Grip Onboarding Checklist

Grip Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Grip starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Film onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Grip, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Grip onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Grip Onboarding Checklist

1. Safety Training: This task involves providing comprehensive safety training to the new grip, ensuring they are aware of all the potential hazards and safety protocols on set. The safety officer or a designated safety trainer in the film company performs this task.

2. Equipment Familiarization: The new grip needs to become familiar with the various equipment used in the film industry, such as lighting fixtures, rigging tools, and camera support systems. A senior grip or equipment manager would typically perform this task, guiding the new grip through the different equipment and explaining their functions.

3. Set Etiquette and Protocol: Understanding the set etiquette and protocol is crucial for a grip to work effectively and harmoniously with the rest of the crew. This task involves providing an overview of the expected behavior, communication channels, and hierarchy on set. The production manager or a senior crew member usually performs this task.

4. Department Introduction: The new grip should be introduced to the different departments within the film company, such as camera, lighting, and art departments. This task helps the grip understand how their role interacts with other departments and fosters collaboration. The production coordinator or a department head would typically perform this task.

5. Job Shadowing: Job shadowing allows the new grip to observe and learn from experienced grips in action. This task involves pairing the new grip with a seasoned grip who can provide guidance, answer questions, and demonstrate best practices. A senior grip or department head would oversee this task.

6. Set Terminology and Jargon: The film industry has its own unique terminology and jargon. This task involves providing the new grip with a glossary of commonly used terms and phrases, ensuring they can effectively communicate with the rest of the crew. A production assistant or a senior grip would typically perform this task.

7. Workflow and Procedures: Understanding the workflow and procedures specific to the film company is essential for a grip to seamlessly integrate into the production process. This task involves providing an overview of the company’s workflow, including paperwork, timekeeping, and reporting procedures. The production coordinator or a department head would typically perform this task.

8. Safety Equipment and Gear: The new grip needs to be equipped with the necessary safety gear, such as gloves, harnesses, and hard hats. This task involves providing the grip with the required safety equipment and ensuring they know how to properly use and maintain it. The safety officer or a designated safety trainer in the film company performs this task.

9. Set Navigation: Familiarizing the new grip with the layout of the film sets and locations is crucial for efficient work. This task involves providing a tour of the different sets and locations, highlighting important areas and access points. A production assistant or a senior grip would typically perform this task.

10. Team Introductions: Introducing the new grip to the rest of the crew helps build rapport and establish working relationships. This task involves organizing introductions with key crew members, such as the director of photography, gaffer, and camera operators. The production coordinator or a department head would typically perform this task.

11. Production Schedule and Call Sheets: Understanding the production schedule and call sheets is essential for a grip to know when and where they are needed on set. This task involves providing the new grip with the production schedule and explaining how to read and interpret call sheets. The production coordinator or a department head would typically perform this task.

12. Health and Safety Policies: The new grip needs to be aware of the company’s health and safety policies, including emergency procedures and reporting protocols. This task involves providing the grip with a copy of the company’s health and safety manual and conducting a briefing on the policies. The safety officer or a designated safety trainer in the film company performs this task.

13. Equipment Maintenance: Understanding the proper maintenance and care of equipment is crucial for a grip to ensure its longevity and safe operation. This task involves providing the new grip with guidelines and demonstrations on equipment maintenance. The equipment manager or a senior grip would typically perform this task.

14. Production Specifics: Each film production may have specific requirements or unique aspects that the new grip needs to be aware of. This task involves providing the grip with information specific to the current production, such as special effects, stunts, or challenging locations. The production coordinator or a department head would typically perform this task.

15. Ongoing Training and Development: Continuous learning and development are important for a grip to stay updated with industry trends and advancements. This task involves discussing opportunities for ongoing training, workshops, and certifications. The department head or a senior grip would typically perform this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Grip checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Grip up to speed and working well in your Film team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.