The head grip who supervises the grip crew and receives orders from the gaffer or the head lighting technician.
Chief of a group of grips, often doubling for a construction coordinator and a backup for the camera crew.
Scouts the location if any rigging or special problems are anticipated. On the pre-light (prior to the shoot) the Key Grip loads in the equipment and sets up the stands to support lights or any other hanging elements, sets up dollies and tracks, cranes, sets, etc. On the shoot, the Key Grip operates the dolly and/or crane, and moves any heavy equipment and loads in and out. Other grips may assist the Key Grip in these duties.[ edit][ edit
The chief grip who works directly with the gaffer in creating shadow effects for set. Also supervises camera cranes, dollies and other platforms or supporting structures according to what the Director of Photography calls for.
In American and Canadian film-making, the key grip is the chief grip on the set. Like a foreman, the key grip directs a crew of grips, some with specialized skills such as dolly grips, crane operators, camera car operators, etc.