How to Be Actor Best Boy - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 7, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The rise of streaming services has caused a major shift in the entertainment industry, particularly for Best Boys. A Best Boy is a member of a film crew, responsible for managing the electrical department. In the past, Best Boys were in high demand in Hollywood, but with the emergence of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, production companies are now using digital technologies to produce films and television shows much more quickly and cost-effectively.

This has caused a decrease in the need for Best Boys, as their traditional roles have been replaced by automated processes. As a result, many Best Boys have had to transition to other roles in the industry, such as digital asset management or video editing. The rise of streaming services has also had an impact on the way films and TV shows are made, with production companies now relying heavily on digital technologies to create content quickly and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Get an Education. While there are no formal education requirements to become a best boy, obtaining a degree in theater, film, or broadcasting can give you a competitive edge. Its also important to develop your technical skills, such as familiarity with cameras and lighting.
Get Experience. Working in the film industry can be the best way to gain experience and build relationships. Many best boys start out as production assistants (PAs) and work their way up.
Network. Networking is essential for anyone trying to break into the film industry. Attend film festivals and industry events to meet directors, producers, and other professionals in the industry.
Join a Union. Best boys must be members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Joining a union will provide you with job security and other benefits.
Find a Mentor. Find someone who is already a best boy and ask for advice and guidance. This will help you learn the ropes and make valuable connections in the industry.
Stay up to Date on Industry Trends. Best boys must stay up to date with the latest industry trends, equipment, and techniques. Read magazines, watch films, and attend workshops to stay informed.

Having reliable and competent Best Boys on a film or television set is essential for the success of any production. A Best Boy is responsible for ensuring that the crew and equipment are in place and ready to work when needed. They must also be able to anticipate and troubleshoot any potential problems that may arise in order to keep the production running smoothly.

As a result, having a Best Boy who is reliable and competent can save time, money, and stress. It also allows the production to focus on creating the best possible product. Conversely, an unreliable or incompetent Best Boy can cause a production to grind to a halt, resulting in costly delays and an inferior product.

Therefore, it is important to invest time and energy into finding the right person for the job.

You may want to check Actor Video Editor, Actor Boom Operator, and Actor Visual Effects Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Camera Assistant
Clapper Loader
Gaffer
Grip
Best Boy Electric
Best Boy Grip

Skills and Competencies to Have

Familiarity with the filmmaking process
Attention to detail
Ability to take direction
Ability to work long hours
Ability to follow safety protocols
Technical knowledge of camera and lighting equipment
Knowledge of electrical safety and regulations
Knowledge of studio operations
Ability to accurately complete paperwork
Ability to troubleshoot problems
Excellent communication skills
Organizational skills
Ability to work as part of a team

The best boy is an essential part of film production, and having a competent one is key to a successful shoot. The best boy is responsible for managing the crew and equipment, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and on time. This requires excellent organizational skills, such as being able to coordinate the work of different departments and be able to anticipate delays.

Communication skills are also important for the best boy, as they need to be able to clearly convey instructions, updates and changes in a timely manner. Time management is another vital skill for the best boy, so they are able to juggle multiple tasks and ensure that production stays on schedule. Lastly, problem solving skills are necessary for the best boy to be able to quickly identify and resolve any issues that could arise during the production process.

All of these skills are essential for a best boy to be successful, and ultimately help make a film production run smoothly.

Actor Film Editor, Actor Production Secretary, and Actor Producer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in the film industry?
What are your qualifications for this Best Boy position?
How do you handle high-pressure situations?
Are you familiar with the latest industry standards and regulations?
Describe a difficult problem you solved while working on a film set.
What strategies do you use to ensure efficiency in a film production?
How do you manage competing priorities on a film set?
How do you handle working with difficult people?
What is your experience with equipment maintenance and repair?
How do you ensure safety on a film set?

Common Tools in Industry

Clapperboard. A device used to synchronize picture and sound in film and video production. (eg: Clapboards are used to mark the beginning of each take. )
Jib Arm. A crane-like device used to capture dynamic aerial shots. (eg: The jib arm was used to capture a shot of the actor walking along the beach. )
Steadicam. A camera stabilization system for shooting smooth shots. (eg: The steadicam operator captured the actor's performance from multiple angles. )
Gaffer Tape. A strong tape used to secure cables, props, and other equipment. (eg: The best boy used gaffer tape to secure props on the set. )
Sandbags. Heavy bags filled with sand to stabilize lighting stands and other equipment. (eg: The best boy placed sandbags around the lighting stands to prevent them from toppling over. )

Professional Organizations to Know

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)
The Directors Guild of America (DGA)
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
The Producers Guild of America (PGA)
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
American Cinema Editors (ACE)
International Cinematographers Guild (ICG)
Location Managers Guild International (LMGI)
Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE)

We also have Actor Audio Technician, Actor Location Manager, and Actor Script Reader jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Best Boy Electric. The chief electrician on a film or television production, responsible for the setup and maintenance of the electrical equipment used in the project.
Best Boy Grip. The chief grip on a film or television production, responsible for the setup and maintenance of the camera equipment and rigging.
Gaffer. The chief lighting technician on a film or television production, responsible for the setup, operation and maintenance of the lighting equipment.
Key Grip. The head grip on a film or television production, responsible for supervising the setup, operation and maintenance of the camera equipment and rigging.
Key Grip Electric. The head electrician on a film or television production, responsible for supervising the setup, operation and maintenance of the electrical equipment used in the project.
Production Manager. The person responsible for overseeing the entire production process, from pre-production through post-production, and ensuring that all elements are completed on time and on budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Best Boy in the film industry?

The Best Boy is responsible for assisting the Gaffer, or Chief Lighting Technician, with assigning, organizing and managing the electrical crew on set.

How many members are typically part of the Best Boy's crew?

Typically, the Best Boy will work with a team of 4-6 members.

What skills are essential for a successful Best Boy?

A successful Best Boy should possess strong organizational and communication skills, as well as technical knowledge of both lighting and electrical equipment.

What is the highest level of a Best Boy's career?

The highest level of a Best Boy's career is Gaffer.

What other job titles are related to a Best Boy?

Other related job titles include Electricians, Riggers, and Lighting Technicians.

Web Resources

Best Boy: Everything You Need to Know - NFI - nfi.edu www.nfi.edu
boy actors | Stanford Global Shakespeare Encyclopedia shakespeare-encyclopedia.stanford.edu
Best Boy Grip - Everything You Need to Know - NFI www.nfi.edu