B&H, in association with Impact, has posted up a 1-hour and 45-minute online workshop. Product developer Jason Friedman covers everything from the basic anatomy of a light stand to advanced rigging techniques.
You can also learn about what the role of a grip is. Grips are skilled technicians responsible for rigging cameras and non-electrical lighting modifiers. The Grip department normally includes the Key Grip (the department head), the Best Boy Grip (the foreman), and third grips (often colloquially called “hammers”).
The workshop provides a detailed breakdown of light stand components, including sliding (Rocky Mountain) legs for uneven terrain, brake castings, and various head types like the baby pin, combo head, and the “lollipop” head.
Grip Equipment & Hardware Explanations
C-Stands: Versatile tools named for their history with Century Lighting. They are frequently used for rigging backgrounds, flags, and overheads.
Clamps & Accessories: In the workshop, you will get detailed instructions on using the Super Clamp, Cardellini clamps, and the platypus.
Apple Boxes: Essential for elevating talent, equipment, or leveling tracks. The boxes have specific industry orientations: New York, LA, and Chicago.
Safety and Rigging Techniques: You will learn about the importance of balancing loads, using sandbags (ball busters) for stability, and applying safety cables when rigging overhead. You can also learn the physics of booming lights safely.
Specialized Equipment: There is also information about using dolly systems, windup/crank stands for heavy payloads, and modern robotic camera arms.
