Overview of the role
Reporting to the key grip, the crane grip in high-end TV and scripted film is responsible for overseeing the rigging and derigging of camera cranes and any required crane track. During shooting they are responsible for the correct movement of remote heads and cranes to ensure shot requirements are met, and they oversee the work of the crane technician. They are also responsible for risk assessments and paperwork relating to cranes. Depending on the size of the production, the crane grip may be asked to recce the location on behalf of the key grip to ascertain risks and suitability of surface.
Qualification guidance: the health and safety implications and dangers associated with grip equipment, means preference should be given to grips with an Advanced Grips Level 3 Diploma in Professional Competence.
Download the PDF version of this skills checklist.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities on a particular production will vary depending on the scale and budget band.
- When required, stand in for the key grip on recces of locations to ascertain risks and suitability of surfaces for cranes
- Interpret production needs for the location and positioning of cranes
- Plan rigging and derigging to take account of timescales and deadlines
- Interpret manufacturers’ instructions on specified models of cranes and jib arms
- Check that paperwork, safety certificates and permissions are in order and up to date for all aspects of crane use and transportation
- Instruct those responsible for laying cranes track about requirements and timeframes
- Make sure any floor-type, frames or boards will support the weight of tracks, equipment and people
- Make sure track will allow silent tracking, even when the incline is steep
- Make sure track is stable, with additional support over gaps or overhangs and vertical lifts when required
- Make sure any required track end stops, safety stops or braking devices are fitted
- Make sure track is secured so it is safe
- Make sure track is laid in ways that prevents people accidentally tripping and so that it is safe from damage from falling objects or moving vehicles
- Check that there are no cables or nearby items that will restrict dolly or crane movement or cause danger
- Instruct those responsible for rigging cranes and jib arms about requirements and timeframes
- Inform others when aspects of locations are unsuitable or hazardous to the use of camera cranes and jib arms
- Check that supporting surfaces, other mounting and track types will support combined weights of crane, camera equipment and camera operators and that crane manufacturers’ safe working loads are being met
- Make sure checks are carried out to ensure that hydraulics and pressure safety devices are working, non-solid tyres have the appropriate pressure, cables are secure and safe from damage and all locking devices are in place and working
- Make sure cranes are secured before people get on or off and to prevent anything that might damage them or make them unsafe
- Arrange for power supply and earth bonding
Make sure rigged cranes and jib arms are operated to demonstrate that they are safe for full travel and intended reach, free of obstructions and that cables are of adequate length - Make sure environmental protection for cranes and operators is provided
- Instruct those responsible for rigging remotely controlled heads and systems about requirements and timeframes
- Check that weights of heads plus other weights to be loaded on mounts are within manufacturers’ weight parameters
- Make sure remotely controlled heads are mounted and secured and specified interfaces used
- Make sure special earth bonds are fixed and secured
- Make sure cables are secured so they allow full movement of heads and systems but cannot cause damage to mounts or other equipment
- Make sure required environmental protection is installed
- Check rigged heads and systems to make sure there is full movement in all required axis
- Liaise with key grip and camera operator about movements of cranes and jib arms during shots
- Check that fitted equipment and accessories will remain secure, that safety certificates are valid and that wind speeds are within crane or jib arm’s operational limits
- Identify and report moves which are outside the capabilities of equipment or restricted by the people available, suggesting viable alternatives when appropriate
- Make sure there is good visibility of both ends of cranes or jib arms and they are a safe distance from high voltage cables, people and other obstructions
- Give clear notification of crane or jib arm’s intended routes before moving them
- Move cranes or jib arms in a smooth motion, timing movement to fit shot requirements
- Make sure cranes or jib arms are secured before any people are allowed to get on or off, coordinating this with any other operators
- Partially derig any aspects of crane equipment that requires it
- Cover any parts of rigs that require it
- Secure cranes
- Advise others about any special security requirements
- Dismantle equipment in the correct order
- Clean and check equipment, reporting any loss or damage
- Store any tools or consumables
- Complete any required paperwork
- Pack equipment and oversee loading for return to suppliers / facilities houses
- Double-check work area and location for equipment when derigging complete
- Carry out and document risk assessments when required, bringing them to the key grip’s attention
- Ensure familiarity with latest versions of risk assessment method statements (RAMS)
- Work in line with industry-recognised and production-specific health and safety requirements, including when working at height or when equipment is near overhead lines or power cables
- Identify, mitigate and report any close calls, accidents or breaches to health and safety, rectifying issues to prevent reoccurrence when applicable
- Secure rigs when not in use
- Give clear notification about areas near equipment which people should not access
- Dress appropriately and use required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Keep facilities and workstation clean and tidy
- Follow policies and report any bullying, harassment or mental health issues
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of crane grip.
- Configuring grip equipment to achieve required camera movements
- Rigging, operating and derigging grip equipment
- Lifting and manually handling heavy kit
- Communication: liaising with other departments about requirements and the implications of grip work on them. Liaising with suppliers about grip equipment
- Team-working: working with colleagues to meet production requirements, offering and accepting support from colleagues without conflict
- Problem-solving: thinking creatively and logically to identify appropriate approaches to solve technical issues
- Securing work: collating proof of competency and experience, establishing and negotiating rate, and clarifying and approving deal memo and contract
- Organisation: keeping timesheets, preparing and submitting invoices and keeping records of income, expenditure, cash flow, insurance and tax
- Supervision: assigning duties and overseeing work
- Resilience, enthusiasm and curiosity: adapts positively to changing work priorities and patterns, ensuring deadlines continue to be met. Proactive and explores new ideas and non-standard ways of working which will enhance and deliver the best results for the production and increase their skills for the future
- Productivity: works with a high level of concentration and attention to detail, organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines. Demonstrates the drive and energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalates appropriately when necessary
- Ethics and integrity: honest and principled in all their actions and interactions. Respectful and inclusive of others, follows set etiquette and displays expected behaviours and meets the ethical requirements of their profession
- Flexibility: willing to both listen and respond to changing priorities and working requirements as required, while at all times maintaining high standards in a constantly changing production environment