What is a Best Boy?

Q: Hi Chris, What is a best boy? I always see them on the credits of a movie but I haven't been able to figure out who they are. Thanks, Connie

A: Hi Connie, Welcome to the wonderful world of movie credits! Best boys are part of the crew responsible for helping the Cinematographer get the shots they need. Here's an outline of who's who:

Gaffer: the chief electrician on the set, responsible for setting up lights as directed by the Cinematographer
Best Boy Electric: the Gaffer's first assistant
Electrics: everyone else who works under the Gaffer's command
Key Grip: The person in charge of camera cranes, dollies, and platforms
Best Boy Grip: the Key Grip's first assistant
Dolly Grip: The person who pushes the camera dolly along the tracks.
Grips: everyone else who works under the Key Grip's command

So, to answer your question, a Best Boy is the first assistant of either the Gaffer or the Key Grip. For a more complete list of all movie credit descriptions, please go to http://tms.ecol.net/movies/whoplain.htm