Fundamental Grip Work for Digital Imaging and Film Program

This program will consist of one 3-credit course called, "Grip Work for Digital Imaging and Film". In response to industry demand the program has been designed with an intensive one-month schedule, consisting of four weeks of instructions, five days per week.

The program will consist of a combination of classroom lectures and practical demonstrations followed by extensive practical experience with the gear, and with grip work and lighting setups in a close approximation of true on-set and location shooting conditions. Industry experts will lead the courses, and frequent guest lecturers will place the knowledge into a working context.

All aspects of the new paradigms of digital imaging, from the underlying technology to the special considerations from a grip work standpoint will be thoroughly and rigorously studied and practically applied through exercises designed to exactly mimic the working conditions of real-world filmmaking.

Career Opportunities

The motion picture and video production industries require skilled, experienced and well trained people to continue attracting high levels of local production. The grip department is one of the largest on-set departments and generally requires a significant number of skilled craftspeople. The film sector has been one of our fastest growing industries over the past ten years.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, the student should be able to:

  • Identify various types of lighting and grip equipment as well as cranes, dollies and various types of fabrics

  • Prepare grip and electric equipment for operation

  • Assist with lighting the set

  • Perform basic “check-in” and “check-out” procedures for rental house equipment

  • Set-up for photography

  • Work on-set safely and as part of a team

  • Practise WCB safety procedures as they pertain to the film industry

  • Maintain equipment

Admission Requirements

  • BC Secondary School Graduation (Grade 12) or equivalent or Mature Student status

  • English Language Requirement, TOEFL/ELA/IELTS/CAEL/PTE for students whose primary language is not English: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): paper=560, computer=220, internet=83, or English Language Assessment (ELA)=145, or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)=6.5 overall, and no one score less than 6, or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)=70, or Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)=56 or Capilano University ESLF 080 with a minimum B+ grade.

How to Apply

Apply for Admission/Readmission online or by downloading and completing an application form. Completed applications must be accompanied by the appropriate application fee, official transcripts and other pertinent documents, and should be submitted to:

Registrar's Office Capilano University, Birch building, room 230 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3H5 Phone: 604.984.4900 Fax: 604.984.1798

Further Information

Please contact the Capilano University Film Centre (tel: 604.990.7868) and ask for an application package.

Fees and Expenses

Please see the Fees and Fee Payment section of the Capilano website. Financial aid is available to eligible students for eligible programs. For more information, please see Financial Aid and Awards.

Grip Work for Digital Imaging and Film

Intakes:CampusTermsFull/Part Time
 North VancouverSummerFull-Time
Required CourseCourse CreditsRequired Credits
Credits3.00
Total Program Credits3.00
Required:3.00
GRDF 100Fundamental Grip Work for Digital Imaging and Film3.00

See also:




Calendar in Progress:

Printable calendars:

Supplements: