The Grip Department — The Unsung Heroes of the Film Set
We started HowToFilmSchool back in early 2012 with the goal of helping new filmmakers understand all the important below-the-line jobs that make a production possible. Over the years, one department has consistently stood out as both indispensable and underrated — the grip department.
Grips are often referred to as the workhorses of the film set. They’re the ones who make things move — literally and figuratively. Whether they’re rigging cameras, shaping light with flags and diffusion, or building platforms out of seemingly random pieces of gear, the grip team is the backbone that keeps every shoot running safely and efficiently.
A good grip can save a production time, money, and frustration. They’re often first on set and last to leave, solving complex rigging problems, mounting lights in impossible places, or making sure the dolly track is perfectly level. A skilled grip is worth their weight in gold — a mix of engineer, carpenter, mechanic, and problem-solving ninja.
What Does a Grip Do?
In the U.S. system, grips work closely with the Cinematographer and Gaffer to support and shape light. They handle everything from camera rigs and cranes to diffusion frames and stands. In short, grips provide camera support and light control — two of the most crucial aspects of visual storytelling.
Filmmaker Mark Vargo described it best in his definition of a grip:
“Grips (U.S. System): Indispensable members of a film crew responsible for all means of camera support—either static or moving. And in conjunction with the Cinematographer and Gaffer, they assist in the managing and sculpting of available or generated light. In all matters, grips look after the safety and general welfare of the cast and crew while working on set.”
That last part — safety — cannot be overstated. Grips are responsible for ensuring that every rig, every clamp, and every structure on set is secure. Their work directly affects the well-being of everyone on a production.
The Art of Being a Great Grip
The best grips are creative thinkers. They can turn a handful of C-stands, a few apple boxes, and a roll of tape into a working solution that keeps the day moving. They understand leverage, balance, and light control — and they work quietly behind the scenes to make the cinematographer’s vision a reality.
If you’ve ever watched a grip build something out of nothing, you know how impressive it is. Whether it’s a last-minute rig for a car mount or a diffusion frame made from spare parts, grips have a way of making the impossible look effortless.
Final Thoughts
Grips may not always get the spotlight, but film sets couldn’t function without them. The next time you’re on set, take a moment to appreciate the grip department — and maybe even give your favorite grip a well-deserved hug (after wrap, of course).
Watch Mark Vargo’s short documentary below and see the grip department in action:
