#19: Paul Synnott, Grip - Engineering the Perfect Shot: Meccano for Adults

Filmmaking Framed

In this episode of Filmmaking Framed, hosts Danion Hughes and Tom Dexter chat with Paul Synnott of Mischief Grips, a grip who's been involved in projects like Masters of the Air, The Great Escaper, and Treason. Paul demystifies the world of grips, explaining their pivotal role in filmmaking with a dash of humour. He reveals what it takes to be a grip, from playing with Lego as a kid to mastering complex rigs on set. Paul also debunks the myth of grips being just "knuckle-draggers" and shares stories that highlight the creativity and technical know-how required for the job. If you're aspiring to be a grip or just curious about what they do, this episode is a must-listen, filled with practical advice and entertaining insights.

Key Lessons

• Creativity in Problem Solving: Paul emphasises the creative aspect of being a grip, noting that each grip might devise a different solution for the same problem. If you ask 100 grips to create one rig, you'll get 100 different rigs. This shows the need for creativity and adaptability in the role, as grips must often create unique setups for various shooting scenarios.

• Comprehensive Collaboration: Paul highlights that grips interact with almost every other department on set. They coordinate with the camera, art, lighting, and sound departments to ensure everything is positioned correctly and safely. This extensive collaboration is crucial for the smooth execution of a shoot, showcasing the grip's key role in production.

• Physical Fitness and Smart Work: Paul points out the importance of physical fitness due to the job's demanding nature but emphasises working smarter, not harder. He stresses proper lifting techniques and using the right equipment to prevent injuries. This balance between physical capability and strategic thinking is vital for longevity and safety in the grip profession.

Resources

• Training and Qualifications:

NVQ levels 2 and 3 for grips.

Trainee log book (now available online).

The certification process and assessments conducted by the London Grip Branch

https://www.gripsbranch.org.uk/training/becoming-a-trainee

• Facebook Groups:

Shitty Rigs, a Facebook group where grips share creative and sometimes humorous rigging solutions.

https://www.facebook.com/share/BX8dyB6xUbGQiyhZ/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Want to work with Paul? Get in touch via Instagram or his diary service, Gravy Crew

https://www.gravycrew.co.uk/crew-profile-print.php?id=207

https://www.instagram.com/mister.mischievous/?hl=en

Filmmaking Framed is proudly supported by Centroid Motion Capture, a leader in providing state-of-the-art motion capture technology to the entertainment industry.