What a Grip Does on Your Set
A Grip is responsible for building and maintaining all the rigging, support structures, and camera movement systems that the camera and lighting departments depend on. Under the direction of the Key Grip, Grips set up dollies, tracks, camera cranes, and jibs. They also handle flags, diffusion frames, and other light-shaping equipment that sits outside the actual lighting fixtures themselves.
On a busy Memphis shoot, a skilled Grip keeps things moving safely and efficiently. They anticipate the next setup, communicate clearly with the gaffer and director of photography, and know how to problem-solve when a location does not cooperate with the shot list. Experience matters here, and so does local knowledge of venues, terrain, and the pace of regional productions.
What to Look for When Hiring a Grip in Memphis
- Solid experience on productions of a similar scale to yours, whether that is a small commercial or a larger narrative project
- Familiarity with the specific equipment your shoot requires, such as dolly systems, technocranes, or specialized rigging
- A verifiable work history and references from department heads or producers they have worked with before
- A professional attitude toward safety, since rigging and heavy equipment carry real on-set risk
- Knowledge of local Memphis locations and any quirks that come with shooting in the mid-South climate and environment
Grip Rates in Memphis
Grip day rates in Memphis typically fall within a range you would expect from a mid-size regional market. Day players generally work at rates lower than major markets like Los Angeles or New York, but experienced Key Grips and Best Boys with strong credits will command rates closer to those benchmarks. Union versus non-union status also affects rate expectations. As a general guide, producers budgeting for Memphis Grip crew should research current IATSE Local 600 and Local 728 guidelines as a reference point, and plan for competitive regional rates that reflect the crew member's experience level and the length of the engagement.
Why Use NeedaCrew to Find Grip Crew in Memphis
NeedaCrew is a dedicated marketplace for US and Canadian film and TV productions. Every crew member on the platform has a verified profile, so you can review their credits, check their listed skills, and reach out directly without going through layers of intermediaries. Posting a project takes only a few minutes, and you can specify your dates, rate, and exactly what you need from a Grip or Key Grip.
If you are a producer or coordinator ready to staff your Memphis shoot, post your project on NeedaCrew and start connecting with local Grip crew today.
If you are a Grip based in Memphis or anywhere in Tennessee and you want to get discovered by productions in your area, join NeedaCrew as a crew member and build your profile for free.