Installation of lighting equipment, grip gear, and technical infrastructure at a location before the main production crew arrives – enables efficient use of shooting days by having sets camera-ready, typically performed by advance rigging crews on larger productions.
What is Pre-Rigging?
Pre-rigging is the pre-installation of equipment at a location before the actual shooting day. A specialized crew sets up lighting, grip equipment, and power distribution in advance so that the set is production-ready upon the main crew's arrival.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Timing | Before the shooting day |
| Crew | Rigging Crew |
| Purpose | Efficient shooting |
| Investment | Extra day vs. saved time |
What is Pre-Rigged?
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Basic setup |
| Grip | Trusses, rigging points |
| Power | Distribution, dimmers |
| Cables | Runs to position |
Typical Installations
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Overhead Grid | Truss |
| Power Distribution | Electrical distribution |
| Daylight Control | Blackout |
| Cable Runs | Cable paths |
Pre-Rig vs. Shoot Day
| Aspect | Pre-Rig | Shoot Day |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | Rigging Crew | Full Crew |
| Focus | Installation | Production |
| Pace | Methodical | Schedule-driven |
| Cost | Lower per day | Higher |
Rigging Crew
| Position | Task |
|---|---|
| Rigging Gaffer | Lighting Supervisor |
| Rigging Key Grip | Grip Supervisor |
| Rigging Best Boy | Coordination |
| Riggers | Execution |
When to Pre-Rig?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Large Locations | Yes |
| Complex Setups | Yes |
| Tight Shooting Schedule | Yes |
| Simple Setups | Often not necessary |
Scope Varies
| Project | Pre-Rig Level |
|---|---|
| Low Budget | Minimal/None |
| TV Series | Standard |
| Feature Film | Extensive |
| Commercials | As needed |
Coordination
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Tech Scout | Clarify requirements |
| Plans | Create rigging plans |
| Schedule | Pre-rig schedule |
| Hand-Off | Transfer to main crew |
Rigging Plans
| Content | Description |
|---|---|
| Overhead Plot | Truss layout |
| Power Distribution | Power plan |
| Dimmer Position | Control |
| Safety | Safety points |
Communication
| Between | Topic |
|---|---|
| Gaffer → Rigging Gaffer | Lighting intent |
| Key Grip → Rigging Key | Grip requirements |
| Production → Rigging | Schedule, Access |
| Location → All | Restrictions |
Safety During Pre-Rig
| Aspect | Measure |
|---|---|
| Height Work | Certification |
| Load Limits | Check |
| Safety Cables | Always |
| Inspection | Before hand-off |
Budget Aspects
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Crew Costs | Rigging team day rate |
| Equipment Days | Extended rental period |
| Location Access | Extra days |
| ROI | Efficiency gain |
Typical Workflow
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Pre-Rig Day | Installation |
| Shoot Day | Production |
| Wrap/Strike | Dismantling |
Strike vs. Wrap
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrap | Set dismantling after shooting |
| Strike | Complete dismantling |
| De-Rig | Rigging dismantling |
| Return | Equipment return |
Multi-Day Pre-Rig
| Project | Pre-Rig Duration |
|---|---|
| TV Episode | 0.5-1 day |
| Feature | 1-3 days |
| Major Production | Several days |
| Permanent Set | Ongoing |
Location Considerations
| Factor | Influence |
|---|---|
| Access | When possible |
| Power | Available/Supply line |
| Structure | Rigging points |
| Permits | For equipment |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Detailed Plans | Clear communication |
| Safety First | Inspection before shooting |
| Documentation | Photos for continuity |
| Flexibility | Room for adjustments |
Today
Pre-rigging is standard in larger productions and enables efficient use of expensive shooting days. With the increasing complexity of LED systems and larger setups, pre-installation is becoming ever more important. The investment in pre-rig days pays off through smoother shooting days and better results.