ABSTRACT

Gain the essential skills of a professional grip to become the jack and master of all trades on a movie or television show set. Discover vital insider tips ranging from how to operate cutting-edge rigging and lighting equipment to performing difficult camera mounts on aircraft, boats, cars, and trains.

In The Grip Book, Fifth Edition, seasoned Hollywood grip Michael G. Uva teaches you to install, set up, maintain, and ensure the safety of all equipment on a set, such as C-stands, cameras, and any specialty gear needed for a shoot. Guidelines for on-set etiquette and how to succeed as a technical crew member will jumpstart your career and make you a valuable asset on any film or television crew. This newly enhanced edition marks the 25th anniversary of a Focal Press classic and has been updated to include:

    • A 4-color insert covering greenscreen setup
    • Technical expertise on maintaining the latest and greatest filmmaking equipment
    • Engaging how-to videos on the companion website (www.focalpress.com/9780415842372) which demonstrate techniques described in the book
    • A completely new test section with over one hundred questions and answers, allowing you to quiz yourself on the techniques and concepts you’ve just read
    • Guidelines on what a grip has to be physically able to perform in their day-to-day duties
    • A European-specific appendix that features a table of European grip terms and their American equivalents 

Whether you are a professional grip looking to boost your skills or an aspiring one just beginning to learn the trade, the time-tested tips and techniques for smooth and safe operation on set make this new edition an indispensable reference guide.

chapter 1|34 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|78 pages

Essential Equipment

chapter 3|8 pages

Expendables

chapter 4|4 pages

Knots

chapter 5|10 pages

Basic Tool Descriptions

chapter 6|2 pages

Filters and Gels

chapter 7|2 pages

The Rental House

chapter 8|38 pages

Techniques for Mounting the Camera

chapter 9|10 pages

Cables, Slings, and Hardware

chapter 10|8 pages

Lifts

chapter 11|60 pages

Cranes, Jibs, Arms, Dollies, and Heads

chapter 12|6 pages

Cranes Mounted on Wheeled Bases

chapter 13|8 pages

Lenny Arms

chapter 14|2 pages

Cablecam

chapter 15|58 pages

Dollies

chapter 17|14 pages

Fluid and Remote Heads

chapter 18|138 pages

Field Operation

chapter 19|34 pages

A Professional’s Tips on the Trade