what does a 'best boy' do anyway?

There are Best Boy Grips, and Best Boy Electric--Both do basically the same job for each of their perspective departments. The Best Boys are basically the back-bone of the grip and lighting departments. They are responsible for the crew, equipment, additional equipment, additional crew, the truck, scouting locations when the gaffer, keys, and or DP can't be there, fixing and or exchanging bad equipment, all paperwork, negotiations between the departments and production and or other departments ie: transportation, and art departments. The Best Boy electric is also responsible for all electrical distribution, and coordination of power and generators. So if your ever on set, and you don't see the best boys around--now you know why!!! By the way, some of the best best boys in Hollywood---are girls!

Enjoy the show!

I was asking myself the exact same question... Thanks!

That is a good question and a great answer. I also was asking myself that same question ever since I first heard of a Best Boy.

I should have checked in here four years ago, to answer that question back then.

Everybody knows what a Best Man does, and James Best, but not a Best Boy. Makes you wonder if James Best was ever a Best Boy or Best Man and who the best Best Boys were if there were a Best Best Boy category on awards programs.