In American film-making, the key grip is the chief grip on the set. Like a foreman, the key grip directs a crew of grips, some with specialized skills such as dolly grips, crane operators, camera car operators, etc. Grips' responsibilities bridge several departments on a film set including camera, lighting and art departments through the use of rigging, as in unusual camera positions, overhead lighting positions and overhead set dressing.

Grips are also skilled lighting designers, working closely with the gaffer and director of photography to create shadow, diffusion and other lighting effects. Additionally the key grip is often the safety monitor of the film set, responsible for maintaining safe working conditions across all departments, including overseeing the safe use of theatrical ballistics, pyrotechnics, stunts, etc.

The term grip is used in slightly different ways in the British or Australian film making. In the British and Australian film industries, a grip is responsible for camera mounting and support, which can include anything beyond a basic tripod. Lighting in British and Australian film-making is headed by the gaffer, who is also part of the camera department.