Last Updated 4 months ago
Definition
A Cheese Plate is a flat metal mounting plate—typically aluminum or steel—filled with an array of precision-drilled holes. These holes are used to attach cameras, accessories, and rigging components in nearly endless configurations. The name “cheese plate” comes from its resemblance to Swiss cheese, with multiple circular cutouts spread across the surface.
Cheese plates are a staple of the grip, electric, and camera departments, providing flexibility in rigging and camera mounting on set.
Purpose and Use
The cheese plate functions as a universal mounting platform, giving filmmakers a way to secure equipment that doesn’t have standard threaded points or requires custom positioning. By offering multiple hole patterns and thread sizes (usually 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16), cheese plates allow for quick problem-solving when assembling rigs.
Common uses include:
- Mounting cameras to car rigs, dollies, or stabilizers.
- Attaching accessories such as monitors, follow-focus systems, or battery plates.
- Serving as an anchor point for grip gear like magic arms, clamps, or rods.
- Acting as a junction between non-standard or mismatched components.
Cheese plates come in various sizes—from small handheld plates for DSLRs to large versions used in vehicle rigs or complex camera builds.
Types of Cheese Plates
- Camera Cheese Plate: Mounted directly onto or beneath the camera body to expand mounting options.
- Rigging Cheese Plate: Used by grips for securing lighting or camera support in unconventional places.
- Vehicle / Hostess Tray Plates: Larger, heavy-duty plates designed for car rigs, suction mounts, or tracking setups.
- Custom Plates: Many productions fabricate their own versions for specific uses.
Material and Design
Most cheese plates are made from anodized aluminum—lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion. The hole layout follows industry standards to match accessories from brands like ARRI, Wooden Camera, SmallRig, and Matthews. Some plates include slots or countersinks for additional rigging flexibility.
Why It Matters
Cheese plates are the unsung heroes of on-set rigging. Their modular design allows crews to adapt quickly to any camera setup challenge, keeping production moving smoothly. For camera assistants, grips, and gaffers, understanding how to use a cheese plate effectively is a key part of professional rigging and problem-solving.
Related Terms
- [Rigging] The process of securing cameras, lights, or accessories in position.
- [Baby Plate] A small mounting plate with a 5/8″ pin for attaching lights to surfaces.
- [Camera Rig] A customized system of mounting components that support and stabilize the camera.