Norms Studio: Innovators in Grip Equipment Since 1962 Founded in 1962 by Norman Hess, Norms Studio was born out of a deep understanding of what it takes to work on set. Norman, a long-time grip in Hollywood, had a vision: to make life easier for those behind the scenes— the unsung heroes of the film industry. This vision led to innovation, with Norms Studio becoming the first to market a revolutionary C-stand with folding, nesting legs in 1972. This simple yet transformative design quickly became an industry standard. Over the years, Norms Studio established itself as the top producer of grip equipment in Hollywood, supplying iconic studios such as Universal, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and Fox. The company’s success wasn’t just about the products it made, but about the community it served. Norms was built on listening to grips, electricians, and set workers—hearing their needs and delivering solutions that improved their daily work on set.