thumb|Key grip working on set
A key grip is a senior role on movie sets, involved with a wide variety of behind-the-scenes tasks. The key grip supervises grip crews who support camera and lighting technicians; assesses what equipment is necessary for each shooting location; coordinates the transportation of this equipment and its set up; and arranges the general movement and positioning of the camera and collaborating with the director of photography.
Industry myths vary as to the origins of the name "grip". Some say it originated from the early days of the film industry when a production crew consisted of a director, camera person, assistants and workers. Workers acted as handymen, setting up all equipment needed, working from a kit, container or bag containing their tools. Those who have attended film school or completed training courses have an advantage as they possess technical understanding of on-set procedures.
The role and responsibilities of a key grip can differ by region. In the United States, key grips supervise the set-up of both cameras and lights, despite unions preventing key grips from touching lights, while in places such as Hungary, key grips are able to move lights around to their suiting and electricians simply deal with "everything that's connected to a lamp". agility, comfort with heights and leadership qualities. coordinate the rigging and work with the gaffer on lighting positions.
Key grips are depended upon to source the equipment themselves. As equipment is expensive and the amount required is extensive, it is typically rented from production companies and the key grip uses discretion and experience to determine from which companies to source the equipment.
Pre-production is also a chance for the key grip to assess how much work the project is going to take and hire grips accordingly to form the grip crew. These basics are required by union contracts, as much of a film crew's safety and production depend on the ability of a key grip to efficiently and effectively complete their job.
Despite the benefit a formal education can provide, the most significant qualification of a potential key grip is extensive experience on set.
In other countries
In the US, key grips are responsible for much of the rigging and positioning of the camera and, despite being in charge of the set up and arrangement of lights, are prevented from moving lights due to standards set by unions; similarly, in the UK, key grips work solely with cameras.