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What is a Best Boy?

Q: Hi Chris, What is a best boy? I always see them on the credits of a movie but I haven't been able to figure out who they are. Thanks, Connie

A: Hi Connie, Welcome to the wonderful world of movie credits! Best boys are part of the crew responsible for helping the Cinematographer get the shots they need.

Here's an outline of who's who:

Gaffer: the chief electrician on the set, responsible for setting up lights as directed by the Cinematographer

Best Boy Electric: the Gaffer's first assistant

 

Electrics: everyone else who works under the Gaffer's command

Key Grip: The person in charge of camera cranes, dollies, and platforms

 

Best Boy Grip: the Key Grip's first assistant

Dolly Grip: The person who pushes the camera dolly along the tracks.

Grips: everyone else who works under the Key Grip's command

So, to answer your question, a Best Boy is the first assistant of either the Gaffer or the Key Grip.

For a more complete list of all movie credit descriptions, please click here.

 

Q: Hi Chris. Any good "from-scratch" pancake recipes?

A: Here's another recipe from Cheryl:

"This is a favorite for me and my three kids. These pancakes are heartier than typical pancakes, and the buckwheat flour is delicious."

Buckwheat Pancakes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 cup white or whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup sour milk or buttermilk
1 tablespoon oil

Directions:
Mix together flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Stir milk, eggs, and oil together. Add in flour mixture until combined well. (I sometimes add fruit at this point: blueberries, raspberries, etc.)

Ladle onto a hot oiled griddle. Flip when you see bubbles forming around the outer edge of the pancake. Serve with fresh maple syrup and a dollop of yogurt.