Introducing the newest member of Team Gripvan

Aaron joined us at the beginning of October as our Kit Room Technician, which is a fancy way of saying he hangs out in the store and makes sure all Gripvan kit is 100%, 100% of the time. You may well come across him in one of our vans as he gets out and about delivering and collecting photographic equipment to shoots across the country.

A mad snowsports enthusiast, Aaron is a qualified ski instructor and volunteers part of his holidays to leading ski trips for a youth charity. 

Aaron is a graduate of Ravensbourne's BA in Digital Photography, his own work covers sports, travel and portrait photography. Check it out over at aaronmintophotography.co.uk

Gripvan are hiring!

PLEASE NOTE THIS POSITION HAS NOW BEEN FILLED

Gripvan are recruiting a Junior Kit Room Tech / Driver.

Gripvan, a rapidly growing kit hire and location support company based in SW London, are looking to hire a full time Junior Kit Room Tech / Driver to support the business in the next stage of its growth. The role offers a fantastic opportunity to gain experience working alongside a dynamic team of photographic technicians and producers and the potential to gain valuable skills within the photographic industry.

Responsibilities & Key Tasks

  • Day to day management of the vehicles, ensuring vans are prepared and ready to go out on jobs, overseeing their condition and flagging damage when applicable.
  • Preparing and loading equipment for shoots.
  • Collect and deliver equipment to and from suppliers / shoots.
  • Checking of equipment prior to and following hires.
  • Ensuring equipment is clean and fit for hire.
  • Logging and organising repair of any damaged equipment.
  • Take responsibility for safe storage of equipment and supplies within the warehouse.
  • Monitor stock shortages and recommend adjustments to stock levels.
  • Ensure stores and kept clean and tidy.
  • To work closely with the Operations Manager in servicing bookings and Gripvan shoots. 
  • To assist in the day-to-day running of the business. 
  • When required, to accompany the vans on shoots, deliver equipment to locations and assist photographers and producers on location. 

Attributes & Qualifications

Essential:

  • Full UK Driving Licence
  • Insurance requires role-holder be 21 years or older.
  • Good organisational and communication skills
  • Ability to manage diaries, calendars, and workload. 
  • Confidence and ability to work alone as well as part of a team
  • Happy on occasion to work long hours, sometimes outside in cold conditions.
  • A desire to be part of a team in small, busy company in a dynamic, exciting industry
  • Patience, energy and a sense of humour always helps
  • Resident in, or willing to move to London

Desirable:

  • Experience of driving vans in and around London
  • A keen interest in and basic knowledge of photographic equipment.
  • Experience of working on photo shoots
  • Knowledge of Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites
  • Resident within 60 minutes of SW8 
  • Knowledge of the equipment we offer would be an advantage however you will receive on the job training.

Benefits

  • Competitive Salary
  • Full training with one of the most respected lighting technicians in the industry
  • Company Phone
  • Use of company equipment for personal work by arrangement.

To apply please email your CV and a covering letter to info@gripvan.com with "Job Application" and your name in the Subject Line to arrive no later than August 24th 2015. 

Any questions please call 020 3002 9130 or email info@gripvan.com.

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Kit Focus: Andrew's Shoot Essentials

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Kit Focus: Andrew's Shoot Essentials

Of course the first thing I would never want to be without on a shoot is a Gripvan but I think that’s the Desert Island Discs equivalent of having your entire record collection and reading library as your luxury item.

So, assuming all the really important stuff, like cameras and lighting, is taken care of... when forced into working with minimal kit due to travel or budget restrictions what essentials get pride of place in my Grip case?

Gripvan - The 'Show and Tell' tour!

You only have to look at the reviews we get to know that photographers, assistants, producers and location managers all love Gripvan. 

We can always tell you how the vans are filled with equipment, or boast about the neat layout. Up until now though, you'd have to meet us at a shoot, or come to our warehouse to see it in person. Not any more... We're taking Gripvan on tour.

So if you want to find out what all the fuss is about and invite Gripvan to visit your office or studio, just send an email to info@gripvan.com with the subject line "Gripvan Tour" and a couple of dates that would suit you.

 

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Gripvan Sponsors Ravensbourne's 24 Hour Photo Project

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Gripvan Sponsors Ravensbourne's 24 Hour Photo Project

24 Hour Photo is a challenge set by Ravensbourne for BA Digital Photography course students. 

Sophie Weston and Samantha Wheelwright spent the day on the rooftop of Ravensbourne shooting several different models. Gripvan provided the digital operations suite, along with the numerous clamps and light stands. Sophia tells us more about the hurdles she experienced...