I like to think of myself as still somewhat of a rookie in this industry. That's right! In my over six years of gripping in the film industry, I still feel that part of me is still green as grass. I know that perception comes from the fact that I still have more years ahead of me to go and that I've met people who've been in this industry for decades, even scores of years. Still, I catch myself doing some mistakes but the point that I'm trying to make is that there are still times when I get a little dismayed within myself when I work on set and if an alright-seasoned guy like myself can feel like that, I bet a newbie is going to have the same thoughts as me.
So here are some tidbits. Some food for thought. Some knowledge for those who are just starting in the film business on what to do and what not to do as a grip.
Tip #1 - Be vigilant, be on your toes, but don't overdo it
This one is a little bit of a cliche even though I do find it to be true. You know, like always be active, don't just sit down and do nothing, and always be ahead of what the head honcho wants. However, that being said, don't push yourself too much. Mishaps can happen when your mind is in a frenzy and your body is all over the place. You're probably going to work twelve plus hour days. So if you have time to take a little rest, do it. Sit down if you have to. There is something along the lines of a person who can be too persistent. If you’ve asked the director of photography if he needed a courtesy flag and he or she says no, then leave it at that. Let him or her do their job. There's a balance at everything and once you find that sweet spot, you'll be fine.
Tip #2 - Be the Camera Operator's friend
Now, the first part is out of the way and you found that sweet spot that I told you about. You know what will help you out on set and help you garner reputation and may possibly get you acquainted with some possible known people? Be the director of photography, or the camera operator's friend. What do I mean exactly? Let's say that you are on a set that is outside and the sun is blazing. Most likely that sun is going to blast out the camera ops monitor or it's going to hit the operator right in their eyes. So if you have a flag/cutter available and ready for the cam op, he or she is going to love you for it. Fly it over them and block out the sun so they themselves are not being blasted and they can see their monitor clearly. Another example would be when the camera op needs a tool that you have such as an Allen wrench with standard measurements. Trust me, you're going to be a life saver to those camera operators if you have what they need, and if you can deliver, they'll be looking at you with starry eyes.
Tip #3 - Don't be sloppy. Especially when it comes to safety
This is the part I take very seriously. If you want to get me angry on set, be negligent on set when it comes to safety. In a nutshell, just make sure that people's well-being is safe and that there are no injuries on set. Another thing is to finish the task that's at hand efficiently and in a reasonable timeline. I know that you may be in a time crunch and may need to finish a task as quickly as possible but rushing that task tends to leave the tiny details unattended and then you may get called out for negligence. So all in all, try to be as efficient as much as you can in a reasonable manner.
Tip #4 - Keep your wits together
Final point. Tempers will flair sometimes, one way or another. So keep your wits together. Stay cool, chill, and calm when the storm breaks. If tempers are boiling and seem like they are about to explode, try to remain calm. Try not to add fuel to the fire. If you can, try to do what you can to dwindle that fire.
You Got This!
Overall yes, this may have been alot of info just dumped upon you. Maybe even too much, I realized that this article may be too long while writing this just now, but in the end, what I’m trying to give to you is some knowledge of what you may come across in this business. If and when you come about these situations on set, just keep these points in mind. There going to be a big help in the long run.
Your friendly neighborhood Grip,