More Than a Title
On a film set, the title ‘Best Boy’ is one of the most traditional and, to an outsider, most confusing. The term is gender-neutral—the role is filled by both men and women—and it does not imply that the person is a ‘boy’. The name is a holdover from the early days of filmmaking, when the head of one department might ask another, “lend me your best boy” to help with a task. Crucially, there are two distinct Best Boy roles on any major production, and they belong to two different departments: the Best Boy Grip and the Best Boy Electric.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
While they manage different equipment and personnel, the core function of both Best Boy roles is identical: they are the second-in-command and chief administrator for their respective departments.
-
Best Boy Grip: This individual is the chief assistant to the Key Grip. They are responsible for managing the entire grip department, including all company grips and the dolly grip. They manage the inventory of all grip equipment: C-stands, flags, nets, dolly track, cranes, and rigging hardware.
-
Best Boy Electric: This individual is the chief assistant to the Gaffer (the head of the electrical department). They manage the team of electricians and are responsible for all lighting and electrical distribution equipment: lamps, ballasts, cables, and generators.
The Foreman of the Set
The Best Boy’s primary role is logistical and managerial, freeing up their department head (the Key Grip or Gaffer) to be on set and collaborate creatively with the Director of Photography. The Best Boy’s responsibilities are extensive:
- Personnel Management: They are responsible for the hiring, scheduling, and management of the entire crew within their department. They handle all the paperwork, including timecards and deal memos.
- Equipment Logistics: They order all equipment for the production, manage the department’s truck, and are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and inventory of every piece of gear. If a piece of equipment is broken or needs to be sub-rented, the Best Boy handles it.
- Coordination: They are the primary liaison between their department and the production office, handling purchase orders, and communicating budgetary needs. On set, they anticipate future setups, ensuring the crew has the necessary equipment ready to go, which maximizes efficiency and minimizes downtime.
- Safety: Alongside their department head, they are responsible for ensuring all safety protocols are followed, particularly regarding electrical safety (Best Boy Electric) and rigging safety (Best Boy Grip).
A great Best Boy is the organizational backbone of their department. Their foresight, inventory knowledge, and management skills are what allow the complex machinery of a film set to run smoothly and efficiently.