key grip

American  

noun

Movies.

1. the chief stagehand on a movie set.

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key grip British  

noun

1. the person in charge of moving and setting up camera tracks and scenery in a film or television studio See also grip 1

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Etymology

Origin of key grip

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

It’s telling that while Mr. Deakins takes pains to praise his longtime gaffer, key grip, dolly grip, best boy and more, he never bothers to define those roles for the lay reader.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

This means he ensures the director feels comfortable with the gaffer, the dolly grip, the key grip, so that there’s no one on set that feels like a stranger.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2025

Collaborating with Adam Stockhausen, Anderson’s production designer, and Robert Yeoman, the cinematographer, Sami — whose official title is key grip, the head of his department — has an unusual amount of input.

From New York Times • Jun. 21, 2023

"From key grip to best boy, everyone on the show has a fabulous recipe to share," the description of the book reads.

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2022

“Well, not exactly. But obviously it’s important, or else why would it be called key grip instead of average grip or not-so-critical grip?”

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed