Uva's Basic Grip Book [Paperback]

Michael Uva (Author), Sabrina Uva (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240804856 | ISBN-13: 978-0240804859 | Publication Date: October 2, 2001

While the technology of filmmaking has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, the basics of effective studio gripping are the same-a thorough knowledge of equipment, safety, and tools remains the foundation for success. A heavily illustrated reference and learning tool, Uva's Basic Grip Book provides grounding in basic grip equipment, techniques, and safety issues. It distills the most beginner-friendly information offered in Uva's original Grip Book into a handy reference and guide prepared especially for the beginning professional.

Updated with the latest studio grip equipment, the book also offers a complete list of personal grip tools that every grip should have, more than 100 tricks of the trade, and a review test designed to affirm new knowledge. Uva's Basic Grip Book also offers safety tips for gripping, detailed descriptions of positions within the grip department, and advice designed to help land that first job and get established in this very competitive industry. A fully updated and expanded glossary completes the book.


Uva's Basic Grip Book covers beginners' most frequently asked questions and helps them to acquire basic skills. It also looks at the different positions within the grip department and offers helpful advice in getting that first job.

Like its predecessor, Uva's Basic Grip Book is filled throughout with Tricks of the Trade, as well as tips on common practice and safety. An improved and expanded glossary completes the book.


Caters to the beginning professional
Comprehensive guide on the basics of grip work
Heavily illustrated reference to equipment used on a daily basis

Editorial Reviews

Review

"His second edition of this book is a must-have for anyone who hopes to work in this area of the motion-picture industry. Uva is both inspirational and pragmatic in this entertaining manual. Sprinkled throughout are sidebars labeled "Tricks of the Trade", or TOT. Some of these can save neophytes a lot of grief." - Ray Zone, American Cinematographer

"You don't have to be a grip to benefit from reading Uva's Basic Grip Book, though; it's also an entertaining Berlitz lesson for anyone who might find himself on set during the production of a film." - Ray Zone, American Cinematographer
AMAZON REVIEWS OF THE GRIP BOOK 2E

I wish I had this book when I first started in this industry. Trying to figure out a c-stand, a flag, gels and bullets all at the same time can be stressful when you know nothing that first day! But for a beginner who wants to know the equipment, this is a great place to start. And for pros, the stuff on jibs, cranes, etc. is very good. I highly recommend it!
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I wish someone had shown me this book when I first started out. The best grip equipment reference out there. The Tricks Of The Trade sidelines are also helpful. I first became familiar with the Grip Book in the form of a dog-eared first edition (minus the cover and splattered with diesel fuel) via a very kind but crusty generator operator in Phoenix, AZ. The book answered all of the questions I was afraid to ask.
This new edition has info on cranes that is worth the cover price alone.

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This book offers lots of diagrams and pictures of the equipment and processes used on a film and TV set/shoot. That's important for newbies and those who want to learn more since when working on a film someone in charge will always shout out orders like, "Drop the apple box, and set up the flag over there!" This is a "break in" book for the film industry on the ground level.

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I use this book in teaching field and studio production, and advanced camera and lighting techniques. Great reference, sometimes a little overwhelming for the beginner, but well worth the price of admission. Topics treated with professionalism and humor -- a grip with a grin!

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This book, written by a Grip, is a very good manual for the green grip. It goes though most of the equipment and how it is most often used. There are handy "Tricks of the Trade" through out, all of which are sound advice. It also does a good job in dealing with the business side of the job. Advice on set conduct and getting work. But the reason for veterans to keep the book on hand is the back half of the book. There is a resource guide with the specs on many cranes, dollies, jib arms and other camera platforms. Over all, considering it's the first of its kind. I think it stands up against comparable books about lighting and camera.

From the Publisher

Uva’s Basic Grip Book covers beginners’ most frequently asked questions and helps them to acquire basic skills. It also looks at the different positions within the grip department and offers helpful advice in getting that first job. Like its predecessor, Uva's Basic Grip Book is filled throughout with Tricks of the Trade, as well as tips on common practice and safety. An improved and expanded glossary completes the book.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (October 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240804856
• ISBN-13: 978-0240804859
• Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,875,027 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars get a grip, August 4, 2009

By 

Yasuko Izu "Yas" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Uva's Basic Grip Book (Paperback)

I had a cinema professor who worked with Uva and said he went home from the set everyday with another piece of equipment. When asked, he said he was going to write a book about set equipment. Lucky for us, he did. I think it's the only book of its kind and very thorough and clear to understand!

5.0 out of 5 stars The best informative guide to equipment, April 11, 2009

By 

M. Hall "blues fan" (Glendale, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Uva's Basic Grip Book (Paperback)

The first choice for any film professional that is going to order technical equipment for a shoot. This is a great book for the beginner that reflects opon the time when being a "grip" was a career that one could make a living at for a lifetime. A great way to learn the equipment and techniques of major motion picture grips, as well as an informative guide for all production positions when ordering equipment and manpower.