Education / Lighting & grip
Learn the support systems behind camera movement.
Entry roleThe overview
Grip trainees learn within the grip department, helping experienced crew with camera-support equipment under constant supervision.
Grips work with equipment that supports and moves cameras. A trainee may help prepare, clean, dismantle or move equipment as instructed. The loads and movement involved require specialist knowledge, so enthusiasm is not a substitute for supervision or permission to operate a rig.
Preparation and changes to camera-support arrangements are followed by equipment care and packing.
Your route in
Seek supervised grip trainee work and learn the department’s safety expectations.
Research the difference between a tripod, dolly, track and crane without trying to build a support system yourself.
Use examples of listening to instructions and caring for equipment. Be clear about your lack of rigging experience if you are new.
Confirm who supervises you and ask before touching, operating or changing equipment.
Trainees can develop towards grip responsibilities through experience and appropriate specialist training.
Grip trainees should not operate or rig equipment without appropriate supervision.
Try it yourself
Draw a proposed moving-camera shot. List the questions a grip team would ask about the route, surface, camera and available space.
Check that the drawing describes the creative intention without presenting an untested rig or load calculation.
This is an introduction to UK film and scripted TV, rather than a complete job specification. Grades and responsibilities vary by production.
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