Best Boy
A Best Boy is a key assistant position in film and television production who helps manage electrical or lighting equipment and crew members. There are two types: Best Boy Electric (who assists the Gaffer - the head electrician) and Best Boy Grip (who assists the Key Grip - the head of the grip department). Despite the gendered title, this role can be performed by any gender. Think of them as second-in-command managers who handle scheduling, equipment maintenance, crew coordination, and safety protocols. They're like project coordinators who specialize in either electrical/lighting or grip equipment.
Examples in Resumes
Managed crew schedules and equipment inventory as Best Boy Electric on major motion pictures
Served as Best Boy Grip coordinating equipment rentals and crew logistics for television series
Best Boy Electric responsible for maintaining lighting equipment and supervising electrical crew
Typical job title: "Best Boys"
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Where to Find Best Boys
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle budget management and equipment rentals for a large production?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with creating equipment lists, negotiating with rental houses, tracking expenses, and ensuring everything stays within budget while maintaining production quality.
Q: Tell me about a time when you had to solve a major technical problem during a shoot.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership abilities, quick problem-solving skills, and knowledge of backup plans and alternatives when equipment fails.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you manage crew schedules and ensure proper coverage?
Expected Answer: Should explain experience with crew scheduling, understanding union rules, managing overtime, and coordinating with other departments.
Q: What safety protocols do you implement on set?
Expected Answer: Should discuss knowledge of electrical safety, equipment handling, crew safety procedures, and emergency protocols.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic responsibilities of a Best Boy?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain crew management, equipment maintenance, inventory tracking, and their role in supporting the Gaffer or Key Grip.
Q: How do you keep track of equipment inventory?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic inventory management systems, check-in/check-out procedures, and equipment maintenance tracking.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic equipment knowledge
- Inventory management
- Crew scheduling
- Safety protocols
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced equipment expertise
- Budget management
- Team supervision
- Production coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Department management
- Large production experience
- Emergency problem-solving
- Vendor relationships
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety protocols
- Lack of equipment handling experience
- Poor communication skills
- No understanding of production hierarchy
- No experience with crew scheduling
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