Best Boy

What is a Best Boy?

A Best Boy is usually a crewmember who serves as the chief assistant to either a gaffer or key grip. On smaller sets or productions with tighter budgets, all of this work is usually done by a lone key grip or a person who acts as a grip-gaffer hybrid. Once the key grip has figured out the logistics of what the DP wants for every shot, they relay that information to the best boy grip, who directs the department.

Salary average: $50,000-$100,000

Occupational Outlook:

There are 2,577 job openings each year!

Links to Learn More About This Career:

Educational Requirements:

A significant mechanical and electrical knowledge, and a background in carpentry, physics, mechanics, or filmmaking is usually preferred.

University of Southern California

Address: USC Transportation

620 McCarthy Way

(McCarthy Structure)

Los Angeles, CA 90089

Website: https://www.usc.edu/

Information on the Major: https://cinema.usc.edu/production/index.cfm

University of Kentucky

Address: 410 Administration Dr, Lexington, KY 40508

Website: https://www.uky.edu/

Information on the Major: https://finearts.uky.edu/theatre-dance/filmmaking-production-and-dramatic-writing

University of Lousiville

Address: 2301 South 3rd Street

Louisville, KY 40292

Website: https://louisville.edu/?utm_source=landing-page&utm_medium=snapchattiktok&utm_campaign=carnegie-sr-search

Information on the Major: https://catalog.louisville.edu/undergraduate/majors/theatre-arts-bs/

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

strong managerial
organizational
problem-solving skills
major physical and mental endurance
the ability to work long
fluctuating hours
a keen eye for detail
genuine passion and eagerness

Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:

Lightning Desgin Software

Electrical Load Calculation Software

Communication and Scheduling software

Post production software

Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career

Pros (Positives to this Career)

Exciting and dynamic Work ethic. You get to be a part of the action of the visual storytelling process.
Many Learning opportunities of working alongside professionals in an electrical department, allowing you to learn valuable skills.
You will learn collaboration and Teamwork, it's a collaborative process. This career builds relationships and you get to work together to achieve a common goal.

Cons (Negatives to this Career)

You will work long and Irregular hours. It is demanding with long work days and irregular work schedules.
This is Physically demanding, you will move a lot of heavy equipment in different locations and environments. It will require a lot of stamina and strength.
This is High Pressure and Fast-paced. You will have tight deadlines and need to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Important to handle jobs with pressure.