Best Boy in Film Production

Demystifying the Essential Coordinator Role Behind Every Great Film

Lighting & Electric
Grip & Rigging
Crew Management

What is a Best Boy, Really?

Despite its quirky name, "Best Boy" is a real and essential crew position in film production. It's not a nickname or informal role—it's a professional job title that represents the vital coordinating and leadership position that keeps the technical departments running smoothly.

Best Boy Electric

The assistant to the Gaffer (Chief Lighting Technician). Manages the electrical department, coordinates power distribution, oversees lighting equipment, and ensures electrical safety on set.

  • Power distribution planning
  • Lighting equipment management
  • Electrical safety protocols
  • Crew scheduling & coordination

Best Boy Grip

The assistant to the Key Grip. Handles rigging, camera support systems, equipment transportation, and ensures all grip gear is properly maintained and accessible.

  • Camera support & rigging
  • Equipment transport logistics
  • Grip gear maintenance
  • Set safety coordination

Fun Fact About the Name

The term "Best Boy" originated in early Hollywood when department heads would ask for their "best boy" to assist them. Despite the gendered name, this position is filled by people of both genders and the term has remained traditional in the industry. Some productions now use "Best Person" as an alternative.

Key Responsibilities on Set

Crew Management

  • • Schedule and coordinate crew members
  • • Assign tasks and responsibilities
  • • Manage department timecards
  • • Coordinate with other departments

Equipment Logistics

  • • Organize truck packing/unpacking
  • • Inventory and track equipment
  • • Coordinate equipment rentals
  • • Ensure proper maintenance

Communication Hub

  • • Relay instructions from department heads
  • • Coordinate with production office
  • • Manage on-set communications
  • • Report issues and solutions

G&E Department Hierarchy

Best Boys at Work

Best Boy Grip managing equipment

Equipment Management

Best Boy organizing and managing grip equipment on set

Best Boy coordinating crew

Crew Coordination

Best Boy coordinating with crew members and managing logistics

Best Boy Electric working with lighting

Lighting Operations

Best Boy Electric managing lighting setup and power distribution

Grip department working on set

Grip Department

Grip department working with camera support and rigging equipment

Best Boy Grip with equipment

Equipment Setup

Best Boy Grip setting up and organizing grip equipment

Lighting crew organizational chart

Department Structure

Visual representation of lighting and grip department hierarchy

Best Tutorials and On-Set Footage

Who is the Best Boy on a Film Crew?

Comprehensive explanation of the Best Boy role and responsibilities

Gaffer vs Best Boy vs Electric

Clear breakdown of lighting department roles and hierarchy

What A Key Grip Does On Set

Detailed look at the Key Grip role and how Best Boy Grip supports them

Best Boy Electric Career Guide

Career overview and day-to-day responsibilities of Best Boy Electric

Interactive Learning Worksheet

Knowledge Check: Match the Tasks

Match each task to the correct Best Boy role:

Tasks:

Power distribution planning
Camera rigging setup
Running electrical cables
Dolly track installation
Lighting equipment maintenance
Safety equipment coordination

Drop Zones:

Best Boy Electric
Best Boy Grip

Essential Gear Checklist

Best Boy Electric Gear:

Best Boy Grip Gear:

Scenario Challenge

Scenario 1: Power Outage

It's 2 PM on a sunny exterior shoot. Suddenly, the generator fails and all lighting equipment goes down. The director is getting anxious about losing daylight. What should the Best Boy Electric do first?

Scenario 2: Equipment Shortage

The Key Grip requests additional C-stands for a complex rigging setup, but the truck is nearly empty. The next scene requires extensive camera support. What should the Best Boy Grip do?

Career Path & Next Steps

Getting Started

  • • Start as Production Assistant
  • • Learn basic electrical/grip skills
  • • Network with department heads
  • • Volunteer on indie productions

Advancement

  • • Work consistently as Best Boy
  • • Develop leadership skills
  • • Master technical knowledge
  • • Build industry relationships

Department Head

  • • Become Gaffer or Key Grip
  • • Lead entire departments
  • • Mentor new Best Boys
  • • Work on major productions

Recommended Resources

Essential Reading

  • • "Set Lighting Technician's Handbook" by Harry C. Box
  • • "The Grip Book" by Michael Uva
  • • "Motion Picture and Video Lighting" by Blain Brown

Training Programs

  • • IATSE union training programs
  • • Local film school workshops
  • • Online grip & electric courses

Networking

  • • Join local film groups
  • • Attend industry meetups
  • • Connect on professional platforms