Umair Gaines
Grips and electrics are an essential part of any film or television production. They are responsible for providing the lighting and electrical equipment necessary for filming. Grips handle the camera equipment and lighting stands, while electrics provide power to the lighting, audio, and camera equipment. Both roles require a high level of technical proficiency and the ability to troubleshoot problems. Those interested in working as a grip or electric can gain experience through internships or entry-level jobs on sets, as well as courses offered by community colleges and technical schools. It is also beneficial to join a union, such as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), to access more work opportunities and benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Role | Grips are responsible for setting up and maintaining the technical equipment necessary for filming. |
| Technical equipment | Lighting stands, rigging, camera mounts, cranes, dollies, and temporary structures. |
| Responsibilities | Adjusting the placement of lights and other equipment, moving equipment between locations during filming, and ensuring equipment is working properly. |
| Electricians' role | Providing electrical power to the equipment used during filming, including lighting, audio, and camera equipment. |
| Electricians' responsibilities | Maintaining and testing electrical equipment to ensure safety, assembling and disassembling equipment. |
| Skills required | Technical proficiency, knowledge of lighting equipment and electrical systems, ability to troubleshoot problems, familiarity with basic hand tools, physical fitness. |
| Entry requirements | Experience through internships or entry-level jobs on sets, a background in electrical engineering or mechanics, courses in lighting and electrical systems. |
| Unions | International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). |
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What You'll Learn
The role of grips and electrics in film and TV
Grips and electrics are essential to the film and TV industry. They are the unsung heroes who set the stage, turn on the lights, and make the on-screen stars shine. They are technicians who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything is ready for the director to call "action".
Grips are in charge of building, handling, and operating the equipment that supports the camera and lighting. They work closely with the camera department to provide camera support, especially if the camera is mounted on a dolly, crane, or in an unusual position. Grips also work with the electrical department to create the lighting setups required for each shot. They are responsible for assembling and operating equipment such as tripods, dollies, tracks, jibs, cranes, and static rigs, which are constructed of delicate yet heavy-duty parts. Grips may also specialize in operating camera dollies or cranes and are often the first to arrive and the last to leave the set.
Electric crew members, on the other hand, handle any elements on set that require electricity. They work under the direction of the gaffer, who is the head of the electrical department. The gaffer coordinates with the director, key grip, and best boy to ensure that all lighting elements come together successfully for each shot. They select lighting gels, bulbs, and diffusion filters, and electricians work under them to handle the placement of lighting instruments and power distribution.
On smaller productions, the roles of grip and gaffer may be combined into a single position that reports to the cinematographer or director of photography. This hybrid role can perform all the functions of a larger G&E team, provided there are no complicated light setups or camera rigs.
Both grips and electrics require a lot of technical knowledge and experience, as well as physical strength and stamina to handle and move heavy equipment.
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The importance of creativity and problem-solving
Creativity and problem-solving are fundamental skills in various industries, including the film industry. On a film set, the grip and electric crew are responsible for managing and manipulating light, as well as handling and operating essential equipment for productions. This involves a lot of technical knowledge and experience, but creativity and problem-solving skills are also crucial.
Creative problem-solving is a process that encourages exploring open-ended solutions and developing new perspectives. It involves generating ideas in response to a problem (divergence) and then narrowing them down to a shortlist (convergence). This balance between divergence and convergence allows ideas to turn into concrete solutions. For example, a grip crew member may need to find a creative solution to a problem with lighting equipment, such as rigging lights in a unique way to achieve the desired effect.
In addition to fostering innovation, creativity in problem-solving can lead to increased efficiency and cost savings. It enables individuals to view problems from different perspectives and come up with novel solutions. For instance, a creative approach to a logistical issue in a company might involve reimagining the entire supply chain, potentially resulting in a more effective and sustainable solution.
Creative problem-solving also involves embracing failure and learning from it. It is important to avoid immediate judgments and negative language when brainstorming, as these can hinder the creative process. Instead, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and exploration will lead to innovative solutions.
Overall, the importance of creativity and problem-solving in the grip and electric crew is evident. By combining technical skills with creative thinking, crew members can effectively solve the various challenges that arise during film productions and contribute to the overall success of the project.
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Technical skills and physical demands
Working as a grip or electric technician requires a high level of technical proficiency and physical fitness. Grips are responsible for setting up and maintaining the technical equipment necessary for filming, including lighting stands, rigging, and camera mounts. They also adjust the placement of lights and other equipment to maximise their effectiveness and may be required to move equipment between locations during filming.
Grip and electric technicians work together to provide the lighting and electrical equipment necessary for filming. They need to be familiar with lighting equipment and electrical systems, as well as have the ability to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. Basic hand tools are also essential, as grips and electricians frequently assemble and disassemble equipment.
The electrical department is responsible for providing electrical power to the equipment used during filming, including lighting, audio, and camera equipment. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all equipment on set, maintaining and testing the equipment to ensure it is safe to use. Electricians work with the gaffer and the cinematography team to design the lighting, and they must understand the capacity of their equipment and the power supplies they are pulling from.
Grips are in charge of the non-electrical equipment for the lighting and camera departments, including dollies, cranes, and camera support. They assist the camera operator during handheld shots, guiding them and holding the camera between takes. They also do all the rigging and have the equipment to block or "cut" light, such as flags mounted on C-stands.
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Unions and work opportunities
Joining a union can bring many benefits and work opportunities. Unions are especially important for electrical workers, as the professional entertainment world is made up of freelancers, and unions can provide benefits, protections, training, and security.
Unions such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offer members fair pay, decent benefits, and opportunities to advance. The IBEW is the oldest and largest of the electrical unions, with 750,000 members. The union offers comprehensive training, which can lead to more career opportunities. Union members also have the power to negotiate their pay and working conditions, and they enjoy stronger retirement security.
Joining a union can also give you access to a network of potential job opportunities. Unions often have relationships with companies and can inform their members of new jobs or promotions. Unions also provide job security through collective bargaining and protection from arbitrary employer actions.
To join an electrician's union, you can start by searching online for local unions in your area. Almost every country has an electrician's union with local chapters. You can then contact them to find out about the application process and any qualifications or paperwork required. You may also need to be a licensed electrician or participate in an apprenticeship program.
Union apprenticeships are offered through a partnership between the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractor's Association (NECA) within the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC). These apprenticeships are known for being high-quality and rigorous, and the union compensates apprentices with standard wages. However, gaining admission to these apprenticeship programs can be challenging due to the unions' rigorous hiring expectations.
Overall, joining a union as an electrical worker can provide numerous work opportunities and benefits, including better pay, job security, and retirement plans.
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Lighting and electrical equipment
The grip department works with all non-electrical equipment for the lighting and camera departments. Grips are in charge of setting up and maintaining technical equipment, including lighting stands, rigging, and camera mounts. They may also adjust the placement of lights and other equipment to maximise their effectiveness. Grips handle lighting equipment, manage the camera's movement and rigging, and ensure sets and rigs are safely built and maintained. Dolly grips, for example, handle camera dollies, a wheeled platform that allows cameras to be pushed or pulled smoothly for shots that require movement.
Both grips and electricians require a high level of technical proficiency and physical fitness. They must be able to troubleshoot problems and have knowledge of lighting equipment, electrical systems, and basic hand tools. Grips and electricians work together as an arm of the camera team, requiring good communication and coordination.
To become a grip or electrician, one can gain experience through internships or entry-level jobs on sets. It is helpful to have a background in electrical engineering or mechanics, and many community colleges offer courses in lighting and electrical systems. Joining a union, such as the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), can also provide more work opportunities and benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Grips are responsible for setting up and maintaining the technical equipment necessary for filming. This includes lighting stands, rigging, and camera mounts. They also adjust the placement of lights and other equipment, and move equipment between locations.
Electrics are responsible for providing electrical power to the equipment used during filming, including lighting, audio, and camera equipment. They also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all equipment on set.
The best way to think of the difference is: from the generator to the light is the electrical department, and from the light to the lens is grip.
The best way to get started is to gain experience through internships or entry-level jobs on sets. It's also helpful to have a background in electrical engineering or mechanics, and to take courses in lighting and electrical systems.
Similar to grips, you can gain experience through internships or entry-level jobs on sets. You can also join your local branch of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
