📢 The Ultimate Grip & Gaffer Terminology Guide | Film Lighting Glossary

🎬 Learn essential grip, gaffer, and film lighting terminology with this in-depth glossary. Improve your set knowledge!

When working on a film set, grip and gaffer teams play a crucial role in shaping the visual storytelling process. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a production assistant, or a seasoned professional, understanding the language used on set is essential for efficient communication and a smooth workflow.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most commonly used grip and gaffer terminology so you can navigate the world of film production like a pro.

Grip Department: The Backbone of Film Lighting & Rigging

The grip department is responsible for setting up and maintaining the equipment that supports lighting, cameras, and other key elements of production. They handle everything from mounting rigs to ensuring safety on set.

Common Grip Terms

Grip Roles & Crew Members

• Key Grip – The head of the grip department, responsible for overseeing rigging and working closely with the DP (Director of Photography).

• Best Boy Grip – The second-in-command to the Key Grip, managing personnel, equipment, and logistics.

• Dolly Grip – Operates the camera dolly, ensuring smooth camera movements during tracking shots.

• Rigging Grip – Specializes in setting up and securing rigging equipment before the main crew arrives.

Grip Equipment & Tools

• C-Stand – A versatile stand used to hold lights, flags, or diffusion material.

• Apple Box – A wooden box available in different sizes (full, half, quarter, and pancake) used for propping, leveling, or giving actors a height boost.

• Sandbag – A weighted bag placed on stands and equipment for stability.

• Gobo – A cut-out or solid material used to shape and block light.

• Flag – A tool used to block or shape light. Different types include solids, silks, and nets.

• Silk – A diffusion fabric used to soften light.

• Scrim – A mesh screen that reduces light intensity without changing color temperature.

• Gaffer Tape – Heavy-duty tape used for securing cables and equipment.

• Cardellini Clamp – A strong, multi-purpose clamp used for mounting various pieces of equipment.

• Speed Rail – Aluminum pipe used to build custom rigging structures.

• Mafer Clamp – A strong clamp used to attach lights and accessories to stands or sets.

• Cucoloris (Cookie) – A cut-out pattern used to create dappled lighting effects.

• Menace Arm – A long boom arm used to position lights overhead without visible stands.

Grip Techniques & Slang

• Striking! – A warning called out when turning on a bright light.

• Hot – A term used to indicate that a light or piece of equipment is powered on.

• Hollywood It – Holding a flag or piece of diffusion in place manually instead of using a stand.

• Dance Floor – A smooth surface made for dolly movements.

• Kill It – A command to turn off a light.

• Pre-Rig – Setting up rigging and equipment before the shooting crew arrives.

Gaffer Department: Masters of Film Lighting

The gaffer department is responsible for executing the lighting plan based on the cinematographer’s vision. Gaffers and electricians work with the grip team to shape and control light sources.

Common Gaffer Terms

Gaffer Roles & Crew Members

• Gaffer – The chief lighting technician who works closely with the DP to implement the lighting design.

• Best Boy Electric – The gaffer’s right-hand person, managing the electrical team and power distribution.

• Electrician (Spark/Set Electrician) – Handles the setup, wiring, and operation of lighting equipment.

• Generator Operator (Genny Op) – Manages and maintains the power generator on location shoots.

Lighting Equipment & Tools

• Tungsten – A traditional warm-colored light source commonly used in film lighting.

• HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium-Arc Iodide) – A daylight-balanced, high-intensity light often used for outdoor scenes.

• LED Panel – A modern energy-efficient light source with adjustable color temperatures.

• Kino Flo – A soft fluorescent light fixture used for even illumination.

• Fresnel – A light fixture with a lens that allows for adjustable beam focus.

• Practical Light – A visible light source within the scene, such as a lamp or candle.

• Barn Doors – Metal flaps on a light fixture that control the spread of light.

• Diffusion Gel – A transparent material placed over a light to soften it.

• CTO (Color Temperature Orange) – A gel used to warm up a light source.

• CTB (Color Temperature Blue) – A gel used to cool down a light source.

• ND Gel (Neutral Density) – A gel used to reduce light intensity without affecting color.

• Dimmer Board – A control panel used to adjust the brightness of multiple lights.

• Leko (Ellipsoidal Spotlight) – A focused spotlight often used for stage and film lighting.

• Chimera – A softbox attachment used to create diffused lighting.

Gaffer Techniques & Slang

• Juice – Slang for electrical power.

• Stinger – A single extension cable.

• Leko Spot – A strong, focused beam light.

• Put a Full On – A command to apply a full diffusion or color gel to a light.

• Scrim It Down – A way to reduce light intensity using a scrim.

• Gel It – Applying a gel to modify the color temperature of a light.

• Wrap It – The end of shooting or the process of securing cables.

• Ghosting – When a dimmed light flickers unintentionally.

Conclusion: Mastering Film Set Lingo

Film sets can be chaotic, and efficient communication is key. Knowing grip and gaffer terminology not only helps you navigate the set like a professional but also ensures that lighting, rigging, and camera movements work in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your expertise, understanding these terms will help you collaborate effectively with the grip and gaffer teams, ensuring a smooth production process.

Got More Terms to Add?

If you’ve encountered any unique grip or gaffer slang on set, drop it in the comments! Let’s build the ultimate film production glossary together.

Stay creative and keep the lights rolling!