About Us

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.

A Legacy Reborn: The Ngo Family’s Story  

In 2009, as Hollywood faced the infamous writers’ strike, Norms Studio was at a crossroads. Brad Hess, Norman’s son, was ready to close the doors on the family business. But one man, Taylor Ngo, saw an opportunity where others saw an ending.

Taylor had arrived in the United States as a refugee from the Vietnam War during his early teens, with no money and no English. He took a job as a welder at Norms Studio, working under both Norman and Brad Hess, two generations of the same family. Inspired by their craftsmanship and dedication, Taylor dreamed of one day owning a company like Norms Studio. Over the course of 25 years, Taylor worked his way up to become the floor manager, all while honing his skills and learning every facet of the business.

When Brad announced his decision to sell the company, Taylor sat down with his wife and children and made a life-changing decision. They pooled together all of their savings to make an offer to buy Norms Studio, ensuring that the company would live on, not as a relic of the past, but as a renewed force for innovation.

Under the Ngo family’s leadership, Norms Studio has continued to thrive. In 2009, they launched a redesigned S-handle and grip head, reinvigorating the grip industry and solidifying their place as innovators. The company remains dedicated to listening to the needs of its customers, offering superior service, and meeting the ever-present demand for speed in the film industry.

More Than Equipment: A Commitment to the Film Community  

Norms Studio isn’t just a company—it’s a community. The people at Norms Studio understand that in the grip industry, tools like the C-stand and grip head are more than just pieces of equipment; they are extensions of the crew members who rely on them. That’s why Norms Studio remains committed to supporting the film community, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out. The company supports the film unions and the future education of the film industry, ensuring that the next generation of filmmakers and crew have the tools and knowledge to succeed.

Norms Studio takes pride in being a legacy company with a bold, ambitious voice and a clear mission: to grow the community, provide superior service, and have fun doing it. At the end of the day, Norms Studio believes that grip is more than just a job—it’s a way of life.