TV/Film Runner
What is the work like?
Runners are general assistants behind the scenes in the film and television industry. As a runner, you would do any small jobs and basic tasks necessary to help the production run smoothly.
You could work as a runner in any area of film or TV production, including:
- the production office
- on set (in a studio or on location)
- art departments or animation studios
- post-production (editing) facilities.
The job can be very varied and you would be asked to carry out a wide range of tasks, which could include:
- collecting and delivering equipment, scripts and other items
- bringing lunches and making tea and coffee
- distributing messages and post
- filing and photocopying
- answering the phone and greeting visitors
- driving vehicles around sets or between locations
- finding props
- looking after studio guests
- keeping sets clean and tidy.
Working as a runner is a common starting point in film and TV. The job would allow you to see the various stages involved in production, and get the experience you need to move on to other jobs in the industry.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Working as runner is seen as a way of starting at the bottom in the industry, so employers will be more interested in your enthusiasm, common sense and initiative than your formal qualifications. You should also show that you have administrative and organisational skills, so you might find it useful to have experience in areas like office work, customer service or hospitality.
The key to getting into the industry is to gain practical experience and develop a network of contacts. You could get experience through being involved in activities such as:
- student film or TV productions
- community or student radio
- paid or unpaid work experience placements
- work for sound/camera equipment hire companies.
It is not essential to have studied film, video or media production, although you might find it helpful to take a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make contacts in the industry. Several universities and colleges offer relevant BTEC National Certificates/Diplomas, BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses – check with course providers for entry requirements.
See Skillset’s website for details of industry-endorsed courses, including the new City & Guilds (7502) Certificate for Audiovisual Industries Induction.
What further training and development can I do?
You will learn on the job from experienced staff as you become familiar with all areas of the production process.
Some employers may offer you the chance to gain the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Audio-Visual Industries Induction when you first start as a runner.
You may also be able to get apprenticeship-style training on a new entrant training scheme. Film and Television Freelance Training (FT2) and some broadcasters, regional screen agencies and independent production companies sometimes run this type of scheme, offering structured experience in different areas of the business.
Competition for places on training schemes is very strong, and you will need to show genuine commitment and some previous relevant experience. Contact Skillset Careers for information on any schemes that may be available.
If you would like to progress into producing, directing or editing, you could take some short courses to increase your knowledge and skills in your chosen area. See Skillset’s website to search for relevant short courses in all areas of the industry.
You normally have to pay for short courses yourself, but as a freelance runner you could contact Skillset to find out about any discounts or subsidies that you may be eligible for.
You could spend up to two years as a runner, before progressing into other jobs such as production assistant, third assistant director, or technical camera, editing or art department roles.
Where can I go for more information?
Warwick HouseWarwick Street
London
W1R 5RA
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
London
SW9 9BT
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Freelance runners may be paid a daily rate or a fee for the whole contract.
Rates can vary widely, and can depend on the type of production, the budget available and your experience. Contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) for pay guidelines.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours would vary according to the needs of the production. You may work long hours, including early mornings, late evenings and shifts as necessary.
Your working environment can also vary, as you might be based in a studio, production office or on location. You would spend a lot of your time on your feet and out and about, running errands and moving between offices and production areas.
Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so you may need to travel and work away from home at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- enthusiasm and willingness to take on any task
- good communication and ‘people’ skills
- excellent organisational and time management skills
- initiative
- stamina
- flexibility and adaptability
- the ability to work well under pressure
- willingness to work long hours when necessary.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually work on freelance contracts for TV broadcasters, production companies, animation studios or post-production companies. Contracts could last anywhere from one day to several weeks.
Competition for work is very strong. To find work, you will need to be proactive and determined, and you may have to work for free or for little pay at first.
Jobs for runners are rarely advertised. It is more common to find work through networking and listing yourself with crew directories and agencies. Companies may keep your CV on file if you approach them ‘cold’, but many employers recruit people they already know or who have been recommended to them.
You may find the following links useful for finding work and making contacts (links open new window):
Mandy.com
Broadcast Freelancer
Skillset Careers Runners' World
BBC Recruitment
ITV Jobs
Production and Casting Report
The Knowledge (contacts directory)
Kays Production Guide (contacts directory)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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