Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Best boy

In film and television production, the best boy is a senior crew position serving as the chief assistant to either the (head of the electrical/ department) or the (head of the /rigging department), acting as the department's to manage daily operations, crew coordination, and equipment logistics. This role is essential for ensuring the efficient setup, maintenance, and breakdown of rigs or camera support structures, often requiring hands-on technical expertise in , mechanics, and safety protocols on set. The best boy electric (or best boy lighting) specifically supports the gaffer by overseeing the electrical crew, distributing power to lights, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining inventory of cables, lamps, and generators to meet the director's visual requirements. In contrast, the best boy grip assists the key grip with rigging equipment like cranes, dollies, and stands, focusing on the physical support for cameras and lights while prioritizing set safety and workflow efficiency. Both variants demand strong leadership skills, as the best boy hires and supervises junior crew members, handles paperwork such as gear orders and time sheets, and liaises with other departments to align on production schedules. Entry into the role typically requires years of prior experience as a set electrician or grip, often through union apprenticeships like those with IATSE in the United States, emphasizing reliability under high-pressure, long-hour conditions. The term "best boy" originated in the early , likely borrowed from seafaring traditions where it denoted a captain's most trusted young assistant, and was adapted to crews during the industry's formative years when sets relied on informal, male-dominated labor pools. Though traditionally gendered, the title is now applied gender-neutrally, with women in the role sometimes referred to as "best girl" for clarity, reflecting evolving industry inclusivity. Notable best boys have transitioned to prominent careers, such as cinematographers or producers, underscoring the position's value as a stepping stone in technical filmmaking.

Overview

Definition and Role

In film production, the best boy serves as the chief assistant to either the , who heads the lighting and electrical department, or the , who leads the and department. This role functions as the within these respective departments, overseeing operations to support the department head's creative and technical decisions. The best boy position falls within the below-the-line crew hierarchy, comprising and support staff who are typically compensated on a daily or weekly basis according to rates. In this structure, the best boy reports directly to the department head—the or —while supervising junior crew members such as electricians or grips. This placement ensures streamlined coordination between on-set execution and logistical management. Although the term "best boy" carries traditional male connotations stemming from early Hollywood's predominantly all-male crews, it is now recognized as gender-neutral, applying equally to individuals of any gender without alternative titles like "best girl" being commonly used. This shift reflects broader inclusivity in modern film production teams. Daily responsibilities of a best boy involve hands-on set preparation, such as positioning equipment or supports in alignment with the director of photography's vision, alongside equipment handling like checks and of tools such as dollies, cranes, and cables. They also enforce protocols unique to their department, including supervising crew assignments to prevent hazards like electrical overloads or unstable , and ensuring compliance with industry standards during high-risk setups.

Importance in Film Production

The best boy plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless and setups on sets, which directly influences the visual quality of shots and the realization of the director's vision. By coordinating with the or , the best boy facilitates precise equipment placement and adjustments that align with the cinematographer's requirements, minimizing disruptions during ing and allowing for consistent aesthetic outcomes across scenes. This operational efficiency is essential for maintaining the artistic integrity of productions, as any lapses in setup could compromise the intended mood, tones, or compositional elements. In terms of budget control, the best boy contributes significantly by overseeing , including crew hiring, inventory tracking, and timely replacement of faulty gear to prevent costly halts. Through proactive of technical issues, they optimize the use of materials and labor, helping projects stay within financial constraints while avoiding overtime or rental overruns that could escalate expenses. This managerial oversight ensures that departments operate efficiently, supporting the overall fiscal health of film projects from low-budget independents to large-scale features. Safety compliance is another critical area where the best boy excels, enforcing standards such as those outlined by the (OSHA) in the United States to mitigate risks on high-hazard sets. They conduct regular equipment inspections and implement protocols for secure and electrical handling, reducing the incidence of accidents like falls, electrical shocks, or equipment failures that have been cited in numerous OSHA violations within the . By prioritizing hazard prevention and crew training, the best boy fosters a secure environment that protects personnel and enables uninterrupted workflows. The best boy's expertise is particularly vital for enabling complex shoots, such as night exteriors or action sequences, where intricate and demands must be met under time pressure. For instance, in night exteriors, they coordinate power distribution and light arrays to simulate natural conditions without visible infrastructure, while in action sequences, rapid setups and breakdowns support dynamic camera movements and stunts. These capabilities allow productions to tackle ambitious scenes that would otherwise be infeasible, enhancing the scope and impact of the final film.

Responsibilities by Department

Best Boy Electric

The best boy electric serves as the second-in-command to the , the chief , and oversees the daily operations of the electrical department on a film set. This role involves supervising technicians in the setup, maintenance, and breakdown of , including lights, cables, and generators, to ensure efficient execution of the production's visual requirements. The best boy electric assigns tasks to the crew, manages schedules, and coordinates with other departments to maintain productivity and safety during shoots. A critical responsibility is the management of power distribution to prevent overloads and ensure safe operations. This includes performing load balancing calculations to verify that the total amperage drawn by equipment does not exceed the capacity of available circuits or generators, thereby avoiding electrical hazards on set. The best boy electric monitors power needs for pre- and phases, ensuring all cables and generators are properly positioned and functional to support the lighting plan without interruptions. In coordination with the , the best boy electric contributes to creative designs by overseeing operations such as board controls and the application of gels or filters to achieve desired effects like adjustments or . This collaboration involves relaying directives from the director of photography and ensuring the implements setups that align with the scene's artistic vision. The best boy electric acts as a communicator, issues and reporting progress to facilitate seamless integration of technical and creative elements. Additionally, the best boy electric handles inventory tracking for all electrical gear, including logging equipment usage, inspecting for damage, and procuring replacements or rentals as needed during to minimize downtime. This administrative oversight extends to managing paperwork for expenditures and returns, ensuring compliance with safety standards and budget constraints.

Best Boy Grip

The Best Boy Grip acts as the primary assistant to the , supervising the in the construction and adjustment of mechanical systems essential for camera support and movement on film sets. This includes directing the team in assembling dollies, cranes, stands, and tracks to enable dynamic shots, such as tracking sequences or aerial perspectives, while coordinating with the to meet the of photography's specifications. By managing daily workflows and delegating tasks, the Best Boy Grip ensures that these setups are executed efficiently without interrupting the production schedule. Ensuring the structural integrity of and set elements forms a core responsibility, with the Best Boy Grip overseeing load-bearing assessments for overhead installations to uphold safety protocols. This involves verifying weight distribution and conducting risk evaluations to prevent structural failures, particularly in high-risk configurations like suspended platforms or mounts, in compliance with industry standards. Such measures are vital for protecting , , and during demanding shoots. In collaboration with the Key Grip, the Best Boy Grip contributes to the setup of practical effects rigs, including rain towers for simulated precipitation and wind machines for atmospheric motion, integrating these mechanical elements seamlessly into the production environment. Furthermore, they maintain a comprehensive inventory of grip tools and gear, performing on-set repairs and organizing equipment transport to avert downtime and support uninterrupted filming. These duties highlight the role's emphasis on reliability and proactive problem-solving in mechanical operations.

Etymology and History

Origin of the Term

The term "best boy" emerged in the context of early 20th-century , drawing from established hierarchies in theater and work where "boy" served as a colloquial term for any male assistant, irrespective of age, and "best" denoted the most capable or senior deputy among them. This usage reflected the informal, labor-intensive nature of crews transitioning from live theater and to the burgeoning . According to the , the phrase was first attested in 1931, specifically as the principal assistant to the chief electrician, or , in a . The term's adoption in U.S. film around coincided with the expansion of the , where production demands required reliable second-in-commands to manage growing teams of electricians and grips borrowed from stage backgrounds. An account from IATSE Local 728, a key for technicians, traces it to early practices: the most skilled assistant in a department, often handling administrative tasks like paperwork while the head stayed on set, earned the title "best boy" for their efficiency and dependability. This role solidified as studios like those in formalized crew structures influenced by and theatrical traditions, emphasizing quick, hierarchical delegation. One possible nautical influence on the term stems from maritime slang, where "best boy" referred to a trusted deckhand or —reliable workers who, during , frequently took up temporary roles in early industries before transitioning to . In its origins, the term carried gender implications tied to the male-dominated workforce of the era; the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), founded in and pivotal in organizing crews by the 1920s, initially restricted technical roles like best boy to men, reflecting broader union and industry norms until inclusivity efforts began in the mid-20th century. Today, while the title persists, it applies regardless of gender, often with "best girl" as an alternative for women.

Historical Evolution

During the of in the 1940s and 1950s, the best boy role expanded significantly within the and electric departments as part of the broader growth of the , which operated as self-contained "film factories" producing dozens of films annually with large, specialized crews. Studios like (MGM) supported this expansion through dedicated facilities, including and labor shops established by the and enhanced with additional sound stages post-World War II, enabling complex lighting and rigging setups for high-volume productions. This period formalized the best boy's responsibilities as , managing larger teams to handle the demands of films and elaborate set constructions that required precise electrical distribution and mechanical support. In the and , the best boy position adapted to reforms and increasing gender diversity in response to and legal challenges against discriminatory practices in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Women began entering and electric departments amid resistance, with pioneers like Wendy Carr confronting exclusion in locals such as IATSE Local 13; her 1984 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint, alongside other women, led to a settlement establishing "Rules of Equitable Dispatch" that ensured fair work allocation and boosted female representation to over 20% of the workforce. Similarly, in IATSE Local 26, barriers broke in the late with figures like Karen Kuiper joining technical roles in electrics and rigging, inspiring further integration and prompting constitutional changes for women's leadership positions by the . These reforms also formalized training requirements through apprenticeships, elevating the best boy's role in overseeing skilled, diverse crews while addressing and unequal opportunities. The rise of digital filmmaking in the 2000s transformed the best boy's duties, particularly in the electric department, by introducing LED lighting that streamlined power management and reduced logistical demands compared to traditional HMIs and fluorescents. Early adoption of experimental flat-panel lighting occurred in productions like Michael Mann's Collateral (2003), where ELD panels were used for vehicle lighting, necessitating custom cabling but foreshadowing lighter, more efficient setups. By the mid-2000s, shows like Desperate Housewives employed adjustable 1x1-foot LED panels tunable to daylight or tungsten balances, minimizing gel corrections and generator reliance, which allowed best boys to focus on rapid deployments and integration with digital workflows. In the grip department, CGI integration shifted emphasis toward specialized rigging for green screens and motion control, supporting virtual effects that blended practical and digital elements in films of the era. Since the , best boys have increasingly incorporated practices into their oversight of equipment and operations, driven by industry-wide efforts to reduce carbon footprints through energy-efficient technologies. The widespread adoption of LEDs, which consume up to 75% less power than legacy fixtures, has become standard in lighting setups, enabling best boys electric to prioritize low-waste configurations on sets powered by renewables like generators. This trend aligns with broader green production guidelines, where best boys manage modular, repairable gear to cut emissions and material discard, as seen in initiatives by studios like 20th Century Fox that emphasize alternative energy and efficient from the mid-2010s onward.

Global and Extended Usage

Usage Outside English-Speaking Countries

In non-English-speaking industries, the term "best boy" is frequently adopted directly in English, particularly in international co-productions and credits, to maintain consistency with global standards influenced by practices. In , the role is typically described using local such as "assistant du chef électricien" or "premier assistant électrique," with the English term "best boy" recognized primarily in US-influenced or international contexts. Similarly, in , crews commonly retain "Best Boy" for the assistant or foreman, as there is no direct equivalent in production jargon, with translations like "Erster Lichttechniker" used descriptively in domestic contexts. In Asian cinema, particularly China, the term is translated as "最佳男孩" (Zuì jiā nán hái), literally meaning "best boy," which preserves the hierarchical structure of the role as the chief assistant to the gaffer or key grip while adapting to linguistic norms; this translation emphasizes the assistant's support in lighting and rigging without altering the gender-neutral application in practice. In Latin American productions, such as those in Mexico, "best boy" is typically kept in English in credits due to heavy reliance on U.S. exports and co-productions. Industries with prevalent dubbing and subtitling, such as in , face adaptation challenges where technical terms like "best boy" persist unchanged in to ensure international recognizability and avoid confusion in global distribution, even as spoken uses native equivalents during . In other major industries like Bollywood in , the English term "best boy" is often retained in credits and for alignment with standards.

Applications Beyond Film

The term "best boy" has historical roots in theater but is now predominantly associated with film and television; similar assistant roles in live theater support the master electrician or technical director with equipment management and setup for performances. Television production employs the best boy in a manner closely aligned with film, serving as the primary assistant to the gaffer or key grip in managing electrical and rigging operations, though the episodic format demands accelerated workflows, including swift equipment reconfiguration between takes to meet tight daily shooting schedules. The position occasionally appears in music videos and commercials, where best boys oversee compact, portable and setups to accommodate on-location shoots, limited run-and-gun timelines, and constrained budgets that preclude large crews or extensive rigging. Unlike in , where larger teams allow for specialized divisions, applications beyond often feature smaller crews and heightened budget limitations, especially in theater, requiring best boys to multitask across electrical, rigging, and logistical duties with minimal support.

References

  1. [1]
    Understanding the Role of a Best Boy on a Film Set - MasterClass
    Jun 7, 2021 · A best boy is the first assistant to the grip crew or the lighting department and fills a number of roles on a television or film set. While the ...
  2. [2]
    What is a Best Boy in Film? Job Description and Duties Explained
    Apr 20, 2025 · Best Boys are the managers who help filmmakers get their vision across and finish their movie on time, along with the help of the main Gaffers ...
  3. [3]
    Best Boy Film Crew Role: Job Description & Career Guide
    Mar 31, 2025 · A best boy assists the key grip and gaffer by managing the crew, placing gear orders, and keeping track of equipment.
  4. [4]
    What Is a Best Boy? (Plus Duties and 8 Steps To Become one)
    The best boy has a supervisory role on the film set and helps set up lighting or scenes for the film.What Is A Best Boy? · Best Boy Grip · Best Boy Skills
  5. [5]
    What is a Best Boy on a Film Set?
    Aug 17, 2021 · A best boy on your film set will serve as the first hand to either your gaffer or your key grip. If you've forgotten, a gaffer is the person who leads the ...What Is A Best Boy? · Best Boy Electric · Best Boy Grip
  6. [6]
    What is a Best Boy - Film Connection
    As a best boy, you're responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the lighting crew and equipment. This involves coordinating the crew's tasks, ...What Does A Best Boy Do? · Additional Information · Diverse Careers In The Film...<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    What does a best boy do? | HowStuffWorks - Entertainment
    Sep 12, 2014 · The theater and film industries borrowed the term "best boy" from the seafaring world, probably around the turn of the 20th century.Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
  8. [8]
    Origin of "Best boy" - a film crew position - English Stack Exchange
    Jul 29, 2015 · 1)Best boy was a title used in early sailing and whaling crews, who were often employed during shore leave to work as stage hands.
  9. [9]
    What Is the Role of a Best Boy? - Toronto Film School
    Mar 10, 2023 · Many speculate “Best Boy” comes from the early days of moviemaking history when sets were far more casual and crews were exclusively male.What is a Best Boy? · Responsibilities of the Best... · Five Skills Every Best Boy...<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Best Boy Grip - Everything You Need to Know - NFI
    In the film industry, the best boy grip is subordinate to the key grip, ensuring the position of cameras and lights in the shooting spot.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  11. [11]
    Glossary of Terms - IATSE Local 476
    Both the Grip and Electric Departments have a Best Boy: Best Boy Electric and Best Boy Grip. Also referred to as “seconds”, they work under the direction of ...
  12. [12]
    Essential Guide: Film Crew Positions - Wrapbook
    Jul 1, 2025 · Best boy electric. The best boy electric (BBE) is the gaffer's second-in-command. They manage crew scheduling, rentals, and gear maintenance, ...Missing: gender | Show results with:gender
  13. [13]
    Grip (Film and TV Drama) - ScreenSkills
    ... production. Best boy grip. Best boys (who can be any gender) are second in charge and have a similar role to a department's secretary. They do all the ...Missing: hierarchy | Show results with:hierarchy
  14. [14]
    ULTIMATE Film Crew Positions Breakdown + Infographic - SetHero
    Best Boy Grip. The first assistant of the key grip is the best boy grip (or the “best grip”). The best boy (who can be any gender) is responsible for renting ...
  15. [15]
    [PDF] IATSE Performing Arts and Motion Picture Hazard Information - OSHA
    Hazards include transportation incidents, violence, fires, overexertion, falls, and contact with equipment. OSHA citations include walking surfaces, egress, ...
  16. [16]
    Best Boy Electric Job Description + Info | Backstage
    Jun 23, 2020 · The best boy electric is the second in command to the gaffer and acts as the foreman of the electrical team. They supervise the daily operations ...
  17. [17]
    Best Boy: Everything You Need to Know - NFI
    The best boy assists the gaffer or the key grip on a film set and specializes in electrical and lighting aspects or provide camera support.
  18. [18]
    How to Become a Best Boy Grip for Movies & TV - Backstage
    Apr 18, 2023 · The best boy grip is the right hand of the key grip and runs the daily operation of the grip team, including managing all of the other grips.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  19. [19]
    Hollywood film studio tips for grips - MyHollywoodPage.com
    Load-bearing calculations must be exact, too. Safety devices like harnesses and rigging points must be utilized to prevent accidents. In the world of ...
  20. [20]
    Lighter Side of Lighting | IATSE Local 728
    If you know who 'Myer' was, or who 'Becky' was, or if you know who's name 'Obie' is short for or where the terms 'Gaffer' or 'Best Boy' come from, pass it on to ...
  21. [21]
    Film Crew Who's Who: 10 Unusual Jobs on a Film Set - CreativeFuture
    Feb 28, 2018 · The best boy is considered second in command, supervising the crew and handling logistics so that the gaffer or the key grip can remain on set.
  22. [22]
    [PDF] Entertainment Industry, 1908-1980 Theme - Los Angeles City Planning
    Over the course of the 20th century, new forms of entertainment found their footing in Hollywood and flourished. Film, radio, television, and sound recording ...<|separator|>
  23. [23]
    A History of Women Joining IATSE Local 13, with Wendy Carr
    Mar 1, 2020 · I was told “We don't let women work in our local. You could call the wardrobe local.” I tried to explain my experience, but to no avail.
  24. [24]
    Women Making History: An IATSE Local 26 Timeline
    Mar 31, 2021 · Women were starting to recognize the possibilities for success in our Local. They inspired many women to join the union. Clearly the ...
  25. [25]
    Not a C-47 in sight: The evolution of lighting and the pleasure of LEDs
    Jun 18, 2019 · Lighting for video and film has come a long way since the 1990s. This blog takes us on a journey from the days of HMIs to the Astera Titan ...Missing: introduction boy
  26. [26]
    looking back at the digital video cinema of the new millennium.
    Apr 18, 2020 · A major shift was beginning to happen in the world of filmmaking. Digital video was getting cheaper, easier to use and, in some cases, better-looking.
  27. [27]
    Green Filmmaking Practices → Term - Sustainability Directory
    Mar 10, 2025 · Established industry-recognized standards and best practices for green filmmaking. 2010s, Increased adoption of LED lighting, renewable energy ...
  28. [28]
    Case Study: 20th Century Fox Pioneers Industry-Leading Green ...
    Apr 21, 2017 · Fox's green production practices have expanded their scope to include responsibly-sourced lumber and food, alternative fuel sources, and a significant push to ...
  29. [29]
    Best boy - Wikipedia
    In short, the best boy acts as the foreman for the department. A woman who performs these duties may be called best girl.
  30. [30]
    Glossaire FR / EN - Distribution & Équipe technique - ARA
    May 8, 2020 · ... Best boy electric / Electrician Chef machiniste / 1er Machiniste (US) / Machiniste = Key grip / Best boy grip / Grip Directeur de la ...
  31. [31]
    Best Boy erklärt: Filmcrew, Aufgaben, Beleuchtung am Set - Jobwork
    Der Begriff "Best Boy" bezieht sich auf eine wichtige Position innerhalb der Filmcrew, die in den Abteilungen für Elektrik (Best Boy Electric) und Grip ...Missing: Begriffe | Show results with:Begriffe
  32. [32]
  33. [33]
    BEST BOY in Simplified Chinese - Cambridge Dictionary
    BEST BOY translate: (拍电影或电视节目时)协助照明电工(负责铺设及维护电力设备的人)的器材助理. Learn more in the Cambridge English-Chinese simplified ...Missing: cinema | Show results with:cinema
  34. [34]
    Vocabulario de cine en español e inglés: diccionario de rodaje
    Nov 27, 2019 · Best Boy. El best boy es como se llama al ayudante del gaffer (jefe de eléctricos) y al ayudante del Key Grip (jefe de maquinistas). En ...
  35. [35]
    看了这么多年电影,你知道“Best Boy”是谁嘛?_考试 - 搜狐
    Mar 2, 2023 · 这里的“Best Boy”作为一个影视领域的术语,可和我们按照字面理解的“最好的男孩”这个意思完全不同。在剑桥辞典中“Best Boy”的释义为“the person who helps ...
  36. [36]
    走进剧组:影视制作各职位中英文对照详解
    Jun 5, 2018 · 在好莱坞,灯光师或灯光导演、灯光总监(Gaffer)和机械师或器械师(Key Grip)的副职位,都被称为“Best Boy”。而且包括女性,也被称为此。所以没有“Best Girl”这 ...
  37. [37]
    Music Video Production: roles and responsibilities explained
    Jan 13, 2015 · Best Boy/Runner – Manually operates the light when it is needed. Grip. Key Grip – Lays down tracks and other equipment firmly in place to ...