Testimonials

"Imagination is a truly wonderful and remarkable talent. Being able to turn imagination into reality is the secret of success. At Alpha Grip, the film technicians' 'Pandora's Box', their enthusiasm, knowledge and desire for anything new and challenging is second to none. There are two pieces of treasure I found in 'Pandora's Box' which I cannot praise highly enough. Firstly, there was the incredible and versatile SL Pod. This is a lightweight remote head which is capable of taking big camera packages. As well as working in hard wire mode, the added bonus is its capability to run in wireless mode. I had to rig up to four cameras at a time on vehicles zipping along at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. I also used the SL Pod for special effect rigs on the same vehicles. The ability to use different wireless channels on each head was amazing. The operators, 1st AC, video and sound departments all followed in a purpose built vehicle. Every piece of equipment they were using was wireless. We did not encounter any problems with the radio links. I do believe the SL Pod is leading us into a new world of amazing moving pictures, previously impossible to achieve.

The second piece of treasure is the lightweight crane - the a-jib, a very versatile and robust crane with a reach of 14ft plus height to match. Capable of taking the weight of a Libra or Scorpio stabilised head, but also works well with the SL Pod. It can go almost anywhere you like with no fuss (a small crane with big ideas). These are just two pieces of equipment amongst thousands from a big-hearted rental house that cares.

At the outset of 'Quantum of Solace Bond 22 Action Unit', I would have fallen at the first hurdle if Alpha Grip had not been on my team. Thank you all at Alpha Grip."

Kenny Atherfold, Key Grip

I have worked in the industry for a long time as a Key Grip on many productions, all over the world, with almost all of the grip equipment available, on many movies & commercials.

I worked closely with Eugene for a long time, building rigs and working out ways to achieve shots. When he said he was going to open his own grip hire company I thought great, a company that is solely in business to rent and build grip equipment; and knowing Eugene, it would have to be of a very high standard.

I try, if possible, to use his equipment for these reasons:

i) The staff is very professional and easy to work with, making it a friendly place to pop in.

ii) The equipment is always very good and well maintained.

iii) What is also good for me as an equipment owning grip is… if neither of us has the equipment for a shot, Eugene can get it built in his workshop.

All in all I try and use Alpha, because all round, it's the best.

John Flemming, Key Grip

"Alpha Grip were the sole providers of grip equipment and cranes for the UK and Hong Kong portion of the filming for the Warner Bros. Production "The Dark Knight"

Until 'The Dark Knight' I had not worked with Alpha Grip nor with an American DP, the decision regarding the choice of grip equipment being left with me. Having discussed the matter in detail with our Key Grip and a number of other Grips within the industry and Alpha Grip themselves, I decided that the grips package should come from Alpha Grip.

Our initial assessment of the grip package was that it would only be a standard kit, but as filming went on it became apparent that we would require equipment that had not been previously discussed, in order to obtain some very specific camera moves. The attitude that Eugene and Graham took was very refreshing - Alpha Grip were always able to facilitate our requirements and allow the production a significant amount of flexibility in supplying equipment and keeping within budget.

The crew they recommended to operate were always approachable, pleasant and helpful, which also allowed us to communicate clearly our requirements and allowed them to ensure these requirements were always met. Their equipment was always in tip-top condition and there were never any issues with reliability.

Throughout production, I always felt that Alpha was on our side and I would have no hesitation in using Alpha Grip again and would endorse them fully to any other Production looking to hire grip and crane equipment."

Geoff Dibben,

Production Supervisor, Cape Road Productions

"Early in the spring of 2007, Canadian key grip, Ryan Monro, based in Vancouver, contacted me and asked if I would like to work alongside him as "Best Boy Grip", on the latest film from the Chris Nolan and Wally Phister partnership, "Batman - The Dark Knight".

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the job title, Best Boy Grip's responsibilities, on top of normal grip duties, include the day to day liaising with the production office regarding equipment, extra labour, all paperwork and generally keeping the grip department running smoothly.

Ryan and I had both previously enjoyed good working relations with Eugene McDonagh, managing director of Alpha Grip. Both of us were great admirers of his ingenuity and his conscientious approach to his work. Under the circumstances there would be no question who would be servicing us on this film, regarding grip and crane equipment.

We kicked off in early May with four weeks of shooting in Central London. There would then be a ten week hiatus for us, while virtually all the American Camera Crew and the rest of the company travelled to Chicago. On the crew's return, we would continue filming on locations, including Cardington, Pinewood, London and Hong Kong for a further eight weeks in total. We would be supported by a great grip team of Darren Holland, Bill Geddes, Dean Morris and many others on dailies and backed up by crane technicians, Ben Edwards, Colin Hazel, Fred Harris and last and by no means least Eugene McDonagh himself.

Needless to say, we knew from the outset this was going to be an extremely demanding job, so our back-up was going to be essential to the shoot's smooth running. We had all the right personnel in place, so the only thing that could let us down could be the equipment. However, having Alpha Grip on board, that was never going to happen.

 

I can only say that the support we received from the office, with Justin and Graham and the front line with Eugene, was exemplary. Their flexibility and advice throughout the entire job was first class. The equipment was in excellent condition and of the highest quality and technically the most advanced I have ever used.

This did not go unnoticed by either the production team or the American camera crew, including Wally and Chris themselves.

I know I can speak for Ryan and myself when I say, thank you very much Alpha Grip. You really live up to your logo. Alpha Grip flies the flag for Britain when it comes to grip rental companies."

Andy Hopkins

Best Boy Grip "The Dark Knight"  

"On the current Batman film, " The Dark Knight', I had the privilege to work with Alpha Grip. Working overseas on a motion picture of this magnitude was challenging, especially under the British system, where the duties of the Key Grip are slightly different from what I am used to. My mission upon arriving was to find a top notch crew and the finest equipment. I found Alpha Grip to encompass everything I was looking for. After discussing the matter with the production managers, I was thrilled when they agreed that Alpha Grip was to be our choice.

Eugene and Graham, owners of Alpha Grip, went above and beyond our initial expectations. With the finest equipment, service and reliable technicians, we were able to accommodate the ever-changing schedule. On numerous occasions, the production would not have been able to achieve certain shots without Eugene's foresight, flexibility and creativity. Their ability to interpret the needs of the production and communicate the proper solutions was a saving grace.

To their credit, upon completion of the London shoot, the Production decided to continue using Alpha Grip. Equipment and technicians were shipped over to Hong Kong, as a further testament to their high quality and consistency, where they continued to be an asset to the Batman Production. Their loyalty, dedication and pursuit of excellence are unparalleled.

The advantage of having a specialized grip house is no secret to technicians and productions in London. I look forward to Alpha Grip's expansion into North America!

Cheers!"

Ryan Monro, Key-Grip

Batman "The Dark Knight"

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