whats the difference between a gaffer and a grip

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.

Full Answer

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.

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.

What is the role of the gaffer?

The gaffer is responsible for designing and executing the lighting plan. They work directly with the Director of Photography to achieve the desired look. They will provide the power needed for for the lights, and work with the Key Grip to shape the light. The Best Boy in the Electric department is the head assistant to the gaffer.

Is gaffer above key grip?

The key grip coordinates the rigging on the film set similar to how the gaffer coordinates the lighting. The key grip works with the gaffer to convert lighting positions.

What does a grip person do?

A grip is a technician who sets up, operates, and maintains the rigging and equipment that supports the camera (i.e., dollies, cranes, tracks, jibs, tripods, process trailers, etc.) and lighting (stands, diffusers, nets, etc.) to achieve the director and cinematographer's desired shot.

What does a grip do in Theatre?

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.

Why do they call them grips?

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).

How much does a grip get paid?

As of Oct 13, 2022, the average annual pay for a Grip in the United States is $40,302 a year.

Do you need a degree to be a grip?

Even though most key grips have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

Is grip a hard job?

Grip work is usually some of the most strenuous physical labor on a production. Tasked with building, rigging, and operating all camera and lighting support, as well as implementing indirect lighting techniques, grips provide the foundations for any production. The term “grip” is a carryover from the theater.

How much does a best boy grip make?

WHAT IS A KEY GRIP SALARY? 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.

How much do grips make UK?

Entry level positions start at £38,038 per year while most experienced workers make up to £42,000 per year.

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 best boy grip in film?

BEST BOY DEFINITION A Best Boy is the assistant to either the Gaffer or Key Grip on set. This means that there are two types of Best Boys: one for electric (Gaffer) and one for lighting/rigging (Key Grip). As the assistants, they are effectively the foreman for their respective departments.

Why is a gaffer called a gaffer?

The term “gaffer” is derived from British slang for a production tool that was used in theatre productions in the past. The tool was a hooked metal pole. This pole was was used to adjust the stage's lights. It was nicknamed a “gaff” which eventually became the term used to describe a gaffer.

What does it mean if you have the grip?

Usually referred to as the flu or grippe, influenza is a highly infectious respiratory disease. The disease is caused by certain strains of the influenza virus.

How much does a best boy grip make?

WHAT IS A KEY GRIP SALARY? 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.

What is a grip crew?

A movie grip is a crew member who works in the film industry. They are responsible for maintaining set safety and assisting with camera operation during shooting. These tasks include moving lights, adjusting lenses, and operating cranes, dollies, or other large equipment.

What is a grip in medical terms?

EPIDEMIC INFLUENZA; COMMONLY CALLED "THE GRIP."

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.

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.

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.