What’s the difference between a gas valve and a water valve? can you use a gas ball valve for water.
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A best boy is the first assistant to the grip crew or the lighting department and fills a number of roles on a television or film set. While the gaffer and key grips work closely with the director of photography (cinematographer), the best boys take care of everything topside to ensure a seamless production.
Gaffers and grips are the same. The gaffer knows where the lights should be placed for a scene to look right (sometimes but not always at the direction of the DP or director), and the grip builds the lights to be placed.
What does a gaffer do? Gaffers work closely with the director of photography (DoP) to bring to life the overall look of a film by creating and controlling light. They work with the DoP to understand the desired light effects and figure out how to achieve them.
The key grip coordinates the rigging on the film set similar to how the gaffer coordinates the lighting. The key grip works with the gaffer to convert lighting positions. The key grip is also responsible for the budget of the set, including estimates for building costs.
| Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $80,000 | $38 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,000 | $24 |
| Average | $42,716 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,500 | $12 |
£288 (GBP)/yr.
A Gaffer’s salary depends on the project. Typically, on non-union commercials, corporate videos or music videos they are based on a 10 or 12 hour day and that rate can vary between $450 USD to $750 USD.
gaffer GAF-er noun. 1 : an old man — compare gammer. 2 a British : foreman, overseer. b British : employer. 3 : a head glassblower.
What is its origin? In 16th century England, a gaffer was the head of an organised group of labourers. Also used colloquially to refer to an old man, which several managers were, the word entered the sports lexicon. It’s thought to derive from ‘godfather’ or ‘governor’.
Gaffer/Key Grip Day Rate: $500 to $600. Grip/Electric Day Rate: $400 to $500. Swing Day Rate: $350 to $500. Sound Recordist Day Rate: $900-$1200.
While there are no specific education requirements for gaffers, a bachelor’s degree in stage lighting or film production can give prospective candidates an edge. Coursework includes stage and costume design, technical production and sound studies.
Legend has it they were called ‘best boys’ because, back in the day, the people rigging up lighting, electricity or cameras would yell out for a bit of assistance by asking someone to send them ‘their best boy’. As in, the best qualified person from their team for the job at hand.
‘Chainsaw’ Tommy May, Famed Key Grip in Hollywood, Dies at 81.
Key grip salary According to Forbes Magazine, a best-boy grip can expect to make around $50,00 to $75,000 a year if they’re working regularly. A key grip can expect to make between $60,000 to $100,000 a year if they are regularly working.
Grip — A large amount. Fiona’s new BMW must have cost a grip.