Crew Positions in the Set Lighting and Grip Departments
Video production requires hundreds of people with different talents to come together as one. Set lighting and Grip are two such teams that are involved with this process. Let’s take a look at the different roles in both teams and their responsibilities.
Set Lighting Department Crew Positions
Gaffer
The Gaffer is the person who heads the lighting department and assigns various responsibilities to the rest of the crew. They are also called Chief Lighting Technicians in different circles. Gaffers communicate directly with the cinematography department to establish the correct lighting for the scene.
They are instrumental in achieving a particular ‘look’ for a video. The Gaffer is completely proficient with all types of lighting equipment and terminology. This is a leadership role, and it’s about managing people as well as other resources.
Best Boy (Electric)
The Best Boy for the electrical department (BBE) handles all the tasks given to them by the Gaffer. They work in a supporting role and typically manage the electricians’ and lighting technicians’ scheduling and resources.
The Gaffer might not have time to look into all the little details of a specific project. It is part of the BBE’s job description to ensure that everything is production-ready. This is a pretty intensive role, and people applying for BBE must have strong multitasking and scheduling skills.
Electrical Lighting Technician
The Electrical Lighting Technicians, or simply Electricians, are integral to a lighting setup. They ensure that your lighting is safe and robust even under severe weather or high usage. The electrician ensures that all the lights are wired properly and connected to the right switches that can be easily controlled.
There are times when a bulb goes out, or there’s an error with the wiring. The electrician is also in charge of light and wiring maintenance and repair. The key to electricians is their ability to adapt to changing conditions. The set might have challenging weather patterns, but electricians ensure everything works as smoothly as possible.
Other Specialized Roles
1. Electrical Rigging
Depending on the size of the set, they can sometimes opt to have a dedicated electrical rigger. This comes especially useful in bigger Hollywood-style movies where hundreds of lights and other electrical equipment need to be handled.
2. Generator Operator
In larger video productions in an area where power is unreliable, production might opt for auxiliary power sources. These generators need a dedicated generator operator to ensure that they are fueled up and ready to go.
Grip Department Crew Positions
Key Grip
Grip refers to anything with non-electrical equipment, and they do not come under the purview of the set lighting team. The Key Grip or Key heads the grip department and all its related roles and responsibilities. The Key Grip is in charge of all equipment under this team and is expected to have in-depth knowledge about them.
Like the Gaffer, the Key also works with the Director of Photography to ensure the vision for the film is realized. They set the safety oversight for the team and also coordinate the grip team with other teams in production.
Best Boy (Grip)
Similar to the Best Boy Electrical, Best Boy Grip (BBG) also plays a supporting role to the Key Grip. While the Key makes the plans, the BBG is the person who brings it to fruition. Their responsibilities also include supervision of several other departments.
Surprisingly, this sometimes also includes transportation and logistics as well. The BBG ensures the grip truck is maintained and all the equipment inside it is available at any time.
Read: The 8 Efficiency Advantage: Why Choose a 3-Ton Grip Truck for Productions
Grip
The Grip is the person who is tasked with all the equipment the Grip department uses. This means the dollies, cranes, tracks, cameras, and booms. Dolly Grips and Crane Operators are assigned separately if it is a huge production.
Another important part of the responsibility for the Grip is the camera setup. The Grip ensures all cameras on set are available and ready to use. This includes camera accessories like tripods, dollies, and other tools.
Other Specialized Roles
1. Dolly Grip
Dolly Grip is the person responsible for creating seamless motion through the camera to our screens. Dolly Grips need good focus and hand-eye coordination to ensure that they can move the camera in a smooth and precise manner. Dolly Grips works closely with the cinematography department to ensure they get the motion and timing spot on.
2. Crane Operator
A crane operator is a more specialized version of the dolly grip. They operate a camera crane, which is a mechanical arm that can move and rotate in different directions. Crane cameras are more common with high-budget movies where an elevated perspective delivers a visual impact to the viewer.
As you can see, several important people in these teams have to work together to make video production go smoothly. If you’re looking for a video equipment rental agency, then Electric Light & Power Company in Dallas is the company you want. We have a huge variety of different equipment that can cover all your video production needs. Visit our website for more information!