Grips, Gaffers, and Best Boys: The Grip and Electric Departments
A great article explaining just what exactly grips and electrics do. Something to forward to your parents and relatives.
http://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/grips-gaffer-best-boys-grip-electric-departments/
The best way to think of the difference between electrics and grips is:
From the generator to the light is the electrical department. From the light to the lens is grip.
In addition, the grips are also camera support. Not only in charge of dollies and cranes, but also assisting the camera operator during handheld shots. Guiding the operator so he/she doesn’t fall, holding the camera between takes, etc.. And the grips do all the rigging. If you need to put up a light that cannot be done normally with a stand, the grips will give you a point for that light. And the grips will safety/tie down lights that need to be tied down (moving cars, condors, scissor lifts, process trailers, etc.). A great grip is invaluable.
As the article no doubt hints at, it can get a little fuzzy at times. People get very defensive of their department which can cause friction and anger. Who is in charge of the ladders and bags for the lights? Who powers up the grip truck? Who gives the dolly grip a dolly bump? What if the DP asks a grip to focus a light or asks an electrician to move a flag? In general, use common sense and work together.
Okay, here are my fuzzy answers to the fuzzy areas.
Q: Who is in charge of the ladders and sandbags for the lights?
A: The grips provide all ladders and sandbags. Normally, the grips will almost always bring a ladder to a light that needs it and bring sandbags for the stands. However, it is not their duty to bring them to you! If they don’t, it’s usually because they can’t. So if you need a ladder or a bag, just ask the grips where they are and grab one. The reality is that the two departments work together. If the electrics are busy, the grips will support the electrics with a smile. If the grips are slammed, get your own ladder and sand bag.
Q: Who provides C-Stands for the Kino’s?
A: This is often a real bone of contention and can cause some serious friction. Fixtures like Kino Flo’s don’t use a regular baby light stand but a C-Stand. Which, in case you didn’t know, are grip stands. Electrics normally do not carry C-Stands. Or at least, never used to. A gaffer should order all the stands for all lights. Which includes C-Stands if you use lights that need C-Stands. So, on bigger and longer shows, I will always order my own C-Stands and C-Stand cart.
HOWEVER, I almost never order C-Stands for little jobs or short commercials. Too big of a hassle and I can always use the grip departments c-stands. If you work with nice grips, it’s never really an issue. I mostly work with nice grips :-)
But as a gaffer, when in doubt or working with a new Key Grip, order your own c-stands. And as a key grip, you do have to provide c-stands for the kino’s if the stupid electrics didn’t order them. I mean, you can’t tell the DP that he/she can’t use certain lights because you won’t share your c-stands.
Q: Who powers up the grip truck?
A: Nice electrics (or a nice teamster) will run a stinger to grip truck and power it up. However, often on a longer show I will give the best boy grip a stinger for the run of show so the grips can plug the truck in themselves. No big deal. But at the end of the day, it is the electrics responsibility to provide power to the truck or at least provide an outlet for the grips to plug into.
Q: What about the dolly if it needs a bump?
A: Most dollies need power to pressurize the hydraulic fluid for the boom arm. We call this.. a bump. A good electric will always have a dolly bump stinger standing by next to the dolly without asking. #impressthegaffer
No gloves?! Must be a grip (or the Gaffer) taking out a double.
Q: What if the DP asks a grip to focus a light or asks an electrician to move a flag?
A: If it’s a simply little thing, just do it and do not get offended either way. We all are just working together to make a shot. Unfortunately many a Gaffer (or Key Grip) will get mad if the DP asks a grip to move a light (or an electric to move a flag). Are you really that insecure about your job? It doesn’t really matter unless it becomes a habit and it begins to make you look bad. Either way, usually the DP is only asking a grip to move a light because you are never on set (as in - BE ON SET) or you are slammed with a million things (as in - THE GRIPS ARE HELPING YOU).
For that matter, DO NOT do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing. For example, as an electric, do not move a menace arm rig without the key grip being there. As a grip, do not turn 18Ks on and off!
Anything beyond a simple thing, I will go to the grip channel on my walkie and tell the Key Grip that he/she is needed on set.
Q: As an electric, do I really have to run power to the coffee maker?
A: YES! It’s your job. It’s also your job to run a stinger to the producer if they want to charge their cell phone. It’s your job to run power to the hair dryer for the hair/make-up dept. It’s your job to put up a light for the script supervisor. Just do it!
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