Best+Boy

BEST BOY

Best boy is a gender-neutral term, applying to males and females. Technically there is no "best girl", although some crews do use this term informally. In a film crew there are two kinds of best boys, one is “best boy electric” and the other “best boy grip”. They are assistants to the gaffer and the key grip. Best boy grips, are trained lighting and rigging. They are accountable for the routine lighting or grip department. In US and Canada they are lighting and rigging technicians in the film and video industries. In UK, Australia and Europe they are not involved in lighting, he is solely responsible for camera mounting and support.

The gaffer is chief electrician or lighting technician on a production set and that the best boy is the gaffer's first mate. Both work for the director of photography, setting up lights and equipment. Grips are crew members who move the equipment and assemble it on the set or on location. The chief of this crew is known as the key grip.


 * Best Boy Electric (chief assistant to the gaffer)
 * Best Boy Grip (chief assistant to the key grip)

Best Boys have specific responsibility for liaising with other members of the production team, e.g., the first assistant director, the special effects director or the art director. On location they may liaise with the building maintenance team, or with the electrician in a particular building. It is the Best Boys' responsibility to check the lighting team members' time sheets in order to verify the hours they have worked. Best Boys issue written orders, and assist the gaffer in coordinating the other lighting technicians in the team. The work is demanding, and the hours long and unpredictable. Best Boys may work a six day week, and up to 12 or 13 hours per day.
 * //__Responsibilities:__//**

Lighting technicians need several years working experience before becoming Best Boys, and it is unlikely that anyone would attain this position before reaching the age of 25. They must be organized, able to motivate other team members and to communicate effectively with other production departments, as well as acting as the liaison with the lighting company. Best Boys must be aware of health and safety legislation and procedures.
 * //__Skills:__//**

Best boy is a gender-neutral term, applying to males and females. Technically there is no "best girl", although some crews do use this term informally.