What is the key grip in a movie?

[jefferywilson]

I am not familiar with these titles and I was reading online about the Grip job in the industry. What is the key grip in a movie? I did not understand it. Can someone please explain it to me?

 

[Maura N.]

The Key Grip plays an essential role on set.
The Key Grip, the Gaffer and the Cinematographer work together. They supervise the grip crews and report the progress to the DoP. The Key Grip needs problem-solving skills, technical knowledge about the gear and strong communication skills because he needs to coordinate the crew. The Key Grip also coordinates the transportation of the equipment and is in charge of its set-up.

 

[Oskar Kuusk]

Simply put, the Key Grip is the person who tells the Grip Department what to do, where to move the equipment to, install the tripods, install the dolly, move the dolly, maintain the rigging and equipment that supports the camera, process trailers, lights and by lights I mean stands, diffusers etc.

 

[Harry Edwards]

The key grip is a member of the camera crew responsible for setting up and maintaining camera-support equipment such as dollies, cranes, tracks, jibs and other specialized rigging. They are usually the first to arrive on set and are considered one of the most important crew members.

 

[Robert Miller]

I don't think people are talking about the Grip enough. I saw many discussions about editing, screenwriting or acting, but on the set, the Key Grip is an extremely important job as well!

 

[Kim Welch]

Hi Robert,

I completely agree with you. It often seems that the roles of Directors, Screenwriters, and Cinematographers overshadow other crucial positions on set, such as the Key Grip. The contributions of Grips are indeed vital and deserve as much recognition as those in more prominently discussed roles. They play an essential part in ensuring that the production runs smoothly and effectively.