Movie Set Terminology & Film Crew Jobs

Have you ever been idly watching the end of a movie as the film credits roll by and when the listing gets near the end you start reading strange words like "best boy", "key grip", and "boom operator"? Did you wonder what in the world these strange words meant?

This colorful terminology is easily understood by veterans in Hollywood. The terms all refer to the different jobs on a movie set. Most of the slang describes film crew positions. These are all of the people behind the scenes. Although they aren't in front of the camera or famous movie producers, without them it wouldn't be possible to make a movie. Below is a guide to some of these movie film crew jobs.

Armourer
An armourer specializes in firearms. If a film requires firearms as props, an armourer is needed.

Best Boy
There are two types of best boys: electrical and grip. Best boy electric is the gaffer's assistant. (See gaffer definition.) There is also a best boy grip. A best boy grip assists the key grip. (See grip definition).

Boom operator
A boom operator assists the production sound mixer. They are in charge of ensuring clear dialogue and sound for a movie. The boom operator uses a long pole called a boom pole in order for microphones to be held out of the view of the cameras and still ensure that the actors are heard clearly.

Dolly grip
A dolly grip operates the movie camera dolly.

Foley artist
A foley artist is responsible for creating the sound effects in a movie.

Gaffer
A gaffer, or lighting technician, is the chief electrician. A gaffer manages the entire electrical department. The electrical staff's main responsibility is lighting.

Greensman
The greensman is a specialist who decides how and where to place plants and greenery in the film scenes.

Grip
A grip's concern is lighting. Grips make sure the lighting is just right for a movie scene. They will set up filters or blocks in front of lights or the sun to make sure the lighting is optimal. Grips also set up ladders and other large objects when needed, move scenery, and sometimes operate camera dollies.

Key Grip
The key grip is over the entire set operations department. They assist the gaffer.