Best Boy Grip Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of film and television production, the role of the Best Boy Grip is indispensable.

As the industry evolves, so too does the demand for skilled professionals who can handle, maintain, and manage key aspects of a production’s physical necessities.

But let’s pull back the curtain: What’s truly expected from a Best Boy Grip?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the finer points of this role,
• A production manager seeking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the behind-the-scenes world of production,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re introducing a comprehensive Best Boy Grip job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or industry-specific career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Best Boy Grip Duties and Responsibilities

The Best Boy Grip is an essential role in film and television production.

They are the key assistant to the Key Grip, helping to manage the equipment, crew, and set elements that are used in the camera and lighting setup of a scene.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Key Grip in setting up, moving, and maintaining grip equipment, such as camera dollies, cranes, lights, and rigs
• Ensuring the safety of the crew by properly securing grip equipment and setting up safety measures on set
• Managing grip crew members and delegating tasks as instructed by the Key Grip
• Keeping inventory of all grip equipment and ordering new supplies as necessary
• Coordinating with other departments, such as camera and electrical, to meet the technical needs of a scene
• Preparing equipment for transportation between shooting locations
• Inspecting and performing basic maintenance on grip equipment to ensure it is in good working order
• Assisting in creating and implementing plans for complex camera movements and lighting setups

 

Best Boy Grip Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a skilled Best Boy Grip to join our film production team.

The Best Boy Grip is responsible for supervising all grips (lighting and rigging technicians in the film industry) and maintaining all grip equipment under the direction of the Key Grip.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of lighting and rigging equipment, strong leadership skills, and a keen eye for detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist the Key Grip in setting up, maintaining, and ensuring the safety of all rigging and lighting on set
• Supervise and direct the work of the grip crew
• Manage the grip truck and all grip equipment
• Ensure all equipment is returned and stored properly after use
• Perform regular inspections and maintenance of grip equipment
• Communicate effectively with the cinematographer and director about lighting and rigging needs
• Adhere to safety regulations and ensure the safety of the crew

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a grip or Best Boy Grip in the film industry
• Extensive knowledge of grip equipment and its proper use
• Ability to lift heavy equipment and work in various weather conditions
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail
• Commitment to safety

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Best Boy Grip
• Work Environment: This role involves physical labor and requires the ability to lift heavy equipment. Work will often be on location, and may require long hours and weekend work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Key Grip and the Director of Photography.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Contract-based or Full-time, depending on the project duration.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Best Boy Grip Do?

A Best Boy Grip is a crucial role in the film and television production industry, typically working closely with the key grip, who is in charge of the camera and lighting equipment on set.

The Best Boy Grip’s primary responsibilities include managing the grip crew, which is responsible for constructing and maintaining all equipment that supports cameras and lighting.

This includes dolly tracks, cranes, flags, nets, and other necessary equipment.

They also assist in the setup, moving and dismantling of camera and lighting equipment, and ensure all gear is safely secured and functioning correctly.

The Best Boy Grip is also responsible for managing the inventory of grip equipment, ensuring that all necessary gear is available on set when needed.

This may involve coordinating with equipment rental companies or purchasing new equipment as needed.

Apart from these tasks, they also maintain safety on set and ensure the gear and equipment don’t pose a risk to cast or crew members.

Additionally, they may assist in creating shot setups under the direction of the director of photography or the camera operator, playing a crucial role in achieving the visual goals of the production.

 

Best Boy Grip Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Best Boy Grip should possess the qualifications and skills that align with the job requirements, such as:

• Knowledge and experience in film production, specifically understanding the tools, terminologies, and procedures used on a film set.
• Exceptional physical fitness and stamina to handle heavy equipment, to work under challenging conditions, and to stand for long hours.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with the Key Grip, Director of Photography, and other crew members to understand and fulfill their lighting or rigging needs.
• Problem-solving skills to swiftly handle issues that may arise with equipment or during production.
• Attention to detail to ensure safety measures are adhered to on set and all equipment is correctly set up and dismantled.
• Organizational skills to manage and keep track of all the equipment used on set and to ensure equipment is stored properly post-production.
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt quickly to changes in shooting schedule or scene requirements.
• Technical skills to assist in setting up, maintaining, and adjusting lighting and rigging equipment as required.

 

Best Boy Grip Experience Requirements

Best Boy Grips often start their careers in the film industry through entry-level positions such as Production Assistants or other roles related to grip department.

They typically gain hands-on experience in setting up, maintaining, and ensuring the safety of all equipment on the film set.

A minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in film production is usually required to become a Best Boy Grip, with some productions preferring those with experience in larger or more complex shoots.

This experience can be obtained through work on student films, short films, commercials, music videos, or other similar projects.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have developed advanced skills in managing a grip team, coordinating with the camera department, and handling more complex equipment setups.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of film production and may be ready for higher-level roles such as Key Grip.

They may also have experience working on large-scale, big-budget productions.

In addition, a Best Boy Grip should have experience and knowledge of the industry’s health and safety regulations and must be physically fit due to the nature of the work.

 

Best Boy Grip Education and Training Requirements

The role of a Best Boy Grip generally requires vocational training or experience in film production, particularly in the area of lighting and rigging equipment.

Typically, individuals interested in this role start their career by working in lower-level grip positions to gain practical on-the-job experience.

There are no strict educational requirements, but many successful Best Boy Grips have completed a diploma or associate’s degree in film production or a related field.

Courses in these programs usually cover topics such as camera operation, lighting techniques, and sound production.

They also provide hands-on training with the equipment used on set, which is crucial for this role.

In addition to formal education, a Best Boy Grip must have a strong understanding of electrical systems and safety regulations.

They may be required to obtain a certificate in electrical safety or a similar field.

Soft skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork are also essential as the Best Boy Grip often leads a team and coordinates with other departments.

Although not required, membership in a film union or guild can provide further training opportunities and job prospects.

As this is a highly skill-based profession, continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies and techniques in film production is necessary.

 

Best Boy Grip Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Best Boy Grip in the film industry is around $37,000 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can fluctuate depending on the size and budget of the production, experience in the field, and the location of the shoot.

Notably, working on larger film sets in major cities can potentially increase the earnings for this position.

 

Best Boy Grip Job Description FAQs

What is the difference between a Best Boy Grip and a Key Grip?

The Key Grip is responsible for overall management of the grip crew and equipment, overseeing the execution of the cinematographer’s lighting and camera movement plans.

The Best Boy Grip is essentially the Key Grip’s assistant.

They are responsible for coordinating the grip crew, maintaining equipment inventory, arranging equipment rentals if necessary, and generally stepping in for the Key Grip when required.

 

What are the daily duties of a Best Boy Grip?

On a typical day, a Best Boy Grip may be involved in setting up, adjusting, and dismantling equipment; maintaining and inventorying grip equipment; arranging for equipment repair or replacement; and helping coordinate the efforts of the grip crew.

Depending on the needs of the shoot, they may also need to help rig complicated camera setups or assist with setting up dolly tracks.

 

What qualities make a good Best Boy Grip?

A good Best Boy Grip needs to have excellent organizational skills, as they are often responsible for managing and tracking a large amount of equipment.

They also need to have strong technical skills, with a deep understanding of the function and maintenance of various types of grip equipment.

Good physical fitness is also important, as the job often involves lifting heavy equipment and working in uncomfortable positions.

Finally, strong communication skills are key, as they need to effectively coordinate with the Key Grip, the rest of the grip crew, and other departments.

 

Do Best Boy Grips need a degree?

Best Boy Grips do not necessarily need a degree, but many have completed vocational training or degree programs in film or television production.

Experience is often the most important factor, and most Best Boy Grips have worked their way up from lower-level positions on the grip crew.

A knowledge of electrical systems, rigging, and safety protocols is also crucial.

 

What should you look for in a Best Boy Grip resume?

Experience is key when looking at a Best Boy Grip resume.

Look for a history of work in grip departments on film sets, with a clear progression of responsibility.

It’s also important to look for knowledge of equipment and safety protocols, as well as any relevant certifications or training.

Finally, look for signs of good organizational and management skills, as these are key components of the role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we pulled back the veil on the real essence of being a Best Boy Grip.

Surprised?

It’s not just about handling equipment.

It’s about mastering the art of logistics, one piece of gear at a time.

With our handy Best Boy Grip job description template and real-world scenarios, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why halt your momentum?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal aid for precision-crafted job listings or polishing your resume to its finest.

Don’t forget:

Every piece of equipment contributes to the grand production.

Let’s create that spectacle. Together.

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