Overview of the role
Reporting to the key grip, the dolly grip or camera grip in high-end TV and scripted film is responsible for the daily set up of camera positions on set. This can involve overseeing the laying of simple and complex track and dancefloors as well as rigging. During filming, they can track cameras including stabileye / ronin (gimbleheads) and ensure the health and safety of camera operators with handheld cameras. Throughout the day, they monitor and report all logistical and environmental issues that may impact on shot requirements and suggest changes to camera set up so that shot requirements can be met. They are also responsible for managing the risks associated with the set-up of the camera with which they are working.
Qualification guidance: the health and safety implications and dangers associated with grip equipment, means preference should be given to grips with a minimum of a Grips Level 2 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.
- Identify shot requirements from daily sides (script) sheets
- Liaise with stunt and / or special effects departments about requirements for action sequences
- Work closely with crew members including those from camera, construction and electrical departments
- Report any issues or changes with time, equipment or people required to accommodate shot requirements to camera operator
- Report requirements for action sequences and any logistical or environmental changes to the 1st assistant director
- Use floor-type, frames and boards that will support the weight of tracks, equipment and people
- Lay track that will allow silent tracking, even when the incline is steep
- Work closely with the standby construction crew (chippy, stag and rigger) when laying tracks and dancefloors
- Lay track and dancefloors that are stable, providing additional support over gaps or overhangs and vertical lifts when required
- Fit any required track end stops, safety stops or braking devices
- Secure track and dancefloors so they are safe
- Lay track and dancefloors 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
- Use mounts that take account of the weight and balance of cameras, checking pressures of any parts that use gas or hydraulics in their operation
- Assemble mounts in the correct order, making adjustments to resolve any deficiencies in the surface on which they are being placed
- Position and balance mounts, levelling them through 360º when required
- Rig additional ropes, wires, ratchet straps and strops which secure cameras when working at height or in unstable conditions
- Check that mountings are secure and that all locking devices are in place and functional
- Oversee and collaborate with the standby construction department and riggers when erecting rostrums or towers, and make sure hand / safety rails are in place when applicable
- Provide environmental protection for equipment and operators
- Check that supporting surfaces or track will support combined weights of dollies or tracking platforms, camera equipment and camera operators
- Use dollies or tracking platforms with safe working loads that exceed the total weight of equipment and operators
- Assemble dollies and tracking platforms in the correct order
- Check that hydraulics and pressure safety devices are working, cables are secure and safe from damage, and all locking devices are in place and working
- Rig dollies and tracking platforms so that equipment is secure and cables are protected
- Seek specialist help when electrical equipment is required
- Provide environmental protection for equipment and operators
- Test dollies and tracking platforms to demonstrate that they are safe for full travel and intended reach, free of obstructions, and that cables are of adequate length
- Instruct operators on any special handling or maintenance requirements, including any special locking or safety functions
- Check that environmental conditions are within equipment specification
Identify and report moves which are outside the capabilities of equipment or restricted by the people available, suggesting viable alternatives when appropriate - Ensure routes are free from non-essential people, cables and other obstructions
- Give clear notification of intended routes before moving, including working heights when elevating camera dollies
- Move cameras in a smooth motion, including any vertical moves, timing movement to fit shot requirements
- Assist camera operator when using handheld cameras
- Partially derig any aspects of grip equipment that requires it
- Secure grip equipment
- Cover any parts of grip equipment that requires it
- 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 and pack equipment for return to suppliers
- 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 dolly grip / camera 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
- 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