A grip is a member of the electrical department.   Working with both the Camera and Electrical (Lighting) Departments, the members of the Grip Department set up and install all the specialized “hardware” and equipment used in making a film.  Grips are the Mechanics that set up all the technical gear and get it in place.  In addition, they often are required to build extensive wooden platforms for the Camera’s “Dolly Track” to rest securely on in order for the “Dolly” to have a smooth & level surface to move on.

 

The may also help with any other structural aspect of related to lighting, dollies, building stages, moving lights and walls and just about anything else.  In the United Kingdom, grips work exclusively with camera structures. 

The key (chief) grip works with the director of photography as a general assistant on handling lighting, shadows, and supporting structures like cranes and dollies for the camera. The key grip works with a team of grips all working on building structural devices for shading.

 

The grip boss is second in command to the key grip. The grip boss typically acts as liaison between the key grip and all the other grips, taking a large and broad task and assignment more specific duties to complete it job at hand. 

 

Essentially, this is duct tape. It is also called gaffer’s tape and cloth tape. It is the tape used to create holding spaces on structural items, and is generally used by the grips and gaffers.