The systematic dismantling and removal of lighting, grip equipment, and set elements after shooting – requires careful organization, proper storage procedures, and coordination between departments to protect equipment and clear the location.
What is a De-Rig?
De-Rig (Strike, Load-Out) is the systematic dismantling of all lighting, grip, and set elements after filming is completed at a location. An efficient, careful de-rig protects equipment and restores the location to its original condition.
Phases of De-Rigging
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| Picture Wrap | Last shot |
| Power Down | Turn off power |
| De-Rig Start | Remove equipment |
| Packing | Careful packing |
| Load-Out | Load into trucks |
| Location Clear | Release the space |
Departments in De-Rigging
| Department | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Electric | Lights, cables, distro |
| Grip | Stands, flags, rigs |
| Camera | Cameras, lenses |
| Art | Set elements |
| Sound | Audio equipment |
| Props | Props |
De-Rigging Order
| Step | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| 1. Lights down | Heat dissipates, safety |
| 2. Rigging down | Top to bottom |
| 3. Stands | Clear from set |
| 4. Cables | Coil neatly |
| 5. Distro | Disconnect power |
Safety Aspects
| Aspect | Measure |
|---|---|
| Power | Disconnect before de-rig |
| Height | Safety personnel |
| Weight | Teamwork |
| Hot lights | Allow to cool |
| Cables | Tripping hazard |
Equipment Handling
| Item | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Lamps | In cases |
| Cables | Coil over-under |
| Stands | Fold down |
| Optics | In cases |
| Small parts | Sorted |
Cable Coiling: Over-Under
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Over | Loop over hand |
| Under | Next loop twisted |
| Alternating | Prevents tangling |
| Result | Tangle-free, durable |
Scheduling
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Setup size | Larger = longer |
| Crew size | More = faster |
| Equipment | Quantity, complexity |
| Access | Loading dock, stairs |
De-Rig Times (Estimate)
| Setup | De-Rig Duration |
|---|---|
| Small interview | 30–60 min. |
| Medium set | 1–2 hours |
| Large set | 3–6+ hours |
| Studio production | Days |
Pre-Rig vs. De-Rig
| Aspect | Pre-Rig | De-Rig |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Before shooting | After shooting |
| Priority | Setup time | Wrap time |
| Crew | Often the same | Often the same |
| Cost | Extra day | Overtime |
Communication
| Call | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Picture Wrap" | Camera finished |
| "Kill the power" | Turn off power |
| "Strike [item]" | Remove specific item |
| "Load out begins" | Truck loading starts |
| "Clear" | Location is free |
Checklists
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| All lights | Dismantled, packed |
| All cables | Coiled |
| All cases | Closed |
| Location | Clean, condition |
| Equipment count | Complete |
Location Restoration
| Aspect | Measure |
|---|---|
| Furniture | Return to place |
| Walls | Remove tape residue |
| Floors | Remove markings |
| Condition | As found |
Challenges
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Time pressure | Efficient organization |
| Tired crew | Motivate, breaks |
| Limited space | Plan logistics |
| Equipment mix | Clear sorting |
Cost Factors
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Overtime | Expensive after 10+ hrs. |
| Additional crew | For faster de-rig |
| Location fees | Per hour/day |
| Equipment return | Deadline costs |
Today
Efficient de-rigging is essential for professional productions. A well-organized dismantle protects expensive equipment, keeps costs in check, and leaves a good impression with locations – important for future bookings and the production's reputation.
More in the lexikon