What a Grip Actually Does on Set
The Grip department is the backbone of any physical production. A Grip is responsible for building and maintaining all the equipment that supports the camera and lighting departments, without crossing into the electrical work handled by the Gaffer and their team. On a typical shoot in Glendale, your Key Grip will oversee rigging, dolly track, cranes, and camera cars, while ensuring the set is safe and the camera can move exactly the way the Director of Photography intends.
A great Grip is not just strong. They are problem solvers who can look at a location, whether it is a parking structure in downtown Glendale or a hillside property near the Verdugo Mountains, and figure out how to get a dolly shot working on uneven ground or how to sandbag a heavy light stand safely. They communicate clearly with the DP and the Electric department, and they keep the crew working efficiently so the production does not lose daylight or fall behind schedule.
What to Look for When Hiring a Grip in Glendale
- Solid experience on productions at a comparable scale to yours, whether that is a one-day commercial or a multi-week series
- Familiarity with the equipment you already have on your rental order, including dollies, track, speed rails, and rigging hardware
- A clean safety record and awareness of California on-set safety requirements
- Strong references from recent Key Grips or Directors of Photography they have worked with
- The ability to bring their own kit or source reliable local vendors if your budget is lean
Rates for Grips in the Glendale Area
Grip rates in greater Los Angeles, including Glendale, vary based on union status, experience level, and the type of production. Non-union day rates for a Best Boy Grip or Dolly Grip typically run lower than IATSE scale, while seasoned Key Grips on larger productions typically command rates in line with or above union minimums. For union productions covered under IATSE Local 80, you will work within established scale rates and rules around kit rentals and overtime. Always confirm whether your production is signatory before reaching out to union crew, and budget for box rentals if your Grip is supplying equipment. Rates in the Los Angeles area generally reflect the competitive, experienced talent pool available here.
Why Producers Use NeedaCrew to Hire in Glendale
NeedaCrew is built specifically for film and television production hiring in the US and Canada. Every crew member on the platform has a verified profile with credits, skills, and availability clearly listed. You can post your project, specify your dates and rate, and start hearing back from qualified Grips quickly, without chasing down referrals or scrolling through unvetted listings.
Ready to staff your Glendale shoot? Post your project on NeedaCrew and connect with experienced local Grips today. If you are a Grip looking for work in the Glendale and Los Angeles area, join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get your profile in front of producers who are actively hiring.