Key Grip - Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Before filming begins, the key grip attends location scouts and meets with the Director of Photography to determine what additional equipment (location-specific motor vehicles, dollies, cranes, mounts, etc.) will be needed, orders and preps required equipment, and transports equipment to the filming location. Once on set, the key grip coordinates with the electric and camera departments alongside the Director of Photography to control lighting and camera setup. As a supervisor, the key grip directs the crew of grips, many with specialized skills such as dolly grips, crane operators, or special equipment operators. The key grip is sometimes credited as the "first company grip."