MEET OUR GRIP AND ELECTRIC TEAM!

Here at Aurora Films we have 2 full-time members of our Grip and Electric departments, Dan Joyce and Anthony Stock. Dan has been working with us since 2013 primarily as a Gaffer. He’s been in the business since 2006, working on many different tv shows and movies such as The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Noah. Anthony joined us straight out of college in 2015 and rose through the ranks as a freelancer; from production assistant to grip to staff. We also frequently utilize freelancers to scale to a project’s needs.

YOU ASKED, THEY ANSWERED

What are the primary responsibilities of a grip?

DJ - A common misconception is that grips do all the lighting on a set. There are actually 2 roles on set that work very close together. The “grips” and the electrics. The electrics are responsible for powering the set and setting up the lighting. The grips are responsible for shaping the light and securing any gear that needs to be rigged in a space (places where a stand doesn’t fit or would be in the shot so the gear gets hung overhead). Grips are also responsible for moving the camera if it is on a dolly or crane.

AS - On a movie set? The grip will shape the light, setting things like flags and nets to control all the different lighting fixtures. On a smaller scale grips often have more responsibilities though, handling the lights and gear and really being a strong and knowledgeable set of hands, able to problem solve any difficulties and being able to help complete a Gaffer and DPs vision.

What is a best boy?

DJ - A best boy/ best girl or best person (or just “best”) is the right hand person for the key grip or gaffer. They make sure the key grip or gaffer has everything they would need, from staffing to gear to communicating with transpo about what gear needs to go where. They are also normally responsible for getting time cards and payroll in to the office.

AS - The cutest of all the male dogs in your vicinity. "Look at you! You're the best boy aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are!" ... also they are the second in command for either the electrical or grip department on a movie set, behind the Gaffer or Key Grip, respectively.

What’s your most commonly used piece of grip gear?

DJ - C-stands are the most commonly used piece of grip gear. Which in turn should make sandbags also most used. A close second would be: Cardellini clamps, grip heads and flags.

AS - C-Stand hands down. Bar none. Ab-so-lutely. It's versatile, it's durable, fits in small spaces and it can be put to so many different uses. If you can only afford one type of stand on set, this is the one you want.

What skillsets make a good grip?

DJ - Some of the best grips I know are incredible problem solvers. If you look at grip gear, it’s made to combine and connect to create whatever is needed. Having the ability to figure that out in your head is very helpful. Grip gear is legos for big people. Another useful skill set is being cool under pressure. Many times grips have to accomplish a task while the whole set is waiting on them.

AS - Being alert and aware of your surroundings, helpful, and having an attention to detail can take you far in this business as a grip. Followed up by a willingness to learn new ways of doing things you've seen done a thousand times. There's rarely only one way to solve a particular challenge, and working with different people you can learn all kinds of new techniques and perspectives on how to achieve a goal.

What's the difference between gaff tape and any other tape?

DJ - Besides the cost… Gaff tape has a specifically designed adhesive that is very strong but yet still allows clean removal. (meaning it doesn’t leave the stick stuff behind) But the true test is to know when to use gaff tape and when to use paper tape. Paper tape is not as strong as gaff tape but it is more heat resistant. Gaff tape may be too strong at times and peel paint off objects, paper tape will not.

AS - About $20 a roll. Or, perhaps more importantly, it doesn't leave behind residue, can be torn easily by hand, and has a matte, non-reflective finish, all important qualities when being used on a set.

What is the one item you keep on you while on the job?

DJ - The one item I have on me while on the job is caffeine. But I also carry a Leatherman, a mini flashlight and a sharpie on me constantly.

AS - A multi-tool is a must have on set. A close second though is my big hug jug of water.

What excites you about production?

DJ - I love the creativity and challenge of taking an idea and making it real, then being able to show everyone. You can take an idea of a dinner party at sunset in a house with a gorgeous view overlooking a beach and walk into an empty warehouse in Lancaster and make it happen. It’s the transformation from nothing to something amazing. Collaborating with other creatives to build a set, prop the set, light it and shoot it so that everything flows seamlessly.

AS - Every day can bring a new challenge or opportunity, a chance to prove yourself or to learn. The days are rarely the same and the cast of characters you meet along the way really keep things spicy. It can be a fun environment to be a part of, and you often find yourself a part of some really cool projects that other people get to enjoy. Not everybody gets to look around and see something on the tv or on somebody's computer and be like "hey, I helped make that".

What trends do you see taking hold in the industry?

DJ - There are a few trends I see happening. The first is technology, especially in lighting gear, for decades lighting was an extremely hot bulb cased in an extremely hot fixture with the hazard of burning or melting anything that got close. As well as removing the fingerprints of anyone operating the lamp. With the advancement of LEDs, the lighting industry is transforming. Companies are creating fixtures that mimic the incandescent dinosaurs of the past that not only use a fraction of the power but also don’t get as hot as the surface of the sun. This opens the door to so many more possibility for lighting and light placement.

Another very welcomed trend I see happening is for safety. I have been in the production industry for over 15 years and safety sometimes falls by the wayside to get the shot. This practice is unacceptable. I have noticed extremely long days with very short turnaround time have stopped or slowed to a minimum. Crews are banding together to help keep sets safe. The safety on set starts with each individual crew member. If you see something say something. Safety is paramount. That “shot” or that “set up” is not worth someone’s life or the risk of someone getting injured. There are ways to do things safely, just don’t let budget determine the safety on set. Also with cameras and equipment getting cheaper it is very easy for someone to pickup gear and start using it without the proper training or know how. This ignorance can make sets unsafe. If you see someone setting something up unsafely let them know and show them the proper way. There are many resources out there to learn the proper way to do things.

AS - LEDs are really matching the power and color reliability of hot lights, all while often being smaller, easier to travel and more versatile. You don't have to worry about power or the color balance of your environment like you used to. This ain't your grandfather's film industry.

What is the most under-appreciated piece of gear on set?

DJ - The most under-appreciated thing on set is common sense. It seems so simple but it is the first thing to go when push comes to shove. Other than common sense I would say a laser pointer is under appreciated. It is a simple tool that allows you to communicate more effectively. The less guessing the stronger the action.

AS - Me. Where's the love at?