Camera, lighting, & grip crews fall under the cinematography umbrella. Number of crew vary based upon scope and budget. Larger crews accomplish complex lighting or camera set ups faster than smaller crews, as tasks are divided among more hands. Smaller crews can be more nimble, especially when working in tight locations. Crew size determination should always be customized to the needs of the project. Below are a few examples:
Doc style crew
Cinematographer
Lighting assistant
Small crew
Cinematographer
1st assistant camera
Gaffer
Key Grip
Mid-size crew
Cinematographer
1st assistant camera
2nd assistant camera
Gaffer
Best Boy Electric
Key Grip
Best Boy Grip
Grip
Full-size crew
Cinematographer
1st assistant camera
2nd assistant camera
DIT
Gaffer
Best Boy Electric
Electric 1
Electric 2+
Key Grip
Best Boy Grip
Dolly grip
Grip 1
Grip 2+
Doc style crew
Cinematographer
Lighting assistant
Small crew
Cinematographer
1st assistant camera
Gaffer
Key Grip
Mid-size crew
Cinematographer
1st assistant camera
2nd assistant camera
Gaffer
Best Boy Electric
Key Grip
Best Boy Grip
Grip
Full-size crew
Cinematographer
1st assistant camera
2nd assistant camera
DIT
Gaffer
Best Boy Electric
Electric 1
Electric 2+
Key Grip
Best Boy Grip
Dolly grip
Grip 1
Grip 2+
I’m more than happy to discuss how crew size will impact speed and quality, and am more than happy to detail the job responsibilities of each crew member. I have no financial interest in you hiring more or less people. My recommendations will always be made after reading your script, discussing schedule & visuals, and understanding target budget numbers if you choose to disclose them.
