Nice kit. I found that having a mini first-aid kit is also handy at times, along with a small spray-applicator for sunscreen (in the summer), and a Sharpie and dry-erase marker (medium point).
Hey Luke, these videos are all great, thanks for making them! I've learned a lot. The current Local 16 required tool package for Set Electricians I believe consists of: -6" Wide Jaw Crescent Wrench (opens at least 1") -6" Channel Locks - 6" Dikes - 4 in 1 Screwdriver -Volt Meter/Multimeter - Utility Knife -Leather Gloves (with a belt clip) - Flashlight/Headlamp -Circuit Tester - Sharpie (I like to have a black and a red) In addition to the nice leather gloves for working the set, it's always great to have some non leather latex/rubber gloves for wrapping 4/o in disgusting places like the Tenderloin. For expendables, a small roll of 2 inch black paper tape and a roll of electrical tape tied to my belt with a piece of sash, and i clip on a bunch of c47s/.5 clips to that as well. Also carry a cube tap or two. And, like you said, always great to have your own walkie surveillance (nothing worse than being stuck with a Burger King). I wouldn't recommend a Leatherman for a big show (I've seen people get berated for this), but for smaller jobs I love mine (lightens the load a tad) For Set Grips, like you said, take out all the electrics stuff from the above package and add on a tape measure and a 3/16 speed wrench.
Hi AWolf, I'm thinking perhaps because it's better to have a real tool for each individual activity rather than the somewhat compromised version you get in a multi-tool. When you need a screw driver, a real one is better. When you need a crescent wrench, the pliers on a multi-tool is not optimum... I believe that's where that comment comes from.
Ah, totally makes sense. Come to think of it, I have been ostracized a couple of times for using a leatherman for it's screwdriver. I just find them very useful if someone else does not some prepared and needs to borrow tools from me. Thanks for the quick reply!
Yeah i guess the idea is to "have the right tool for the right job". Additionally, if you are working on a union set, it may part of the contract that technicians have to bring certain tool packages so they can perform their job professionally - at least that's my understanding. Last summer during one of my first days working on a union television show, the best boy asked me to meter a 1200a distro box, and I didn't have a meter of my own, and he explained (kindly) that it is a required tool for a set electrician to carry per the union contract with the production company...
Yup. It takes a while, but pretty quickly you learn what tools make your job easier, faster, and safer. Having leaders who are willing to bring you up to speed without demeaning you is a bonus:-)
Thank you for all the videos! I appreciate the knowledge every time. I work in a smaller market (Portland, OR) where it's common to wear multiple hats so what I carry on me tends to vary from job to job. Definitely always a Leatherman and a speed wrench, but sometimes socket and C-wrenches if I'm going to be working on truss/pipe clamps. I always bring a set of metric and regular hex keys to set as well. As for tapes, I'll bring photo black, gaff, and black and white E tape as well. Thanks again and great channel!
Good overview, but I would say there is a lot of redundancy. Some form of Gaff tape leash/lanyard thing is recommended too, since gaff is used very often on set.
Great video! I swing as an electric and grip myself too and found this video immensely useful. One question: you don't use a traditional test pen? Or is that redundant when you have the amp probe? And is it still common to carry a string of C-47's on a string with you? Or is it more common to keep a box of those close to every light these days?
Hi David, I believe I forgot to respond to your post. Over the years I've had a test pen around, but when I want to be sure of what I have in terms of volts, I use the amp probe. I use to have a side strap for C-47's, but I guess that's fallen off my normal kit too... just down to a leatherman and a blade and then add a C-wrench or a Allen ratchet if I'm working with pipe and pipe clamps. But if you're going to be far from the carts, it's best to have it on you tho!
I love all of your videos!! Are you planning on making one about how to make your own stingers? You talk about making your own stingers in every other video and I would love to see how you do it!
That's crazy that you linked that channel I actually watched there video about the difference between Grip and Electric department just the other day and subscribed to them! I'll make sure to watch that video though. Thanks again Luke!
I recently made a bunch of stingers and they turned out great! I found it helpful to tin the ends of the wire with flux and solder before putting the ends on. Using a blow torch is also a great way to speed up this process. instagram.com/p/BMiXTI6BNjy/
There’s a reason they’re are different sized conductors on cords and outlets…. Just because you can make it skinnier to fit in the outlet, doesn’t mean you should. They designed them to be different sizes to tell you what kind of breaker or load they can put out.
Interesting. Outside the USA there is very rarely a grip as electrical takes care of the silk, flags, shaping etc. Grip is only doing camera, track and dollies. There might be electrical riggers on a bigger set but from my perspective (being electrical) having somebody else set flags and silks seems strange. I guess it's what you're used to.
Yes, the categories in Europe are somewhat different from all the stories I’ve heard, but on smaller sets it doesn’t really matter because we do everything anyway🙂 I enjoy both G&E. I’m glad that I can hand off certain jobs to others when we have more crew, but knowing the intricacies of both sides of the profession helps you empathize with your crew. I have definitely worked with impatient gaffers over the years who got in trouble with the grips for handling grip gear😬 It’s fun to have a little rivalry between the teams, but too much is counterproductive. I can see how the European way would work really well in most scenarios.
Most of the biggest stars I’ve worked with were while I was still an electrician or grip. As a gaffer it’s mostly been CEO’s and Athletes. And I’m usually lighting people for interviews or stand-ups rather than narrative scenes, although that happens from time to time. I may have felt some pressure lighting Lady Gaga, Jerry Rice, or Tim Cook, but that’s nothing compared to working in close quarters for months with stars on a film. The handlers of the stars are usually much more uptight than the celebrity/VIP themselves.
@@meetthegaffer Did you ever light Joe Montana? The nicest sports celebrity I’ve ever met. We had him on Stage A, and folks brought in footballs for him to sign and he was happy to do it. Oh, and you might remember a grip named Jimmy Stewart. He brought a baseball. Joe thought that was pretty funny.
Good point. Lots of folks like to carry a partial roll of paper or gaff, but I tend not to be far from my carts, so a string of assorted tapes are usually close at hand:)
Recently it’s been clear that the double socket wrench is less useful for what I’ve been doing recently. A box wrench is probably a better tool for cheeseboroughs like the ones Modern makes because the threaded end is too long for the sockets... a Crescent works, but is a little slow.
Hey Luke, thank you for the answering about the wrench question and the info you provide was helpful. Oh by the way, I'm currently going taking a Motion Picture Studio Grip/Electric Class down here in Los Angeles City College and finish up these our courses to get my AA in cinema production . Our instructor (a cinematographer/ grip/ electrician from NYC) is dead serious when it comes to set safety. About ten years ago when I was working as a stagehand for our local theater and while I was in high school I never used a tool leash and not once did I ever drop a crescent wrench . I was shock to hear when he told us: when ever you use a crescent on set of film,tv, etc. At all times your crescent wrench must have a safety leash, and that's not even half of the story. Set safety is truly not take seriously enough. Oh and one more thing, when you meant by "Modern'? Did you mean Modern Studio Equipment? Unfortunately on there website they listed a 9/16 speed wrench with a little 3/16 bit tool : modernstudio.com/collections/tools/products/speed-wrench-to-9-16-rachet and would this tool work with using baby pipe clamp's square head of the threaded bolt? Well its best I end this reply for now. thank for your time Luke and have good day to you. I'll keep in touch when ever I have any question to ask in the future and thanks for the advice and a great job on those videos to keep us informed on what we should know out there in the world of the film and tv industry.
this is the director's cut of replies. yes he meant the brand modern.tool leashes are a good idea if you are working a cat walk but otherwise arent a big deal
+Victor Nguyen, good point! Ironically, and much to Thomas Tucker's chagrin, I don't use a light meter as often as I should given how sophisticated the tools have become both in cameras and monitors. The light meter gives you a baseline that is always good to have, especially if you need to keep continuity between scenes on multiple sets or days... however, most of my work is with camera people who know their particular cameras really well and are often working in log with luts... so I follow their lead. I owe this vlog an episode on incident, spot, and color meters... and need to be a better role model:-) Thank you, Victor!
Chief Lighting Technician. The term Gaffer comes from old timey Hollywood days, like so much of our terminology. Gaffer outside of the studio context means “old man”. So when the studio called the union hall to hire some electricians, they’d ask for a gaffer.
PS: I knew Luke here when he was a young grip/electrician. If memory serves, he had an informal apprenticeship with Alan Steinheimer (and probably a handful of other old NABET guys).
Кино
Nice kit. I found that having a mini first-aid kit is also handy at times, along with a small spray-applicator for sunscreen (in the summer), and a Sharpie and dry-erase marker (medium point).
Hey Luke, these videos are all great, thanks for making them! I've learned a lot.
The current Local 16 required tool package for Set Electricians I believe consists of:
-6" Wide Jaw Crescent Wrench (opens at least 1")
-6" Channel Locks
- 6" Dikes
- 4 in 1 Screwdriver
-Volt Meter/Multimeter
- Utility Knife
-Leather Gloves (with a belt clip)
- Flashlight/Headlamp
-Circuit Tester
- Sharpie (I like to have a black and a red)
In addition to the nice leather gloves for working the set, it's always great to have some non leather latex/rubber gloves for wrapping 4/o in disgusting places like the Tenderloin.
For expendables, a small roll of 2 inch black paper tape and a roll of electrical tape tied to my belt with a piece of sash, and i clip on a bunch of c47s/.5 clips to that as well. Also carry a cube tap or two. And, like you said, always great to have your own walkie surveillance (nothing worse than being stuck with a Burger King).
I wouldn't recommend a Leatherman for a big show (I've seen people get berated for this), but for smaller jobs I love mine (lightens the load a tad)
For Set Grips, like you said, take out all the electrics stuff from the above package and add on a tape measure and a 3/16 speed wrench.
Hi AWolf, I'm thinking perhaps because it's better to have a real tool for each individual activity rather than the somewhat compromised version you get in a multi-tool. When you need a screw driver, a real one is better. When you need a crescent wrench, the pliers on a multi-tool is not optimum... I believe that's where that comment comes from.
Ah, totally makes sense. Come to think of it, I have been ostracized a couple of times for using a leatherman for it's screwdriver. I just find them very useful if someone else does not some prepared and needs to borrow tools from me. Thanks for the quick reply!
Yeah i guess the idea is to "have the right tool for the right job".
Additionally, if you are working on a union set, it may part of the contract that technicians have to bring certain tool packages so they can perform their job professionally - at least that's my understanding.
Last summer during one of my first days working on a union television show, the best boy asked me to meter a 1200a distro box, and I didn't have a meter of my own, and he explained (kindly) that it is a required tool for a set electrician to carry per the union contract with the production company...
Yup. It takes a while, but pretty quickly you learn what tools make your job easier, faster, and safer. Having leaders who are willing to bring you up to speed without demeaning you is a bonus:-)
Thank you for all the videos! I appreciate the knowledge every time.
I work in a smaller market (Portland, OR) where it's common to wear multiple hats so what I carry on me tends to vary from job to job. Definitely always a Leatherman and a speed wrench, but sometimes socket and C-wrenches if I'm going to be working on truss/pipe clamps. I always bring a set of metric and regular hex keys to set as well.
As for tapes, I'll bring photo black, gaff, and black and white E tape as well.
Thanks again and great channel!
ben bach, thank you for sharing your experience. Go Portland!
Love your channel! Plz keep making these video, learn so much! Thank you
Hi Christopher, I'm glad you are enjoying the channel. Let me know if there is something specific you would like me to cover. All the best!
Good overview, but I would say there is a lot of redundancy. Some form of Gaff tape leash/lanyard thing is recommended too, since gaff is used very often on set.
Great video! I swing as an electric and grip myself too and found this video immensely useful.
One question: you don't use a traditional test pen? Or is that redundant when you have the amp probe?
And is it still common to carry a string of C-47's on a string with you? Or is it more common to keep a box of those close to every light these days?
Hi David, I believe I forgot to respond to your post. Over the years I've had a test pen around, but when I want to be sure of what I have in terms of volts, I use the amp probe. I use to have a side strap for C-47's, but I guess that's fallen off my normal kit too... just down to a leatherman and a blade and then add a C-wrench or a Allen ratchet if I'm working with pipe and pipe clamps. But if you're going to be far from the carts, it's best to have it on you tho!
I love all of your videos!! Are you planning on making one about how to make your own stingers? You talk about making your own stingers in every other video and I would love to see how you do it!
Chris Goodwin, sure... that can be arranged!
Chris Goodwin, also check out the Grip Tips Vlog:
ruclips.net/video/PfUkxzXwHlE/видео.html
That's crazy that you linked that channel I actually watched there video about the difference between Grip and Electric department just the other day and subscribed to them! I'll make sure to watch that video though. Thanks again Luke!
I recently made a bunch of stingers and they turned out great! I found it helpful to tin the ends of the wire with flux and solder before putting the ends on. Using a blow torch is also a great way to speed up this process.
instagram.com/p/BMiXTI6BNjy/
There’s a reason they’re are different sized conductors on cords and outlets…. Just because you can make it skinnier to fit in the outlet, doesn’t mean you should. They designed them to be different sizes to tell you what kind of breaker or load they can put out.
For sure😀
Interesting. Outside the USA there is very rarely a grip as electrical takes care of the silk, flags, shaping etc. Grip is only doing camera, track and dollies. There might be electrical riggers on a bigger set but from my perspective (being electrical) having somebody else set flags and silks seems strange. I guess it's what you're used to.
Yes, the categories in Europe are somewhat different from all the stories I’ve heard, but on smaller sets it doesn’t really matter because we do everything anyway🙂 I enjoy both G&E. I’m glad that I can hand off certain jobs to others when we have more crew, but knowing the intricacies of both sides of the profession helps you empathize with your crew. I have definitely worked with impatient gaffers over the years who got in trouble with the grips for handling grip gear😬 It’s fun to have a little rivalry between the teams, but too much is counterproductive. I can see how the European way would work really well in most scenarios.
Yess gaffer
Man, those trousers must slip a bit with all the weight, don't they?
What do you think about the new cheast packs? Looks a bit weird, but...
prottentogo, I had a younger back then! The chest packs are pretty good, especially in bad weather when you have a lot of rain gear on.
No gaffers tape? Electrical tape? Or did I miss it?
Hiski Hämäläinen, no, I missed it! Yes, a partial roll of paper tape for grips, and gaffer tape and electrical tape for electricians...
Luke Seerveld Hah, it is funny because tape is almost all I carry. I should get some good tool bags!
Did you ever get that T-shirt?
Luke Seerveld I did! It's awesome, thank you!! :) :)
Hi Luke. Who was the biggest star you were working with in your life as a gaffer?
Most of the biggest stars I’ve worked with were while I was still an electrician or grip. As a gaffer it’s mostly been CEO’s and Athletes. And I’m usually lighting people for interviews or stand-ups rather than narrative scenes, although that happens from time to time. I may have felt some pressure lighting Lady Gaga, Jerry Rice, or Tim Cook, but that’s nothing compared to working in close quarters for months with stars on a film. The handlers of the stars are usually much more uptight than the celebrity/VIP themselves.
@@meetthegaffer Did you ever light Joe Montana? The nicest sports celebrity I’ve ever met. We had him on Stage A, and folks brought in footballs for him to sign and he was happy to do it. Oh, and you might remember a grip named Jimmy Stewart. He brought a baseball. Joe thought that was pretty funny.
Yes! He signed a canvas grip bag I had brought to set. Eventually, on other jobs, I got John Madden and Ronnie Lott to sign the same grip bag🙂
Where's the gaffer tape?
Good point. Lots of folks like to carry a partial roll of paper or gaff, but I tend not to be far from my carts, so a string of assorted tapes are usually close at hand:)
Where is the Gaffer tape? :D
Ha, ha! Right?!
Hey you didnt mention what size the two sockets are on the ratchet
I wonder about that too and what kind of ratchet wrench that is with two different sockets and the third on/off side on the bottom.
Recently it’s been clear that the double socket wrench is less useful for what I’ve been doing recently. A box wrench is probably a better tool for cheeseboroughs like the ones Modern makes because the threaded end is too long for the sockets... a Crescent works, but is a little slow.
Dual sockets are 3/4 and 1/2.
Hey Luke, thank you for the answering about the wrench question and the info you provide was helpful. Oh by
the way, I'm currently going taking a Motion Picture Studio Grip/Electric Class down here in Los Angeles City College and finish up these our courses to get my AA in cinema production . Our instructor (a cinematographer/ grip/ electrician from NYC) is dead serious when it comes to set safety. About ten years ago when I was working as a stagehand for our local theater and while I was in high school I never used a tool leash and not once did I ever drop a crescent wrench . I was shock to hear when he told us: when ever you use a crescent on set of film,tv, etc. At all times your crescent wrench must have a safety leash, and that's not even half of the story. Set safety is truly not take seriously enough. Oh and one more thing, when you meant by "Modern'? Did you mean Modern Studio Equipment? Unfortunately on there website they listed a 9/16 speed wrench with a little 3/16 bit tool : modernstudio.com/collections/tools/products/speed-wrench-to-9-16-rachet and would this tool work with using baby pipe clamp's square head of the threaded bolt? Well its best I end this reply for now. thank for your time Luke and have good day to you. I'll keep in touch when ever I have any question to ask in the future and thanks for the advice and a great job on those videos to keep us informed on what we should know out there in the world of the film and tv industry.
this is the director's cut of replies. yes he meant the brand modern.tool leashes are a good idea if you are working a cat walk but otherwise arent a big deal
147 "UM"'s in the first 18 seconds.
Yes, I could use Toastmasters!
@@meetthegaffer Toastmasters cures a LOT of talking errors.
In my copious free time😂
Wow no Light Meter?
+Victor Nguyen, good point! Ironically, and much to Thomas Tucker's chagrin, I don't use a light meter as often as I should given how sophisticated the tools have become both in cameras and monitors. The light meter gives you a baseline that is always good to have, especially if you need to keep continuity between scenes on multiple sets or days... however, most of my work is with camera people who know their particular cameras really well and are often working in log with luts... so I follow their lead. I owe this vlog an episode on incident, spot, and color meters... and need to be a better role model:-) Thank you, Victor!
Try to edit out the "uhs" and gaps, but great info!
Gaffer...... I’ve never heard gaffer before
??
Chief Lighting Technician. The term Gaffer comes from old timey Hollywood days, like so much of our terminology. Gaffer outside of the studio context means “old man”. So when the studio called the union hall to hire some electricians, they’d ask for a gaffer.
PS: I knew Luke here when he was a young grip/electrician. If memory serves, he had an informal apprenticeship with Alan Steinheimer (and probably a handful of other old NABET guys).
Yup, That was the late 80’s, early 90’s… worked for Mason, Fontana, DTC, Freyer, Favaro, James Childers, Hughey, and of course, Alan.