The Grip Book, 5th Edition

The Grip Book, 5th Edition

by Michael G. Uva
Released December 2013
Publisher(s): Focal Press
ISBN: 9781135018092

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Book description

Gain the essential skills of a professional grip to become the jack and master of all trades on a movie or television show set. Discover vital insider tips ranging from how to operate cutting-edge rigging and lighting equipment to performing difficult camera mounts on aircraft, boats, cars, and trains.

In The Grip Book, Fifth Edition, seasoned Hollywood grip Michael G. Uva teaches you to install, set up, maintain, and ensure the safety of all equipment on a set, such as C-stands, cameras, and any specialty gear needed for a shoot. Guidelines for on-set etiquette and how to succeed as a technical crew member will jumpstart your career and make you a valuable asset on any film or television crew. This newly enhanced edition marks the 25th anniversary of a Focal Press classic and has been updated to include:

    • A 4-color insert covering greenscreen setup

    • Technical expertise on maintaining the latest and greatest filmmaking equipment

    • Engaging how-to videos on the companion website (www.focalpress.com/9780415842372) which demonstrate techniques described in the book

    • A completely new test section with over one hundred questions and answers, allowing you to quiz yourself on the techniques and concepts you’ve just read

    • Guidelines on what a grip has to be physically able to perform in their day-to-day duties

    • A European-specific appendix that features a table of European grip terms and their American equivalents 

Whether you are a professional grip looking to boost your skills or an aspiring one just beginning to learn the trade, the time-tested tips and techniques for smooth and safe operation on set make this new edition an indispensable reference guide.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Half Title
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright Page
  5. Dedication
  6. Table of Contents
  7. Contributing Companies, Manufacturers, and Suppliers
    1. Contributing Companies
    2. Manufacturers and Suppliers
  8. Note from the Author
  9. About the Author
  10. Acknowledgments
  11. What Could Happen on Your Way to the Throne!
  12. A Bit of Encouragement
  13. Companion Website
  14. 1. Introduction
    1. What This Book Is About
      1. About the Equipment
    2. A Professional’s Tips on the Trade
      1. Self-Test
    3. Getting Started
    4. A Little Grip History
    5. The Grip Department
      1. Key Grip
      2. Best Boy Grip
      3. Grips
      4. Grip Zones
      5. High Person
      6. Hip Pocket Grip
      7. Call Time
    6. A Typical Day for a Grip
      1. Setting Up a Shoot
    7. Call Sheet
      1. Front Side of Call Sheet
      2. Back Side of Call Sheet
      3. Warehouse Stages
      4. How It Goes on the Set
    8. Grip Job Description
      1. Tools
      2. Physical Requirements
      3. What to Expect; the unexpected
      4. Pace on the Set
      5. What Key Grips Like
    9. Warning/Disclaimer
    10. The Big Break (Strictly for the Brand-New Grip!)
    11. Ron’s words
    12. Set Etiquette
      1. Call Time
      2. New on the Set
      3. Offering Expert Advice
      4. Offering a Hand
      5. Can We Help?
      6. Don’t Be a Hero
      7. Titles
      8. These Are Always Out of Line for Crews
      9. Wrap Time
    13. Being a Professional Crew Member
      1. An Eager Attitude
      2. How to Get Hired Again
      3. How Not to Get Hired Again
      4. Personality Problems
      5. Résumés
      6. Peer Evaluation
      7. Your Voice Mail Message
      8. Company Vehicles
      9. Examples of Bad Bosses
      10. My, My, My
      11. Being a Good Communicator
      12. Teachers and Students
    14. Being Professional When You’re Boss
      1. The Morning of the Shoot
      2. Always in Line for Production
      3. Always Out of Line for Production
      4. Filling Out the Time Card
      5. Crew Issues to Address
      6. From Other Departments
    15. Location Etiquette: Getting Along with Locals
    16. Some Thoughts on Equipment
      1. Crews and Their Own Equipment
      2. The Professional Look
      3. Health on the Set
    17. Last Thoughts and Parting Advice
      1. “Juices”
      2. Success and the Ego
      3. Financial Responsibility
    18. Ron Dexter’s Suggested Book and Source List
      1. Sources
      2. Publishers
  15. 2. Essential Equipment
    1. Apple Boxes
    2. Baby Plates
    3. Bar Clamp Adapter Pin
    4. Basso Block
    5. Bazooka
    6. Bead Board Holder
    7. Big Ben Clamp
    8. Branch Holder
      1. C-Clamp Branch Holder
      2. Tree Branch Holder
    9. Cable Crossovers
    10. C-Clamps
    11. Camera Wedge
    12. Cardellini Clamp
    13. Chain Vise Grips
    14. Clipboard
    15. Condor Bracket
    16. Cribbing
    17. Crowder Hanger/No Nail Hanger
    18. Cucoloris
    19. Cup Blocks
    20. Dots and Fingers
    21. Drop Ceiling Scissor Clamp/Cable Holder
    22. Drop–Down, 45-Degree Angle
    23. Empty Frames
    24. Flag Box/Scrim Box
    25. Flags and Cutters
      1. Cutters
    26. Flexarms
    27. Furniture Clamp
    28. Furniture Pad
    29. Gaffer Grip
    30. Grid Clamp
    31. Grifflon
    32. Grip Clip
    33. Grip/Electrical Stage Box
    34. Grip Helper
    35. Grounding Rod/Spike
    36. Hand Truck
    37. Ladder
    38. Lamppost System (by Backstage Equipment)
    39. Mafer Clamp
    40. Matt Pipe Adapter Baby
    41. Matt Poles—Polecats
    42. Meat Ax
    43. Miniboom
    44. Muscle Truck/Cart
    45. No-Nail Hanger/Crowder
    46. Offset Arms
    47. Parallels
    48. Pipe Clamp, Baby
    49. Pipe Clamp, Junior
    50. Pony Pipe Clamp
    51. Poultry Bracket (Matthews)
    52. Putty Knife
    53. Reflector
    54. Reflector Slip-Ons (Scrims)
    55. Sandbags
    56. Scrims–Grip
    57. Single Net
      1. Double Net
      2. Lavender Net
      3. Silk
    58. Scrims, Butterfly Kits
      1. Silks
    59. Scrims, Flex
    60. Side Arms
    61. Stair Blocks
    62. Stand Adapter Pin
    63. Stands
      1. C-Stand
      2. C-Stand Operation
      3. Lowboy Stand
      4. Reflector (Combo/Light) Stand
      5. Overhead (High Roller) Stand
      6. Overhead Stand Usage
      7. Stand Extensions (Riser)
    64. Studio Overhead Grip Arm
    65. Taco Carts
    66. T-Bone
    67. Telescoping Hanger-Stirrup
    68. Trapeze
    69. Trombone
    70. Tube Stretcher
    71. Tubing Hanger
    72. Turtle
    73. Umbrella
    74. Wall Bracket (Set)
    75. Wall Plate (Junior)
    76. Wall Sled
    77. Wall Spreader
    78. Wedges
  16. 3. Expendables
    1. Automatic Tape Gun (ATG) Tape (Aka Snot Tape)
    2. Baby Powder
    3. Bead Board
    4. Black Wrap
    5. Bobbinet
    6. Butcher Paper
    7. Clothespins (C-47s)
    8. Drywall Screws
    9. Dulling Spray
    10. Duvatyne
    11. Foam Core
    12. Grip Chain
    13. Laminated Glass
    14. Layout Board
    15. Lexan
    16. Penny Nails (#8 and #16)
    17. Plywood
    18. Pushpin
    19. Sash Cord #8
    20. Show Card
    21. Silicone Spray
    22. Spray Glue
    23. Spray Oil
    24. Staples
    25. Stovepipe Wire
    26. Streaks “n” Tips®
    27. Tapes
      1. Camera Tape
      2. Double-Faced Tape
      3. Gaffer or Grip Tape
      4. Paper Tape
    28. Visqueen
  17. 4. Knots
    1. Bowline Knot
    2. Clove Hitch Knot
    3. Half Hitch Knot
    4. Square Knot
  18. 5. Basic Tool Descriptions
    1. Standard Screwdriver (Common or Blade Type)
    2. Phillips Screwdriver
    3. Reed and Prince Screwdriver
    4. Files
    5. Hacksaw
    6. Lineman Pliers
    7. Torpedo Level
    8. Crosscut Saw
    9. Circular Saw and Blades
    10. Drill Bits
    11. Mat Knife
    12. Tape Measure
    13. Reel Tape Measure
    14. Claw Hammer
    15. Personal Tools
      1. Personal Tool Belt
      2. Everyday Basic Tools for a Grip’s Personal Toolbox
      3. Power Tools
      4. Useful Items to Also Carry
      5. Recommended Personal Gear
      6. Clothing for Sets
      7. Clothing and Items for Location
      8. Personal Electronic Equipment (A Must)
  19. 6. Filters and Gels
    1. Fluorescent Light Filters
    2. Tungsten Conversion Filters
    3. Neutral Density Filters
    4. Daylight Conversion Filters
  20. 7. The Rental House
    1. Day 1
  21. 8. Techniques for Mounting the Camera
    1. Speed-Rail® Tubing and Fittings
    2. Power Grip or Super Grip (Mounting Technique)
    3. Camera Clamp
    4. Minislider SR-71 Dolly (Mounting Technique)
      1. SR-71 Dolly Features
    5. ShowRig Truss System
  22. 9. Cables, Slings, and Hardware
    1. Miniature Cable
    2. Wire Rope
      1. Wires
      2. Strands
      3. Core
    3. Spreader Beams
    4. Sling Types
    5. Dynafor MWX Miniweigher
    6. Glossary of Cables and Slings
    7. Staging Systems
      1. Ferrellels
      2. Steel deck
  23. 10. Lifts
    1. Condors and Cherry Pickers
    2. Scissors Lifts
    3. Suppliers
    4. Additional Equipment
  24. 11. Cranes, Jibs, Arms, Dollies, and Heads
    1. Cranes and Communication Systems
    2. Spotting the Post
    3. Motorized Cranes
  25. 12. Cranes Mounted on Wheeled Bases
  26. 13. Lenny Arms
  27. 14. Cablecam
    1. General Information
    2. CableCam Motion Control System
  28. 15. Dollies
    1. Doorway Dolly
    2. Western Dolly
    3. Tube Dolly
    4. Fisher #11 Crab Dolly
      1. Features
      2. Standard Accessories
      3. Optional Accessories
    5. Fisher #10 Crab Dolly
      1. Standard Accessories
      2. Optional Accessories
    6. Fisher #9 Crab Dolly
      1. Specifications
      2. Features
      3. Standard Accessories
      4. Optional Accessories
    7. Chapman Pedolly
    8. Chapman Peewee
    9. Chapman Super Peewee IV
    10. Chapman Hustler
    11. Chapman Hustler II
    12. Chapman Hustler III
    13. Chapman Hustler IV
    14. Chapman Hybrid
    15. Chapman Hybrid II
    16. Chapman Hybrid III
    17. Chapman Sidewinder
  29. 16. Precision Cadillac Track and Chapman Lencin
  30. 17. Fluid and Remote Heads
    1. Flight Head (Remote)
    2. Hot Head (Remote)
    3. Kenworthy Snorkel Camera Systems (Remote)
    4. Libers III (Remote)
    5. Oppenheimer Spin-Axis 360 Head (Remote)
    6. Pearson Fluid Head
    7. Power Pod (Remote)
    8. Weaver/Steadman Fluid Head
    9. Weaver/Steadman’s “ds Remote™” (Remote)
  31. 18. Field Operation
    1. All Good Levels
      1. Leveling the Subfloor
      2. Lay the Plywood
      3. ABS/Sintra
    2. Dance Floor Wedges
    3. Setting Your Dolly Marks
    4. Accessorize Your Dolly
    5. An Exterior Tee Marker
    6. Dollies
    7. Laying Dolly Track
    8. Installing the Dolly on the Track
    9. Making a Correction
    10. Marks
    11. Courtesy Grease Cover
    12. A Complement of Tapes (Dog Collar)
    13. Setting Dolly Planks
    14. Rolling Track Cart
    15. Dolly Tricks of the Trade That Will Help You
    16. Stake Bed Racks (Grip Manufactured)
      1. Ladder Rack Setup
    17. The “Putter Scooter” (Butt Dolly)
    18. Other Butt Scooters (Putter Scooters) (Grip Manufactured)
      1. Butt Rail Dolly (4 ft. Long Shown)
      2. Shopping Cart Dolly
      3. Dolly Ramps
      4. Protective Caps for Dolly Track (Made from PVC)
    19. Quick Tricks
      1. Rain Proof Your Microphone
      2. Truck Load Chart
      3. Make a City Skyline on a Set
      4. Aircraft on Flatbed
      5. Cover Unwanted Sprinklers
      6. Shower Caps
      7. Hiding a Frame’s Edge
      8. Tying Down an Eazy-Up Leg
      9. Proper Bagging (“See, the Full Weight Is off the Ground”)
      10. Wind Stick on Floppy Flag
      11. Push Pin in Crouch Tip (for Ready Use)
    20. Tape Shim
      1. High-Roller Transport
      2. Camera Safety Shields
      3. Making Diffusion Frames
      4. Using Newspapers at a “Cutter and Light Diffusion” (Cleaver!)
      5. Chinese Lamps with “Rubber Dip” Black-Out Paint on Top
    21. More Tricks
      1. Bus Roof Mount (Key Grip: Rocky Ford)
      2. Plumber’s Putty
      3. Cutting Rope
      4. Use a Tennis Ball as a Safety Cover
      5. Wall Seams
      6. Use Wood under Feet (on Any Lawn)
      7. Mark Your Equipment
    22. Just Don’t!
    23. Another Don’t!
    24. DON’T Be a PIG!
      1. Blue Screen: Building the Structure
      2. Tying Down a Platform System
      3. Setting a “Wag” Flag
      4. Freshly Painted Floor Protection
      5. A “Walk & Talk” Scene
      6. The Cloud
      7. Movie Trucks
      8. Catering Truck
      9. Called a Hoodie! (Simply a Tug and a Trailer)
    25. Green Screen
      1. Mounts
      2. The Insert Trailer
      3. Hard Gels
      4. Dollies
    26. Rigging on Stage and Location
      1. The Perms
      2. The Perms/Rafters
      3. Meat Axe
      4. Rigging
      5. Mock-Up Cockpit
      6. Set Bracing
      7. Set Snow
      8. Sets
    27. Rigging on Location
      1. Rigging of the Face of a Building
      2. Building a Cove to Black Out a Window/Porch
      3. Rigging a Lamp on Parallels
      4. High Hat Package
      5. The Cloud
      6. Making a Burrito Roll
  32. 19. A Professional’s Tips on the Trade
    1. Grip Test
      1. Grip Test #1
      2. Test #1 Answers
      3. Grip Test #2
      4. Test #2 Answers
      5. Grip Test #3
      6. Test #3 Answers
      7. Grip Test #4
      8. Test #4 Answers
      9. Grip Test #5
      10. Test #5 Answers
  33. North American/European Grip Appendix
  34. Glossary
  35. Index

Product information

  • Title: The Grip Book, 5th Edition
  • Author(s): Michael G. Uva
  • Release date: December 2013
  • Publisher(s): Focal Press
  • ISBN: 9781135018092