The best boy is the second-in-command of the grip and electrician groups, answering to the key grip and gaffer, respectively.

To give you an idea of what that means, the key grip is responsible for the creative side of shaping light, while the gaffer focuses on creating and controlling light with electrical equipment.

The best boy would be referred to as best boy grip and/or best boy electric, or simply best boy.

A Day In the Life of a Best Boy

What does a typical day look like on set for a best boy? Here’s what to expect…

Pre-Call Preparation:

• Arrives early to review the day’s call sheet and set up for the crew
• Ensures all equipment is accounted for and in working order
• Assigns tasks to grips/electricians based on the day’s needs

During Shooting:

• Oversees their department, making sure all setups run smoothly
• Troubleshoots lighting, power, or rigging issues as needed
• Communicates between the gaffer/key grip and the rest of the crew
• Handles equipment rentals, returns, and inventory

Wrap & End of Day:

• Breaks down gear and ensures everything is stored properly
• Reviews upcoming needs for the next day’s shoot
• Manages paperwork (timecards, equipment logs, etc.)

If working full-time (which is rare due to the project-based nature of the industry), the average annual salary of a best boy in the IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) union is $80,000 to $130,000.

The average annual salary for a non-union best boy is about $50,000 to $80,000¹.

According to the 2024-2027 IATSE West Coast Studio Local Long-Form Agreement, a best boy can make $39.98 per hour, or $1,599.20 per week².

Again, this is all assuming you work full-time as a best boy, which can be difficult to achieve, especially just starting out.

In the past, set workers were predominantly male, hence why the department heads would ask for the “best boy” available for certain tasks. Today, the role is much more defined and open to all genders.

The daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly schedules of a best boy electric and best boy grip are unconventional ones.

The career outlook for a best boy in the film industry depends on factors like union affiliation, industry demand, technological advancements in production, and where you live.

To give yourself the best chance, you should move to a film-heavy city, like Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, or Vancouver.

And if you join the IATSE union, you can get better job security, wages, and benefits. But regardless, best boy work is project-based, requiring networking and consistent job hunting.

On top of this, you can work your way up to a key grip or gaffer role, which gives you more responsibilities and potentially higher pay.

To succeed long-term, you’ll need to adapt to new technology (LED lighting, virtual production) and maintain strong industry connections.

The career path to becoming a best boy and advancing further in the industry follows a structured but freelance-based progression. Since film work is heavily based on networking and reputation, the timeline can vary.

Regardless of your path, here are some ways to get started:

• Work on independent and student films to build technical knowledge
• Start as a set PA, electrician, or grip to learn department workflow
• Attend film production workshops focused on lighting and rigging
• Develop industry connections by working consistently on different sets
• Seek mentorship from experienced gaffers, key grips, or best boys

Here’s a typical career path you can take to become a best boy…

Entry-Level Positions (Production Assistant or Set Crew)

Many aspiring best boys start as a production assistant (PA) in the grip or electrical department. Some enter as a grip or electrician directly, working under more experienced crew members. Regardless, hands-on experience with equipment, lighting setups, and set operations is crucial at this stage.

Becoming a Skilled Grip or Electrician

After gaining experience, a best boy specializes in either grip (rigging, camera support) or electric (lighting, power distribution) work. Most professionals aim to join IATSE for better job opportunities, wages, and benefits. No matter what, working consistently on different productions helps build industry connections.

Promotion to Best Boy (Grip or Electric)

After several years as a grip or electrician, film set workers with strong leadership skills and technical knowledge are promoted to best boy roles. At that point, responsibilities expand to crew management, equipment logistics, and assisting the key grip or gaffer. Networking is key, as best boys are often hired based on recommendations from department heads.

Alternative Career Paths

Many experienced grips and electricians move into gear rental houses, working with production teams to supply and maintain equipment.

On the other hand, some professionals move into film schools or training programs to mentor new crew members.

Lastly, with emerging technology like LED walls and virtual production, some best boys pivot into specialized positions in advanced lighting or rigging setups.

Becoming a best boy requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and hands-on experience in the film industry.

Since the role involves both crew management and logistics, aspiring best boys must develop a strong foundation in their department before stepping into a leadership position.

Here are the main skills and experience you’ll need as a best boy…

• Equipment Knowledge — Understanding industry-standard lighting fixtures, rigging gear, grip hardware, and electrical systems
• Power Distribution (For Best Boy Electric) — Managing generators, cables, and safe power loads
• Rigging and Safety (For Best Boy Grip) — Securing camera rigs, dolly tracks, and structural setups for lighting/grip equipment
• Reading Lighting & Camera Plans — Working from lighting plots or grip diagrams to execute setups efficiently
• Crew Coordination — Assigning tasks, managing workflow, and ensuring the team works efficiently
• Communication — Acting as the link between the gaffer/key grip and the rest of the department
• Problem-solving — Quickly addressing technical and logistical issues on set
• Time Management — Keeping setups on schedule while adapting to last-minute changes
• Equipment Inventory & Rentals — Managing gear, tracking damaged items, and handling rental returns
• Budget Awareness — Understanding department costs and working within production constraints
• Familiarity with set etiquette, safety protocols, and department workflow is essential
• Experience handling high-pressure environments and long shooting days is crucial for stepping into a leadership role

Yohan Herman (key grip and best boy with credits on Cuck, Blackmark, All out Dysfunktion!, The Boatman and Out of Ashes) mentions that the most important quality a best boy needs to have for success is the aptitude to learn how to communicate and manage people. This will allow them to make their respective departments run smoother and the life of the key grip or gaffer easier.

There are no strict educational requirements to become a best boy, but formal training, certifications, and hands-on experience can help build the skills you’ll need.

Most best boys start as grips or electricians and learn through on-set experience, apprenticeships, and/or technical programs.

Formal Education

While not required, a degree in film production, cinematography, or technical theater can provide a strong foundation. Schools with hands-on production training may offer valuable networking opportunities.

Some trade schools and community colleges offer specialized courses in lighting, electrical work, or stagecraft, which can be directly applicable to a career in grip or electric work.

Hands-On Training & Certifications

The best way to learn is by working on student films, indie projects, or as a Production Assistant (PA) on professional sets.

It’s also a good idea to join the IATSE union. It offers apprenticeship programs and safety training for grips and electricians. Joining a union local (such as IATSE 728 for electricians or 80 for grips) can provide access to industry-standard training and job opportunities.

It’s also a good idea to earn an OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification. Many productions require basic workplace safety training, especially when working with heavy equipment, power distribution, or rigging.

You’ll also need to get lift and rigging certifications. Knowing how to safely operate scissor lifts, boom lifts, and rigging systems is essential for both grip and electric departments. Certifications in aerial lift operation (MEWP) and fall protection are often required for union jobs.

It would also help you to take basic electrical courses or pursue a Journeyman Electrician’s License, though film sets have different regulations than traditional electrical work.

Workshops & Specialized Training

Organizations like the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) and local film schools often host training sessions on lighting, rigging, and camera movement.

It would also benefit you to learn from professional gaffers and cinematographers. It can help an aspiring best boy develop a deeper understanding of lighting design and equipment management.

Lastly, as film technology advances, it’s important to stay up to date with LED walls, DMX lighting control, and virtual production techniques.

IATSE typically offers events and learning opportunities only to its members, but it never hurts to occasionally check out its website for information.

Those looking for help may be better served by exploring online forums and groups often found via social media. Facebook groups in particular may offer community and connections, though the prerequisites for being accepted into them may vary.

Aspiring Best Boys should also look into books that explore this side of filmmaking.

In particular, Eric Taub’s Gaffers, Grips and Best Boys: From Producer-Director to Gaffer and Computer Special Effects Creator, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Who Does What in the Making of a Motion Picture is a comprehensive resource for those in this specialty.

As with virtually every other aspect of the industry, though, most of the job of a Best Boy is learned through practical experience. So the best thing you can do to further your career is to get on set!