GRIP TALK: THE LANGUAGE OF CONDOR RIGGING

Ever felt lost in a conversation with a grip crew? The world of film rigging has its own specialized vocabulary, a shorthand that allows grips to communicate quickly and precisely about complex setups. In this excerpt from our Film Production Rigging: Condor Boom Lifts course, we’ll demystify some of the key terms used when rigging a Condor, specifically focusing on the setup described by Shane Hurlbut, ASC, and his key grip, Brendan Riel. 

Understanding this “grip talk” isn’t just about sounding knowledgeable; it’s about understanding the why behind the rigging choices, which ultimately impacts the safety and effectiveness of your lighting.

For a deeper dive into filmmaking terminology, be sure to explore the comprehensive Filmmakers Academy Glossary.

THE SCENARIO: A 120-FOOT CONDOR FOR NIGHT EXTERIORS

Imagine you’re preparing to light a massive night exterior scene, with a car traveling down a long stretch of road. To achieve even illumination, you’re using a 120-foot Condor boom lift, positioning powerful lights high above the set. This isn’t a simple matter of putting a light on a stand; it requires careful rigging and a precise understanding of the equipment.

KEY TERMS AND THEIR PRACTICAL APPLICATION: 

Rigging a Condor boom lift is a precise and demanding task, where safety is paramount. Every component, every connection, has a specific purpose. In this section, we’ll decode the essential grip terminology used in this process, explaining not just what these terms mean, but why they matter in ensuring a secure and effective lighting rig.

CANDLESTICK RIG This is the foundation of many Condor lighting setups. A “candlestick” is simply a vertical piece of speed rail (a standard type of aluminum pipe used extensively in film rigging). This speed rail is secured to the Condor basket’s railing, typically using cheeseboro clamps.  The name “candlestick” comes from the resemblance to a candle holder — a vertical support for the light. In our scenario, the candlestick rig supports the custom cage holding the four Nanlux 2400B LED fixtures. It’s important that this candlestick rig be assembled first.

SPEED RAIL Think of this as the LEGO bricks of the grip world. It’s strong, lightweight aluminum tubing with a standardized diameter, allowing for countless configurations using various clamps and connectors.

CHEESEBORO CLAMPS (Sometimes spelled “cheeseborough” or “cheesebrough”) These are incredibly versatile clamps used to join two pieces of pipe at a fixed angle (usually 90 degrees). They get their name from the numerous holes in their design, resembling Swiss cheese. These clamps provide a strong, secure connection, essential for supporting heavy lighting fixtures.

CHIPS  These are small, metal shims. When clamping a pipe with a Cheeseboro, there might be slight gaps between the pipe and the clamp’s jaws. Chips are used to fill these gaps, ensuring a snug and secure fit. They prevent slippage and ensure the stability of the rig.

MOD-X TRUSS (Also, Module-X Truss) In our scenario, a 6-inch section of “Mod-X truss” is used to mount the moving lights below the Condor basket. Truss is a pre-fabricated framework of metal tubes, typically aluminum, designed to support heavy loads. Mod-X or Module-X, likely refers to a modular truss system, meaning it can be assembled in various configurations.

TWO-INCH RATCHET STRAPS Strong straps. When rigging heavier lights, it’s very important to always use two-inch straps.

GRENADES  Don’t let the name alarm you! In grip terminology, a “grenade” is a small, metal fastener with a threaded end. It’s used to securely join speed rail components. It’s a far cry from the explosive device, but the name likely comes from the similar shape.

ANEMOMETER  An anemometer measures the wind speed. It is important to know the speed of the wind, especially when working with equipment high in the air.

HARD MOUNTS  (Speed Rail and Grenades)  While ratchet straps provide some flexibility, “hard mounts” offer a more rigid and secure connection. In this case, the hard mounts consist of pieces of speed rail attached to the Condor basket and the Mod-X truss using “grenades.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF REDUNDANCY:

Notice that the moving lights are attached to the truss using both ratchet straps and hard mounts. This is a crucial safety principle in rigging: redundancy. If one attachment method were to fail (a strap breaks, a clamp slips), the other would still hold the lights securely in place. This is especially important when dealing with heavy equipment suspended high above the ground.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU (EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT A GRIP):

As a filmmaker — whether you’re a director, DP, or producer — you might not be the one climbing the Condor. However, understanding the language of rigging is far from irrelevant. In fact, it’s essential for effective collaboration and informed decision-making. Knowing these terms empowers you to communicate your vision clearly to your key grip and gaffer. You’ll understand the constraints they’re working under and be able to discuss potential solutions collaboratively. 

This knowledge also enhances your safety awareness on set, allowing you to recognize potential hazards and contribute to a safer working environment. Beyond the practicalities, understanding how lights are rigged opens up a world of creative possibilities. You’ll be able to envision more complex and ambitious lighting setups, knowing what’s feasible and how to achieve it. It will also ensure that the necessary equipment makes it into the film’s budget.

THE BOTTOM LINE: BEYOND THE GRIP JARGON

The language of filmmaking, like any specialized field, can seem daunting at first. But by breaking down these terms and understanding their practical application, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the craft of film rigging and the crucial role it plays in bringing cinematic visions to life.

Want to learn more about Condor rigging, safety protocols, and advanced lighting techniques? 

This excerpt is from our comprehensive Film Production Rigging: Condor Boom Lifts course, available exclusively to Filmmakers Academy All Access members or as a one-time purchase. 

Elevate your filmmaking knowledge and unlock new creative possibilities!

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the jargon? Don’t worry! The Filmmakers Academy Glossary is your go-to resource for deciphering all the filmmaking terms you’ll encounter on set and beyond.

NIGHT CINEMATOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS

This Condor rigging lesson gave you the how. Now, are you ready to see the why? In our Night Cinematography Masterclass, you’ll witness the stunning results of this very setup in action. We’ll break down how the principles of Condor rigging, combined with expert lighting techniques, create truly breathtaking night exteriors. You’ll see how the theory translates into practice, and learn how to apply these techniques to your own films. Don’t just learn about rigging — see the cinematic magic it unlocks! 

Get the Night Cinematography Masterclass now and transform your night shoots.