SCENE 01 / GRIP EQUIPMENT SERVICES
Grip Services
Professional grip crews and equipment for camera and lighting support across Japan.
Grip equipment services provide the mechanical support hardware and rigging that shapes light and positions cameras on set. In Japan, grip teams work at Toho Studios, Nikkatsu Studios, and across Tokyo's production facilities, applying meticulous Japanese craftsmanship to camera support and rigging work.
We source grip equipment and experienced grip crews who understand Japanese production culture and safety standards. With packages available from Tokyo-based rental houses like NAC Image Technology, our team coordinates equipment with your key grip's specifications.
Capabilities
Grip Department Solutions
From dolly operation to complex rigging, we provide experienced grip professionals and complete equipment packages for productions of any scale.
01
Camera Support
- Dolly and track systems
- Crane and jib operation
- Slider and motion control
- Specialty camera mounts
- Vehicle camera rigs
Camera Movement
02
Lighting Support
- Stands and rigging
- Diffusion and flag work
- Overhead frames
- Silk and bounce control
- Negative fill setups
Light Control
03
Rigging
- Truss and grid systems
- Safety rigging
- Overhead installations
- Set piece mounting
- Specialty rigging solutions
Structural Support
04
Specialty Grip
- Car and vehicle mounts
- Process trailer operation
- Greenscreen support
- Rain and wind effects
- Mechanical effects support
Specialty Solutions
On Location
Key Grips And Grip Packages Across Japan
Grip work in Japan is precision work. The narrow service alleys behind Shibuya, the guarded stone paths around Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, the rooftop weight limits on Yokohama high-rises, and the timber floors of Asakusa machiya houses each ask for a key grip who plans rigging by the millimetre.
Here is how this works in practice. Our key grips come up through Toho Studios, Nikkatsu, and the Tokyo commercial circuit. They run their own teams of best-boy grips, dolly grips, and rigging grips. They show up with safety sums and load schedules already cleared with the site owner before the truck rolls.
Here is the short of it. Kit comes from Hibino, Imagica, and NAC Image Technology in Tokyo and the Yodoyabashi rental net in Osaka. That covers full Fisher and Chapman dolly track, Technocrane and Movi-Crane jib packages, and process trailers for road runs along the Pacific coast. We add scaffolding and truss systems for stage builds, plus the standard C-stand, flag, silk, and bounce stock you need for daily set work.
Here is the breakdown. Specialty rigs for Mount Fuji altitude shoots, Setouchi marine platforms, and Hokkaido sub-zero conditions are quoted from the same net. All rigging carries the right Japanese safety sign-off. Certified rigging leads sign off on overhead work.
FAQ
Our Grip Network
What does a grip department do?
The grip department supports both camera and lighting. They operate dollies, cranes, and camera support equipment for camera moves. They also handle all non-electrical lighting support: stands, rigging, diffusion frames, flags, and bounce/negative fill.
What positions are in a grip department?
Key Grip leads the department and works closely with the gaffer and DP. Best Boy Grip manages equipment and logistics. Dolly Grip operates camera dollies. Company Grips handle general grip work. Rigging Grips focus on pre-rigging and construction.
When do I need a grip vs. an electrician?
Electricians handle anything electrical—lights, power distribution, cables. Grips handle physical support and rigging—stands, camera movement equipment, flags, diffusion frames. The gaffer supervises electrics; the key grip supervises grip.
What equipment is included in grip packages?
Grip packages typically include C-stands, flags, nets, silks, bounce boards, apple boxes, sandbags, clamps, and basic rigging. Dollies, cranes, and specialty equipment are usually additional items quoted separately.
Do your grips have rigging certifications?
Yes. Our rigging grips hold appropriate certifications for overhead work, truss systems, and safety rigging. Complex rigging work is supervised by certified rigging supervisors meeting industry safety requirements.
Can you provide grip trucks with equipment?
We coordinate complete grip truck packages through our rental partners. These include the truck, driver, and comprehensive grip equipment. Crew is booked separately based on your production's needs.
Related Services
Productions in Japan that need this often pair it with Portable Power Solutions, Gaffer & Lighting Services, and LED Lighting Systems for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Lighting & Grip and Green Screen Filming.
On Set
Need a Grip Team?
Tell us about your production and we'll recommend the right key grip and crew for your needs.