Learn directly from top key grip from Amazon's THE BOYS and Netflix's LOCKE & KEY & THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY!

It truly does take a village to put together a production, and while the actors and directors often get the lion’s share of the credit, there many other players that are absolutely critical to a film’s ultimate success. Key among these are the grip, electric, and camera departments. Including the key grip, best boy, gaffer, ACs and other positions, these folks are the ones who actually get the film made. They manage equipment, set up and operate the camera and dollies, rig the lighting, and more. It’s not as widely considered as other departments, but the camera, grip and electrical fields are a fantastic way to break into the film industry, pick up skills on set, contribute to exciting projects, and build a reputation for yourself.

For aspiring filmmakers looking to get in the middle of the action, there are very few opportunities as entrenched and as involved as the camera, grip, and electrical team. But how do you break in? You might see roles like “key grip”, “2nd AC”, “gaffer”, and “best boy” in the credits, but what does each do, and which roles could you be the best fit for? And once you’re in, how can these roles lead you to new opportunities like cinematographer or director?

Richard Teodorczyk has been working in the camera and grip department for over 35 years, most recently serving as key grip for the second season of Netflix’s LOCKE & KEY. Richard has recently served on other notable shows including Amazon’s THE BOYS, Netflix’s THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY, and FX’s WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS and films like SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, LARS AND THE REAL GIRL, and THE VOW. Although his experience mainly comes from a grip’s point of view, his years of experience allow him to share knowledge, tips and helpful tricks for those wishing to join the industry in a grip, electric or camera capacity.

Richard will teach you how you can begin a career in film and television by working on the shooting floor. He will walk you through all the possible jobs within the camera, grip, and electrical fields, what skills you need to be successful, and how COVID-19 has changed the film landscape. He will provide valuable tips on how to find your place and keep it, and how to maintain your sanity through what sometimes seems like a daily grind. He will also discuss the path from the camera department to other roles like cinematographer and director. Richard’s presentation will help you decide which direction is right for you and how to avoid the many potential pitfalls of the biz that always seem to be lurking in the background.

Working in film and television provides an individual the incredible opportunity to work day in and day out with creative people in interesting situations. It can also create tense and difficult scenarios when so many voices collide. I hope my years of experience can offer some insight into how to navigate this beautiful and crazy minefield we call the shooting floor, and teach people what to expect in a world that is continually evolving.

-Richard Teodorczyk

• What Makes Up the Camera/Electrical Department?
  • Roles and their responsibilities
    • Camera Team (operators, focus pullers, Digital information technician, etc.)
    • Grip Team (key grip, best boy/girl, dolly operator, riggers, etc.)
    • Electrical Team (gaffer, board op, electrics, etc.)
  • What does a day on set look like for the camera dept?
  • Perks of the job
  • Biggest challenges associated with these roles
  • Can you do the job for the travel?
  • What kinds of people are best suited for these roles and who enjoys these jobs the most?
• Getting Started – Choose a category, but choose wisely
  • 3 truck analogy
  • Set your goals and stick to them
• Training Programs
  • Which are worth the money, which aren’t
• Contacting The Right People For The Right Job
  • Part-time vs. full-time
  • How to get your foot in the door
  • Where will you draw the line?
• Union Vs. Non-Union Vs. Commercials
  • Safety
  • Pay scale
  • What ‘vultures’ are and how you can avoid them
• How To Survive and Avoid Burnouts
  • Accidents
  • Drugs/booze
  • Long hours
  • Family life or lack off
• Building Longevity
  • The importance of character
  • How to make DPs want to work with you again and again
• Making Ends Meet
  • How much can you expect to make for different projects/different roles?
  • How to make money when you’re not working/renting out gear
• COVID-19 And How It’s Changed The Landscape
  • New protocols
• The Path to Cinematographer or Director
  • Why it’s not exactly linear
  • How different roles will prepare you
• Q&A With Richard

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how you can begin a career in film and television by working on the shooting floor.

All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how you can begin a career in film and television by working on the shooting floor.

Producers looking to learn how you can begin a career in film and television by working on the shooting floor.

Actors looking to learn how you can begin a career in film and television by working on the shooting floor.