The Importance of Gripping in the Film Industry

Before I ever typed Fade In, pitched a story, or sat across from a producer in a development meeting, I was a grip. I was the person rigging lights, dragging cables, building platforms, and locking down dollies. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.

Film is not just about vision and creativity. It's about stamina, collaboration, problem-solving, and understanding the nuts and bolts of how movies are made. My time as a grip taught me that. It taught me to work from the bottom up.

The Job That Grounds You

Gripping is humbling. You're not calling the shots; you're executing them. Arriving before sunrise, hauling equipment, and working through rain and heat is part of the job. There's a rhythm and discipline to it that gets into your bones. It teaches you that every department matters.

Every perfectly lit scene and every smooth camera move exists because someone set it up and put in the hard work. I learned that no job on set is “just” anything. You're not “just a grip.” You're essential. Internalizing this reshapes how you lead later on.

Learning to Read the Room

On set as a grip, you develop a sixth sense: where to stand, when to move, and when to speak. You learn to anticipate problems before they happen. You adapt quickly when they do. I wasn’t just building platforms; I was building awareness. I learned how to read people, egos, and the pressure of time.

This instinct serves me today, whether I’m on set as a writer-producer or walking into a room full of executives. I know how to read the energy, support what's needed, and keep the machine moving.

Respect Is Earned

As a grip, you observe who treats crew like crew and who treats them like furniture. You remember the directors who say “thank you” after a long day. You also remember the ones who don’t. This clear distinction shaped the filmmaker I wanted to become.

I strive to be a leader who understands that no movie gets made alone and no one is beneath acknowledgment. The film industry has a long memory. Respect, once earned, becomes your currency.

The Craft Before the Credit

Gripping taught me patience. No one applauds the C-stand. There are no awards for setting the most flags. But you do it anyway, and you do it right. This mindset—of showing up, doing the job well, and not demanding credit—builds real careers.

The people who last in this business often understand why each piece matters. They know it's not just about seeking the spotlight; it's about the entire process.

From the Ground to the Page

When I write a script now, I don’t just see the scene. I see the setup. I know how long lighting will take and where the dolly might snag. I understand what's feasible on a 20-day shooting schedule. This awareness makes me a better storyteller and collaborator.

I’ve held the sandbag, lifted the bounce board, and stood in the cold, holding a flag for take after take. Those experiences shape my understanding of storytelling.

The Bottom Is Where the Foundation Lives

The bottom is where the foundation of filmmaking exists. My time as a grip taught me that working from the ground up isn't about paying dues. It’s about building a strong foundation to support everything that follows: discipline, humility, and respect for every moving part.

Today, when I’m on set as a writer, producer, or director, I still carry cable to the truck. It’s not because I need to; it’s because I never want to forget where I started. That’s the essence of gripping: it keeps you grounded.

From the ground, you can build anything.

Recognizing the importance of every role within the film industry is critical. It allows for true collaboration and richer storytelling. What I’ve learned on set transcends the physical tasks and aligns with being a successful storyteller. This journey has been invaluable, shaping not just my career but also who I am as a professional.

By staying centered in my experiences and acknowledging the hard work behind the scenes, I can continue to grow and create meaningful content in an ever-evolving industry.