If you work in the Grip Department — or plan to — this is the book.
Michael G. Uva’s The Grip Book isn’t just a reference manual; it’s the backbone of professional grip work across film, television, and commercial production. For decades, this has been the industry standard and a must own for grip of all levels.
My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars!
You can Buy The Grip Book on Amazon here.
Don’t Believe Me When I Say How Great This Book Is?
Check out the reviews on Amazon — Most of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. One 3-star reviewer criticizes the career of being a Grip rather than the book itself — an unhelpful, misguided take that reads more like personal frustration than genuine critique. The lone 1-star review mentions the image quality. While the illustrations aren’t artistic masterpieces, they accurately depict real equipment and serve their purpose perfectly for teaching those new to the craft.
Why This Book Matters
If Harry Box’s Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook is the bible for Electrics, The Grip Book is undoubtedly the bible for Grips.
Every major production department has its cornerstone text — and for grips, this is it.
It’s not written by a theorist or a film student — it’s written by Michael G. Uva, a working Key Grip with decades of hands-on experience in Hollywood. That matters. This book doesn’t just talk about rigging or support systems; it shows you how to do them right, safely, and efficiently — the way real sets run.
My copy has lived in my car for years, going from job to job. It’s filled with sticky notes, and coffee stains. It’s not pretty, but it’s saved me countless times.
Who This Book Is For
- Key Grips, Best Boys, and Grips – If you handle c-stands, setting flags, rigging, dolly track, or jibs — this is your manual.
- Gaffers and Electrics – You’ll gain a deeper understanding of what the Grip Department actually does, which makes collaboration on set a lot smoother.
- Cinematographers – Understanding grip tools helps you control light and movement more precisely — and communicate better with your crew.
- Film Students & Aspiring Crew – This should be one of the first books you buy. It’ll teach you real-world techniques and on-set language you won’t find in film school.
Who It’s Not For
- Hobbyists or YouTubers – This isn’t about cheap light stands and DIY rigs. It’s professional, industry level knowledge.
- People Who Want “Just the Basics” – It’s thorough, sometimes dense. But that’s the point.
- Digital-Only Readers – The Kindle version can be awkward to navigate — the physical book is better for quick reference on set.
What’s Inside
This book covers everything the Grip Department touches — and that’s everything that moves, holds, or shapes light.
Expect sections on:
- Basic Grip Tools
- Rigging and mounting techniques (from cheeseboros to truss systems)
- Stands, dollies, cranes, and jibs
- Car rigs, camera support, and specialty setups
- Safety, knots, and more.
- Working with other departments (Electric, Camera, Art, and Locations)
- Union standards, etiquette, and safety protocols
Every page is packed with diagrams, illustrations, and photos that make complex setups crystal clear — from how to rig a 12x overhead safely to how to mount a car rig that won’t shake your shot to death.
Chapter Highlights
Introduction
A clear, no-nonsense introduction to what grips do, how the department is structured, and where it fits in the hierarchy of a set. Everything from what a Key Grip does all the way to reading a call sheet.
Chapter 1 – The Big Break
A deep dive into Set Etiquette, location etiquette, being a good boss and general tips for professionalism
Chapter 2 – The Essential Equipment
Arguably the heart of the book. Uva’s decades of gripping and rigging experience show — You can learn more about Grip equipment here.
Chapter 3 – Expendables
Covers the typical expendable supplies and equipment you’ll run across on most film sets.
Chapter 4 – Knots
a comprehensive section, featuring the most important knots grips should know. You can also learn more about knots for grips here.
Chapter 5 – Basic Tool Descriptions
Covers the typical tools every grip should carry, and more!
Chapters 6–19
Dives deep into filters and gels, camera mounting, lifts, cranes, jibs, dollies, advanced rigging, and even building grip-specific gear.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason The Grip Book is a staple in North America. It’s not glamorous — it’s practical. And in this business, that’s what keeps you hired.
Uva’s writing style is straightforward, experienced, and sometimes funny. He doesn’t overcomplicate things; he teaches them like a veteran passing knowledge to the next generation.
If you’re serious about working in grip — whether you’re starting out or leading a 10-ton truck — you need this book. It’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your career.
My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars!
You can Buy The Grip Book on Amazon here.
