Cinematography: Theory and Practice, 4th Edition

15gripology

Figure 15.1. This standup interview shows that lighting a day exterior calls for a good deal of work by the grips. (Photo courtesy Nicholas Calabria).

Grip work is an important part of the filmmaking process. An understanding of basic grip procedure and equipment is essential for any lighting professional. This chapter will cover the tools and equipment of grip work, standard methods, and general set operating methods.

What is a grip? Grips do many jobs on a film set: they set up and push the dolly, they handle cranes and all “rigging,” which would include hanging lights from a wall, over the side of a cliff, on the front of a roller ...