tags:
Grip Equipment
Gear Review
Tips & Tricks
Role of the Key Grip
The Key Grip is the Head Honcho, the Ringmaster, the Boss of the entire grip department on every film set. They are in control of all non-electrical equipment on set including camera rigs, dollies, cranes and various lighting support equipment which they use to help the Gaffer and Director of Photography to achieve the desired look and feel of each and every shot you see on screen.
Some key grips like to get involved with setups and shaping and controlling light using flags, scrims and diffusers. Others prefer to take a step back, to see the bigger picture and instruct their team from the monitor. There's no right way, after all they are the boss.
Whatever style they adopt, here’s a full break down of the tools professional key grips carry with themselves on set.
Common Key Grip Tools
Every key grip has their preferred method of operation. Some will carry more, others next to nothing, and there’s no one way that is better.
However, these are the essential tools a Key Grip usually finds themselves carrying throughout the day.
Tape lanyard
Purchase here: Atlas 46
Most grips choose to carry photo black and electrical tape. Small core photo black is the way.
I custom made this one
Tape Measure
Purchase here: Stanley Fat Max
An absolute staple carry to measure a multitude of things. Window for duve blackout, doorway for clearance, ground surfaces for dolly track.
A Fatmax Tape Measure
Green laser pointer
Purchase here: Green Laser
Whether on stage or location, these are great for communicating rigging or gear placement points to crew
The laser pointer in the link is high power so be careful
Note: Green is easier to view than Red
Green laser pointer
Speedwrench
Purchase here: Speedwrench
For Key Grips who like to make quick adjustments themselves.
Speedwrenches
White gloves
Purchase here: Gloves
For those key grips who dare not touch a piece of equipment themselves. Those keys can't get their hands dirty.
It's just a joke, folks
Pouches & Holsters
Curious about my tool holster, walkie holder & tape measure clip? Check out our Film Grip Tool Bags, Belts and Pouches article where we go over a bunch of the different tool holding options available.
Carry What You Need
Key Grips play a crucial role in leading the grip team and ensuring that the technical aspects of film production run smoothly. While the tools they carry varies based on the individual preference, the above equipment is common among professional Key Grips and aids in rig adjustments, gear placement, and general set activities.
My everyday carry (minus the walkie holster)
by:
Legacy Grip
