Question 1

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

Les Tomita · Accepted Answer

“Don’t allow the stress of the job to show. Don’t betray your real emotion. If you’re uncomfortable, you just can’t show it. If you do, everyone around you is uncomfortable. Calmness is infectious.”

Question 2

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

Les Tomita · Accepted Answer

“The advice I give to newcomers is this: no matter your opinion, keep it to yourself until you have the experience. Even if you see things you don’t like, keep it to yourself — don’t be a know-it-all. Don’t voice an opinion unless you have one that makes a lot of sense.”

Question 3

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

Les Tomita · Accepted Answer

“Ask the right questions and find the right mentors. In my career, I followed the lead of the mentors that I felt were the forerunners of the new generation, doing things the proper way. I didn’t follow the cowboys doing the drinking and the drugs. I followed the old-school, professional filmmakers. Your reputation is all you have in this industry and you just don’t need a big personality to make it.”

Question 4

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

Les Tomita · Accepted Answer

“Good hiring (two words!). I hire the right people. I’m just the spokesperson, and the industry is not rocket science. The ability to keep my mouth shut, step back and do my job, that’s key. And I make mistakes every day, but I have the blessing of amazing crew members who will talk to me and make me consider something different. They are brilliant minds and that’s why I hire good people.”

Question 5

What is the Grip in film?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Grip is a person who works on a film set and is part of the team that works with the equipment needed for the proper set up of the camera and lighting for a film.

Question 6

What is a Grip vs. Gaffer?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Gaffer is a Film Electrician. They work directly with the electrical cabling and other equipment needed for a movie. A Grip is a technician who works with all complementary equipment, such as tripods, dollies, or cranes, that are often needed as well for a shot or scene in a film.

Question 7

How much do Film Grips get paid?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

How much a Film Grip is paid depends on several factors, including their union status, their specific title, and the number of jobs they book in a given year. Individuals who have risen to the position of Best Boy Grip or Key Grip may earn anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 annually.

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