Key grip
From Free net encyclopedia
In American and Canadian film-making, the key grip is the chief grip on the set. Like a foreman, the key grip directs a crew of grips, some with specialized skills such as dolly grips, crane operators, camera car operators, etc. A grip helps the director of photography get the visual results they are looking for. The grips do everything else such as setting up flags, silks, and nets that shape the light.
Grips are also skilled lighting designers who work closely with the gaffer and director of photography to create shadow, diffusion and other lighting effects. Additionally, the key grip is often the safety monitor of the film set, responsible for safety of all personnel in the presence of theatrical ballistics, pyrotechnics, stunts, and any other potentially dangerous situations and devices operated by other departments.
The term grip is used in slightly different ways in the British and Australian film making. There, a grip is responsible for camera mounting and support, which can include anything beyond a basic tripod.
Lighting however, in British, Canadian, Australian, and American film-making is headed by the gaffer.