Overview of the role
Reporting to the key grip, the rigging grip in high-end TV and scripted film is responsible for the pre-rigging of grip equipment including simple and complex track, static mounts, overhead cameras, remote heads, cranes, tracking vehicles, trailers and car rigs. Rigging may take place in any terrain or environment including at height, underwater and in tunnels. They are also responsible for managing the risks associated with each rigging scenario with which they are working. They must be able to work independently and without supervision to rig in advance of planned shots.
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.
- 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
- 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
- Provide environmental protection for equipment and operators
- 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
- Check 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
- Secure cranes 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
- Operate cranes to demonstrate that they are safe for full travel and intended reach and free of obstructions and that cables are of adequate length
- Provide environmental protection for cranes and operators
- Check that weights of heads plus other weights to be loaded on mounts are within manufacturers’ weight parameters
- Mount and secure remotely controlled heads, using specified interfaces
- Fix and secure special earth bonds
- Install required environmental protection
- Clarify routes, speeds and direction of vehicle and any other vehicles and position and angles of required shots
- Travel intended routes to identify the nature of the surface and any obstructions
- Use mounts and cameras that are light enough to be supported by the vehicles surface and are within maximum weight load of mountings so there is no damage to the vehicle
- Assemble and position mounts, rigs, cameras and accessories and secure them with ropes, knots, strops, wires or ratchet straps
- Use pulleys and ropes when required, making sure that they are within safe working loads
- Make sure rigged vehicles comply with vehicle and road traffic regulations, advising production staff of any special permissions required
- Check that rigged mounts and cameras do not obstruct drivers’ view or ability to control the vehicle and are in the correct position to achieve the required shots
- Make sure total weight of equipment and operators does not exceed the weight capacities of vehicles, trailers or travelling platforms
- Clarify routes, speeds and direction of travel and position and angles of required shots
- Travel intended route to identify the suitability of surfaces and the nature of any obstructions or hazards
- Assemble and position mounts, rigs, cameras and accessories and secure them with ropes, knots or strops
- Check that rigged mounts, cameras, props and other equipment will remain secure on tracking cars and trailers for the full intended distance and movement-type, including during emergency braking
- Check that rigged mounts and cameras are in the correct position to achieve required shots
- Provide environmental protection for equipment and operators
- Provide safety harnesses for operators, instructing them on their use
- Obtain any required special permissions or clearances, advising production staff when they are required
- Communicate with drivers about the safe operation of vehicles
- 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 rigging grip.
- Configuring grip equipment to achieve required camera movements
- Rigging, operating and derigging grip equipment
- Lifting and manually handling heavy kit
- Working at height
- Communication: liaising with the key grip and other departments, specifically construction department riggers and the electrical department, about requirements
- 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