Kamerarigger

Kamerarigger is a technician in the film and television industry responsible for designing, assembling, and maintaining camera rigs and their supporting hardware to realize planned shots. Working within the camera department, they collaborate with the director of photography, camera operators, grips, and electricians to select and prepare gear for each setup. The role covers a wide range of rigging tasks, from static setups on tripods or rails to complex mounts on cranes, vehicles, or stabilizers, and may involve on-location or studio work as well as specialized environments.

Core responsibilities include assessing shot requirements, selecting appropriate rigs, assembling and balancing cameras and accessories, and ensuring safe operation. They manage rigging points, load distribution, cable routing, power and data connections, and quick adjustments between takes. They also perform routine maintenance, address equipment failures, and enforce safety protocols to protect cast and crew during dynamic or hazardous shots.

Typical equipment includes fluid heads and tripods, shoulder rigs, stabilizers (such as Steadicam or handheld gimbals), rails and clamps, matte boxes, follow focuses, cranes and jibs, dollies, vehicle mounts, and specialized housings or waterproof rigs. Training commonly comes from film schools or apprenticeships, emphasizing mechanical aptitude, safety, and teamwork, with knowledge of local regulations, rigging standards, and on-set workflows.