Common Types of Grip Equipment Every Production Team Should Know

When it comes to filmmaking or live productions, grip equipment is essential to creating the magic that audiences see on screen or stage. From ensuring perfect lighting to rigging complex camera setups, grip gear is the backbone of countless production processes.

For production teams in Orlando, FL, understanding the ins and outs of grip equipment can make all the difference in delivering visually stunning content while maintaining safety and efficiency. This blog will guide you through the most common types of grip equipment, their functions, and how they are used on set. If you're in Orlando, FL, and looking for the right gear, read on for insights into making the most of your grip equipment options.
 

What Is Grip Equipment?

Grip equipment refers to the tools and hardware used to support and shape lighting and camera setups on production sets. Grip crews, made up of highly skilled technicians, use this equipment for tasks such as mounting heavy cameras, ensuring stability for lighting, and creating dynamic movement for shots.

Without the right grip equipment, achieving stable and professional results would be nearly impossible. Whether you're working on an indie film, a commercial shoot, or a live production, having the proper tools can elevate the entire production.

Why Understanding Grip Equipment Matters

• Efficiency: Knowing the right tools for the job minimizes setup time and increases production speed.
• Safety: High-quality, properly used grip gear reduces the risk of accidents or equipment failures.
• Artistic Results: The right equipment allows you to achieve specific visual effects and camera angles, taking creativity to new levels.
   

Common Types of Grip Equipment

Below, we’ll walk through some of the most frequently used grip equipment types that are essential on any production set.

1. C-Stands

What they are: A C-Stand, or Century Stand, is a versatile piece of grip equipment used to hold lights, scrims, flags, or other modifiers.

Key Features:

• Adjustable height
• Sliding arm for positioning
• Durable build

How they’re used:

On film sets in Orlando, FL, C-Stands are often used to position lights in hard-to-reach spots or hold flags (a type of light modifier) to cut or shape light. Their flexibility makes them indispensable for achieving ideal lighting setups.

2. Sandbags

What they are: Weighted bags used to stabilize stands, booms, or tripods.

Key Features:

• Heavy-duty materials
• Easy placement on equipment bases

How they’re used:

Grip crews use sandbags to anchor equipment, especially when working outdoors in windy conditions or when a heavy setup needs added support. They provide peace of mind and help prevent accidents on set.

3. Flags and Scrims

What they are:

• Flags are solid materials (usually black cloth) mounted on frames to block light.
• Scrims are translucent materials used to diffuse or control light intensity.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and easy to position
• Ideal for precise light shaping

How they’re used:

Flags and scrims are used to control the spread, intensity, and quality of light. For example, in a sunny Orlando, FL, exterior shoot, scrims might be used to soften harsh sunlight, while flags can block unwanted light from spilling into the frame.

4. Clamps

What they are: Clamps are versatile tools used to secure different pieces of equipment, such as lights or props.

Key Features:

• Available in various styles (e.g., Mafer clamps, Cardellini clamps)
• Strong grip for supporting heavy loads

How they’re used:

Clamps are often attached to stands, walls, or ceilings to hold modifiers, reflectors, or other grip equipment. Their adaptability makes them useful in locations where standard stands may not fit.

5. Dolly Systems and Track

What they are:

• Dollies are wheeled platforms, often laid on tracks, used for smooth camera movements.
• Tracks provide stability and direction for dolly setups.

Key Features:

• Supports heavy cameras
• Allows for seamless motion

How they’re used:

The classic “tracking shot” often involves a dolly system. For productions in Orlando, FL, dolly systems are often essential for creating cinematic movement through spaces.

6. Apple Boxes

What they are: Rectangular wooden boxes used to prop up equipment or people.

Key Features:

• Various sizes (full, half, and quarter)
• Extremely durable

How they’re used:

Apple boxes are a simple yet effective tool, often used to adjust height or balance for lights, cameras, or actors. They’re a favorite among grip teams for their versatility.

7. Boom Arms

What they are:

Extended arms attached to stands, used to position microphones, lights, or cameras at specific angles.

Key Features:

• Adjustable length
• Can attach different types of equipment

How they’re used:

Boom arms are essential for reaching over sets or tight areas. For instance, filming in some of Orlando’s iconic locations might require boom arms to capture overhead shots in crowded or uneven spaces.

8. Grip Heads and Knuckles

What they are:

Small hardware components used to secure and adjust equipment like flags, scrims, and arms.

Key Features:

• Strong and reliable locking mechanisms
• Allows for easy adjustment

How they’re used:

Grip heads and knuckles are often used to attach flags and modifiers to C-Stands or other mounting equipment. They allow for precise control of angles and positions.

9. Light Modifiers

What they are:

Includes tools like softboxes, reflectors, diffusion gels, and barn doors to shape and diffuse light.

Key Features:

• Variety of shapes and sizes
• Tailored for different light fixtures

How they’re used:

Light modifiers are used to create specific lighting effects, whether to soften shadows, bounce light, or produce dramatic highlights. Reflectors, for example, are a staple on sunny Orlando, FL, shoots.

10. Tripods and Hi-Hats

What they are:

• Tripods stabilize cameras for stationary shots.
• Hi-Hats are smaller mounts used for low-angle shots or tight spaces.

Key Features:

• Adjustable legs for uneven terrain
• Compact and portable (Hi-Hats)

How they’re used:

Tripods provide dependable stability for cameras, while Hi-Hats are often used for shots where floor-level stability is required.

 

Finding the Right Grip Equipment in Orlando, FL

No matter the size or scope of your production, having the right grip equipment ensures a smooth process and spectacular results. If you're looking for grip equipment in Orlando, FL, check out Tiki Grip & Electric for a wide selection of top-quality rental gear. Their inventory is perfect for all your lighting and camera setup needs.

 

Why Choose Tiki Grip & Electric?

• Wide variety of equipment available
• Expert advice from seasoned professionals
• Convenient rental options to suit your production schedule

Contact Us Today!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to production, don't leave your setup to chance. Contact Tiki Grip & Electric today to learn more about our grip equipment rentals and take your project to the next level.