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

See Examples For:

key grip

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

Curtin was the set costumer, overseeing costumes and accessories, and Price was the key grip, who handled the non-electric support gear.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 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

But because I’m not a person who knows how to work the camera, I’m not a key grip, who sets everything up, makes everything move.

From Slate ● May 4, 2020

“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