In short: The key grip is the head of the grip department on a production. They plan camera support with the director of photography, manage the grip team and equipment, and set up dollies, track, cranes and rigs on the day. They also coordinate with hire companies and, on public filming, with event managers and the police. For a key grip on a Granary booking, ask for a quote.
A key grip is the head of the grip department, responsible for camera support, rigs and the grip team on the day. On a large production the key grip answers to the director of photography for how the camera moves and is supported. On a small shoot the same person may do the grip work with the gaffer and the camera team.
What a key grip does on a shoot day
- Set up the camera support. Place dollies, track, jibs or cranes where the director of photography wants them, and make sure they are level and safe before the camera goes on.
- Anticipate the moves. Grips watch the rehearsal and change the rig before the take, not during it, so the camera move runs cleanly.
- Handle changes on the fly. When the shot changes, the key grip decides what can be moved quickly and what needs a rebuild.
- Rig and de-rig. Hang, clamp and secure equipment, and take it down again at the end of the set-up.
- Manage the public side. On a location, the key grip coordinates with hire companies, event managers and the police where the shoot affects the public.
A good key grip is quiet and early. The camera team should notice the rig only when it helps them.
Who they work with
The key grip works with the director of photography, who sets the look and the camera plan, and with the camera department, including the camera operator and focus puller. They work alongside the gaffer and the electricians, because flags and stands are shared between departments. ScreenSkills notes that grips help the camera team on tracking and crane shots, so the focus puller and operator rely on them for smooth moves.
On larger productions the key grip also works with the best boy grip, who is the key grip's second in command and often handles paperwork and kit hire. See what a best boy does for how that role fits in.
Kit and skills
Grip work is physical and practical. The core kit is stands, flags, bounce, apple boxes and camera support. Our own studios include C-stands, flags, bounce and apple boxes in the grip kit, and a flag is a frame covered in black fabric, held on a C-stand arm to shade light. Check any specialist rig with a competent person before use.
Skills that matter most:
- Knowing the weight, load and safe working limits of each piece of kit.
- Working at height only with a trained person and a proper risk assessment.
- Planning the rig before the day starts, rather than improvising on set.
- Clear communication with the camera team, the gaffer and the production office.
- Patience with long set-ups and a sense of when to stop.
How to become a key grip
ScreenSkills describes the route in stages:
- Start as a grip trainee. Trainees assist grips with camera support equipment.
- After two years as a grip, take the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Competence for Grips. This allows entry to the list of certified grips kept by the Grips Branch of Bectu, the media and entertainment union.
- After a further two or three years qualified, take the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for Advanced Grips.
ScreenSkills also recommends its free e-learning, including the Passport modules, which it describes as essential for some production roles. ScreenSkills also suggests its events, local film offices and LinkedIn for networking.
Do you need one on a small shoot?
- A talking head or a locked-off camera: usually not. Stands and a few flags can be set by the crew.
- A studio day with a cove and house lighting: a grip helps with stands and flags, but the basic kit is already in the room.
- A dolly move, a crane or a shoot with several set-ups: yes. The rig and its safety need a person who knows the kit.
This page is general guidance only. Any rig, crane or dolly move needs a competent person to assess the actual job.
Related roles
Sources
- ScreenSkills, Grip, film and TV drama job profile, read 5 November 2026
Related guides
Questions we get asked
What does a key grip do on a film set?
The key grip runs the grip department. They work with the director of photography to plan camera support and rigs, set up equipment on the day, anticipate camera moves and manage the grip team and the budget for equipment.
What is the difference between a key grip and a gaffer?
The key grip is responsible for camera support, rigging and the grip team. The gaffer is responsible for the lighting. The two departments work side by side, and on a small shoot one person may cover both jobs.
How do you become a key grip in the UK?
Most people start as a grip trainee and work as a grip for several years. ScreenSkills describes a route through a Level 2 and then a Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence for grips, with Bectu's list of certified grips reached at the first stage.
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