Job titles

[JD Hartman]

What is your definition of the job title, "Swing Grip and Electric"? On a highly structured shoot, rigidly structured crew, what would you expect your duties to include?

[Michael Nash]

"Swing" just means you work in both departments, helping each as needed. You're responsible to both the Key Grip and the Gaffer, and generally they will decide which department needs your services more at any given time.

[JD Hartman]

I agree. That's always been my definition of the job. On one project, the person working as swing insisted that it meant that he stayed with the truck, kept it organized and brought out grip or lighting equipment as needed. It proved to be a great opportunity for him to make phone calls and generally goof off.

[Michael Nash]

On one project, the person working as swing insisted that it meant that he stayed with the truck, kept it organized and brought out grip or lighting equipment as needed.

 

That's the (partial) description of Best Boy, not Swing. And not the goofing off part. ;)

[Sam Kim]

I agree. That's always been my definition of the job. On one project, the person working as swing insisted that it meant that he stayed with the truck, kept it organized and brought out grip or lighting equipment as needed. It proved to be a great opportunity for him to make phone calls and generally goof off.

every g/e will probably goof off more than most but the work should always be the priority. it's also why i'll never call some people to help me out.