Best Boy
A Best Boy is a crucial assistant position in film and television production, working as the chief assistant to either the Gaffer (for lighting) or Key Grip (for equipment and rigging). Despite its unusual name, this role can be performed by any gender. Think of them as a department coordinator who helps manage equipment, crew schedules, and safety procedures. There are two types: Best Boy Electric (lighting team) and Best Boy Grip (equipment team). They handle everything from coordinating equipment rentals to managing crew schedules and ensuring workplace safety.
Examples in Resumes
Managed crew of 15 as Best Boy on major motion picture productions
Coordinated lighting equipment rentals and maintenance as Best Boy Electric
Supervised grip department logistics as Best Boy Grip for multiple TV series
Typical job title: "Best Boys"
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Where to Find Best Boys
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Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle budget management for equipment rentals and crew scheduling?
Expected Answer: A senior Best Boy should explain their experience with creating and managing equipment budgets, negotiating with rental houses, and efficiently scheduling crew to minimize overtime while maintaining production quality.
Q: Describe a challenging situation where you had to solve a major equipment or crew problem during a shoot.
Expected Answer: They should provide examples of problem-solving under pressure, such as handling equipment failures, weather challenges, or crew shortages, while keeping production moving forward.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What safety protocols do you implement on set?
Expected Answer: Should discuss standard safety procedures, equipment checks, crew briefings, and how they ensure compliance with industry safety standards.
Q: How do you coordinate with other departments to ensure smooth operation?
Expected Answer: Should explain their communication methods with various departments, scheduling practices, and how they handle cross-departmental equipment and crew needs.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic responsibilities of a Best Boy?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of equipment management, crew coordination, safety procedures, and their role in supporting either the Gaffer or Key Grip.
Q: How do you maintain and track equipment inventory?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic inventory management systems, equipment check-in/out procedures, and maintenance scheduling.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic equipment knowledge and maintenance
- Understanding of set protocols and safety
- Equipment inventory management
- Basic crew scheduling
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced equipment troubleshooting
- Crew management and scheduling
- Budget tracking
- Departmental coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Full department management
- Complex production planning
- Budget management
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of safety awareness or certification
- Poor communication skills
- No experience with equipment maintenance
- Limited knowledge of industry standards and protocols
- No experience with crew scheduling
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