In a film crew there are two kinds of best boy: best boy electric and best boy grip. They are assistants to their department heads, the gaffer (in charge of electricals) and the key grip (lighting and rigging), respectively. In short, the best boy acts as the foreman for the department.
What does the grip do?
What does a grip do? Grips make sure that what the director and director of photography (DoP) want to achieve on a shoot is possible. While directors think of the artistry of the shots, grips work out how they are going to move the cameras to make that happen.
How much does a grip get paid?
While a film grip's salary is dependent on experience and working conditions (budget, location, hours of work, union status), a 2019 report from Career Trend found that an average salary for grips is $30,000, while dolly grips earn between $200 and $300 per shooting day, according to Saddleback University.
How much do gaffers make?
What Is a Gaffer's Average Salary? Gaffers earn an average hourly wage of $17.26. Data also indicates that salaries typically start around $12.74 per hour and can bump up to $41.26 per hour. As for top-level gaffer earnings, they can start at $41.26 per hour, or $85,825 per year.
How much does a best boy grip make?
According to Forbes, a best boy grip can expect to make $50,00 to $75,000 if they're working regularly. A key grip can expect to make between $60,000 to $100,000 a year. All grips are governed by IATSE, and on union shoots, may find themselves subject to union payment rules.
Is being a grip hard?
Gripping is easily one of the most physically demanding jobs on the entire set, but muscles alone won't get you a callback for more work.
What is the best boy in filming?
THE BEST BOY is a senior electrician on a film crew, coming second in the hierarchy to the "gaffer", the chief electrician. The electricians are responsible for the technical side of the lighting and are known as the "sparks" in this country or "juicers" in the US.
Why is it called best boy?
Legend has it they were called 'best boys' because, back in the day, the people rigging up lighting, electricity or cameras would yell out for a bit of assistance by asking someone to send them 'their best boy'. As in, the best qualified person from their team for the job at hand.
What is a grip slang?
A helpful, interesting, admirable, or inspiring person. You're a real grip. (slang) As much as one can hold in a hand; a handful. I need to get a grip of nails for my project. (figuratively) A tenacious grasp; a holding fast.
What does grip stand for?
GRIPAcronymDefinitionGRIPGlobal Health Research Initiative Program (NIH)GRIPGeneral Rate Income PoolGRIPGet Rid of Incumbent Politicians (political philosophy)GRIPGlobal Reach Improvement Program (US DoD)16 more rows
What does grip stand for?
GRIPAcronymDefinitionGRIPGlobal Health Research Initiative Program (NIH)GRIPGeneral Rate Income PoolGRIPGet Rid of Incumbent Politicians (political philosophy)GRIPGlobal Reach Improvement Program (US DoD)16 more rows
What is a best boy grip in film?
A best boy is the first assistant to the grip crew or the lighting department and fills a number of roles on a television or film set. While the gaffer and key grips work closely with the director of photography (cinematographer), the best boys take care of everything topside to ensure a seamless production.
What is a grip slang?
A helpful, interesting, admirable, or inspiring person. You're a real grip. (slang) As much as one can hold in a hand; a handful. I need to get a grip of nails for my project. (figuratively) A tenacious grasp; a holding fast.
How much does a best boy grip make?
According to Forbes, a best boy grip can expect to make $50,00 to $75,000 if they're working regularly. A key grip can expect to make between $60,000 to $100,000 a year. All grips are governed by IATSE, and on union shoots, may find themselves subject to union payment rules.
What is a Gaffer?
The gaffer is responsible for the lighting in the film and runs the electrical department for film production. They determine the set up of lights, while the best boy sets up the lighting arrangement.
What is a Grip?
The grip is the person in charge of setting up equipment to support the camera in a movie, commercial or television show. The grip sets up the rigging that allows the camera to move around the set to capture footage. The grip works on the camera dollies, cranes, tracks and camera setup.
What is a construction grip?
They also pack and unpack parts of the set. Construction grips build scaffolding and platforms for the camera to get the perfect shot.
How long do best boy and gaffer last?
Physical Stamina & Strength. A grip, key grip, best boy and gaffer are on their feet most of the day Some sets may last for up to 12 or more hours. They are also required to lift heavy lighting and camera equipment. The grip, key grip, best boy and gaffer must keep up with the schedule of a movie set.
What is a dolly grip?
The grip works on the camera dollies, cranes, tracks and camera setup. The grip that manages the cranes and dollies is also called a dolly grip. The dolly grip places the camera at various heights on a platform constructed above a unit on wheels. There is also a construction grip that is responsible for building and breakdown sets.
What is a grip in electrical?
A grip is also concerned with lighting, but from the mechanical side. Where the electricians are concerned with brightness, the grips handle shading, putting up filters, nets, flags, or other objects in front of lights, or setting up large frames to block the sun. Grips are also responsible for the setup and general stability of scaffolds, ladders, and other heavy objects that might come crashing down. The head grip is called the key grip.
Who is the gaffer in the movie?
The gaffer is the head electrician in a movie crew; it's her job to manage the lighting, making sure the levels are appropriate for the desired effect in the scene. The gaffer is assisted by the best boy, and may have a crew of electricians.
The Electrical Department
This department is in charge of all electrical needs on set. That covers everything from powering set lights to powering the coffee machine.
Gaffer
A gaffer is the head of the electrical department. They may also be referred to as the Chief Lighting Technician. The gaffer is responsible for designing and executing the lighting plan. They work directly with the Director of Photography to achieve the desired look.
Best Boy
The Best Boy in the Electric department is the head assistant to the gaffer. They are the second in charge, typically watching over the electric truck and rentals, while managing and scheduling the rest of the electricians and lighting technicians.
Electrical Lighting Technician
They are responsible for getting power to the set. They are also called; ELT, Electrician , Set Lighting Technicians, Lamp Operator, Electric, Spark or Juicer. They not only get power to the lights, but also everywhere on set. This includes trailers, catering, offices, and more.
Generator Operator
For location shoots, films will use generators for power. Generators, commonly called a Genny, produce electricity from diesel fuel. The person in charge of a generator is called the Genny Operator.
Lighting Board Operator
Depending on the size of the set, or the amount of lights, there may be a Lighting Board Operator. These are not common on small sets with a few fixed lights. They are really only used if the scene being shot requires dimmable lights. All the set lights will be run to a control panel that this person will use to adjust and dim the lights.
The Grip Department
This department supports all non-electrical components on set. They set up any gear for the camera, like tripods or cranes.
What Is A Gaffer?
Let’s begin by answering the all-important question ‘what is a gaffer’? During film production, a gaffer is the main lighting technician on the set .
Why do you need gaffer tape?
They will need to ensure that they have all the correct equipment at hand, such as gaffer tape as this will help to maintain the security of electrical cords while on the set. Safety is of vital importance, and the gaffer will watch as filming takes place.
What is the job of the second in command of the Gaffer?
The second in command of the gaffer is the best boy electric. This job role sees the individual help to lead the group of lighting technicians.
What is grip department?
The grip department will specialise in camera rigs, which are used to stabilise cameras while they are on the move. They also specialise in lighting rigs, which help to ensure that special lighting effects can be achieved during filming.
What is the grip crew?
The grip crew are in charge of all of the non-electrical equipment that’s needed during a film production. They keep track of this equipment for the camera operators and the gaffer.
Can you become a gaffer by becoming an intern?
As we previously said, the education route won’t be for everyone and that’s completely fine. There are many options open to you, for example, you could become a gaffer by becoming an intern.
What is a gaffer in lighting?
The gaffer is a chief lighting technician, designing and sometimes executing the lighting plans in a production.
What does a gaffer do on set?
While on set, the gaffer works with multiple crews to execute the lighting plan. The lighting crew, for instance, is in charge of setting up all electrical equipment.
Why do some Gaffers get promoted to the role of DP?
Because of how much Gaffers know, some do get promoted to the role of DP!
What is the job of a gaffer?
When ready for shooting, the gaffer's job is to reposition and tweak the setup per the DP's requests. This might change during filming too, and it's the gaffer's job to make sure the equipment can manage all the tweaks and settings the production requires.
Where did the name Gaff come from?
Fun fact: The name came from a long metal pole called a 'gaff', used to adjust the lighting equipment on set!
Who does the gaffer consult with?
First, the gaffer must consult with the DP and the director so they can express visions for the lighting and then gather equipment and crew to make that setup happen, within the production's budget, of course.
Is film production possible without the work and expertise of the gaffer?
Film production is not possible without the work and expertise of the gaffer.
What does a gaffer do?
As head electrician, the gaffer works with many other film crews and personnel during a motion picture production.
What is a gaffer in lighting?
What Is a Gaffer? The gaffer is the chief lighting technician on a set and is head of the electrical department. The gaffer’s job is to run a team of lighting technicians to execute the lighting plan for a production.
Who is the key grip?
The grip crew is led by someone called the key grip, who coordinates all rigging needs on a movie set in much the same way the gaffer coordinates the lighting needs. The grip crew also has a crew member whose job title is “best boy,” often referred to as the “best boy grip,” and is not to be confused with the gaffer’s best boy, ...
Who is the second in command of the Gaffer?
The gaffer’s second-in-command is the best boy electric, who helps the gaffer lead the lighting technicians.
What Do Gaffers and Grips do? Lightning Round
- Gaffers are in charge of the execution (and sometimes the design) of lighting a scene, and are sometimes credited as the "Chief Lighting Technician"
- Gaffers have the best tape
- Gripsprovide camera support, especially when the camera is in an unusual or unconventiona…
- Gaffers are in charge of the execution (and sometimes the design) of lighting a scene, and are sometimes credited as the "Chief Lighting Technician"
- Gaffers have the best tape
- Gripsprovide camera support, especially when the camera is in an unusual or unconventional position
- Gripsalso help build the lighting equipment as specified by the DP and/or gaffer
Common Mistakes
- Not delegating. Even if you're a team of one on an indie project, there are likely other people around who can help out with some basic instruction. Nothing slows down a project more than one person insisting they can do everything themselves. My dude, that's why you have a crew. As long as you're not asking an actor to help (unless that actor is also a crew member or a close fri…
How Can I Learn to Be A Gaffer Or Grip?
- As with most production jobs, you should start as a PA, observe, then start seeking out promotion in the roles you find most appealing. There's no better way to learn than by doing, at least for hands-on skills.
Final Thoughts
- While frequently misunderstood and overlooked by the general public, gaffers and grips are vital to the efficiency of a production, because they're highly specialized and able to take over the more technical parts of running a set.