What is the difference between a grip and an electrician on set?

Electricians handle anything that draws power — lamps, cable, distribution. Grips handle everything mechanical — stands, flags, rigging, camera support. The split is near-universal and worth respecting when giving notes.

Do I need a key grip for a small shoot?

If you are moving the camera on anything other than a tripod, or shaping light with more than a bounce board, yes. Below that the gaffer and camera team usually absorb it.

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Lighting

Key Grip

Heads the grip department. Shapes and blocks light, and builds everything that holds or moves the camera.

The Key Grip Role

The Key Grip heads the grip department, responsible for camera support and for shaping light. Grips build and operate dollies, cranes and camera rigging, and they control light using flags, nets, silks and bounce. The division confuses newcomers: broadly, electric makes light and grip controls it. The key grip works closely with both the gaffer and the DP, and on any production involving significant camera movement or rigging they are among the most consequential heads of department.

What Does a Key Grip Do?Grips rig everything that supports or shapes the camera and the light. The key grip runs that department — and the job is far more structural than the name suggests.Read the full explainer · 5 min read

Key Responsibilities

Head the grip department and manage grip crew
Rig and operate dollies, cranes and camera support
Shape and block light with flags, nets, silks and bounce
Assess and manage rigging safety
Collaborate with the DP and gaffer on lighting and movement
Manage grip equipment inventory and logistics

When to Hire a Key Grip

On any production with camera support beyond a tripod, or with lighting that needs shaping. If you are laying track, flying a crane, rigging anything, or using flags and nets, you need a key grip. Small documentary shoots without camera movement or light control are the exception.

What to Look For

Rigging safety judgement — this is the part that matters most
Experience with the camera support you plan to use
Understanding of light shaping, not just camera hardware
A grip crew they can bring
A working relationship with your gaffer and DP

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FAQ

Key Grip — Common Questions

What does a key grip do?: They head the grip department, responsible for camera support — dollies, cranes and rigging — and for shaping and blocking light with flags, nets and silks. Broadly: electric makes light, grip controls it.
What is the difference between a grip and an electrician on set?: Electricians handle anything that draws power — lamps, cable, distribution. Grips handle everything mechanical — stands, flags, rigging, camera support. The split is near-universal and worth respecting when giving notes.
Do I need a key grip for a small shoot?: If you are moving the camera on anything other than a tripod, or shaping light with more than a bounce board, yes. Below that the gaffer and camera team usually absorb it.

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