Question 1

Why do they call it a Best Boy?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The origin of the name Best Boy is not clear, but it likely harkens back to when roles on set were not as regimented as they are today. The story goes that when someone from the electrical department would need assistance, they would ask for the “Best Boy” for that help.

Question 2

How much does a Best Boy make?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

It’s challenging to determine an annual salary for any role in the filmmaking world, as it always depends on a number of factors. That being said, a Best Boy who gets regular work and is part of IATSE – meaning being part of a union – can earn anywhere between $50,000 and $100,000 in a given year.

Question 3

How do you become a Best Boy?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Like nearly every other position in filmmaking, a person aspiring to become a Best Boy will start out in a more entry role such as an intern or Production Assistant within the electrical department to learn how that department functions. With experience and a strong professional network, though, that person can rise through the ranks to become Best Boy in likely a few years’ time.

Question 4

What is the Best Boy's job?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

The job duties of a Best Boy include:

Works side by side with the Key Grip
Runs the company Grips
Delegates workload
Stays up-to-speed on available lighting and rigging gear
Maintains inventory of gear
Ensures broken gear gets fixed

Question 5

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Yohan Herman · Accepted Answer

“I think the biggest mistake people make is having too much of an ego. A lot of kids come out of college thinking that they’re a lot, and that’s their biggest weakness. Most people coming out of film school think they know Grip work because their Professors told them so, but they don’t have any practical experience. Their career is just beginning and by trying to show how much they know they’ll be losing opportunities to learn. Be humble.”

Question 6

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Yohan Herman · Accepted Answer

“Pride gets in the way of people reaching their potential. They are not humble enough to work on what they think are lowly projects, which results in them not getting the experience they need to improve. Then they’ll step into a situation where it’s demanded and [they’ll] be overwhelmed.
“Working in the Grip Department is based on practical experience. Everything that I learned was from someone else. The best thing I could do was to be teachable. You will have a multitude of teachers. Discern which ones are good teachers and which are lesser teachers, but everyone can teach you something. Never be too good for a job, or to learn something new.”

Question 7

Why is it called Best Boy?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

The origins of the term “Best Boy” are rather misty. However, multiple sources do suggest that the title is a reference to the early days of the film industry when the heads of the Lighting and Grip Departments would request assistance from the ablest apprentice on the crew. At this point in history, much of the film crew would’ve been male, hence the department heads would ask for the “best boy” available.
These days, anyone can be a Best Boy, regardless of gender identity.

Question 8

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Yohan Herman · Accepted Answer

“What is the department’s culture that a person is stepping into?
“Each department has a little bit of a different culture. I try and fight against the Grip culture because it’s rough and crude. Grips can have rough edges and be misogynistic but I try to change that.
“Also, at the higher levels, a lot of that bad behavior is not tolerated as much. I try to hire people who are respectful and I’m hoping the Grip industry changes. By understanding a professional culture, a person can prepare themselves for the challenges ahead that may be more social than career-related.”

Question 9

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Yohan Herman · Accepted Answer

“What other advice do you have?
“Learn to work well with other departments. A lot of times, certain departments will be just kind of insular and not willing to help others. They cultivate an air of superiority which holds the project back and makes everyone’s lives more difficult. It’s very useful to be able to work with a larger team.
“The Grip Department is composed of a few individuals and the whole crew is made up of a few departments. They must work together the same way individuals do. A lot of people overlook that fact.”

Question 10

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Yohan Herman · Accepted Answer

“Learning.”

Question 11

What does Best Boy mean?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Best Boy refers to the person hired to be the primary assistant to the Gaffer on a film or television production.

Question 12

What is a Gaffer and a Grip?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The Gaffer is the head electrician on a production. A Grip is someone who sets up and takes down the lighting equipment for a production.

Question 13

What is a Key Grip salary?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

What the Key Grip, the person who heads up the grip department, makes on a job depends on multiple factors, including their experience, the nature of the production, the volume of work available in a given year, and their membership in a union. For this reason, the average salary of a Key Grip can fluctuate wildly from person to person.
On average, though, a Key Grip can expect to make anywhere from $35,000 to $75,000 in a given year.

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