Get a Grip! The Big Picture
Just read a fascinating article from 'Slamdance Film Festival' on what a 'grip' is. Now, I don't mean grabbing onto someone, or something... step away from that biscuit!
Honestly.
No, I don't mean a grip like you have on the Hobnobs, though it's close. A film grip is someone that works with all the overhead gear on set, biscuits not withstanding. They are often like engineers solving problems of how they can fix a certain fixture to another one, or what weight a floor can take. They may move green screens, or other heavy goods on set with forklifts etc.
A green screen you say, hang on! What's a green screen?
I just got to grip with 'grips'.
A green screen is a screen most often behind an actor where the actor does their part in front and the CGI, or special effect is added behind them later. Imagine the latest news running behind this guy. (In DisneyWorld, Florida, they do a backstage tour where they pick audience members and demonstrate how this works. My son was once picked to fall over in front of a green screen and by the time the audience got to the little movie at the end, he was falling from height and K.O.ing Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Magic!)
It got me to thinking there are several terms in movies that new writers who want to get into film making might not know. I didn't. For example, who is the best boy? Or is there some deranged parrot wondering round set saying 'Best boy, best boy' like a nutter.
No, the best boy, or indeed best girl is often a type of grip. These can be the grips that work with electrics, or lighting often for the gaffer. (Yes, that was the name of a programme with Bill Maynard but that's off topic).
There are lots of cameras and wires running around on set. Having the specific lighting and wiring needed is just as important as insurance all the other stuff. If you've poor lighting your film can tank. Poor sound and it won't be qualify for festivals. Poor editing and you can loose the context. All of these things are part of making a good movie.
As a new writer, all I focused on was writing my script. As you learn, you realise that script then goes to a producer, director, cast and the whole team. This means your DP (Director of Photography) to your hair and make up people, right down to your composer. Each and every one is important and plays their own part in making the 'big picture' as perfect as it can be.
Then you've marketing, posters and bill blocking. Hang about! Who is Bill and why block 'im?
At the bottom of a movie poster, you get the list of credits in a block. Hence, bill blocking.
Speaking of bill blocking, they've closed our Post Office and the Community Charge needs paid.
So, now you've got the big picture, please think of budget!
Happy Trails, Eileen
