ABSTRACT
This book is designed to teach you about the basic equipment you will need and use on a daily basis. I will also lightly touch on some stage terms, tricks of the trade, and procedures. With this book, perseverance (and I mean LOTS of perseverance), and just plain old hard work, you can become a successful grip. I challenge you to do it. But let me get off my soapbox and get back to teaching you how to become a grip. I am writing this book based on my experience and the experiences of other grips with whom I have worked. There is a saying among grips that there are ten ways to do the very same job-and usually they all work. This book will help you to learn most of the names and ways to use basic grip equipment! (Every so often I will throw in the nickname of a piece of equipment.)
About the Equipment
In my series of books I have selected a cross-section of only the most professional equipment. I have not by any means listed all the super equipment available. First off, such a book would be too costly to produce, and secondly, I just want you to get the “feel” of what tools are available. I recommend that you go to any and all technical trade shows concerning the film/TV industry. You have no doubt seen the advent and widespread use of computers, with each one getting better, faster, and more readily available. Well, the TV/film industry has also grown in leaps and bounds. There are several fantastic remote control film and TV heads (fluid, remote, and geared heads). There are many new cranes and dollies, new and improved grip equipment, as well as redefined methods of gripping. I will try to cover a little of each to let you, the reader, know what’s available out there.
