Runner, broadcasting/film/video job profile

Runners work in a general assisting role on TV and film productions, carrying out a range of tasks and working quickly and responsively

You'll work under the direction of the producer and other production staff to undertake whatever basic tasks are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process.

You'll go wherever you're needed, running errands during all stages of production, including post-production. You may be assigned to a specific department or work as a general assistant on the whole of a production.

This is an entry-level role and provides the opportunity to gain vital experience and knowledge of the production process. It offers valuable networking opportunities and is often seen as the first step on the ladder for people aspiring to roles in broadcasting media.

Runners may also be known as production assistants or production runners.

Responsibilities

As a runner, you'll need to:

carry out a range of administrative tasks, including answering phone calls, taking messages, photocopying, and delivering post and messages
hire props
order stock
manage petty cash
drive cars, vans or trucks between locations and around sets and transport cast, crew, production staff, scripts and hire equipment between offices, studios and shoot locations
fetch and carry items, such as equipment, tapes, cable and scripts and get everything in place for shoots
help set up a location for a shoot, and make any necessary meeting room bookings or food orders
keep the set clean and tidy
be the first point of contact for all talent and clients
provide hospitality for guests, such as making and handing out tea and coffee, and ordering lunches
pick up cast for make-up calls
sort out the kit bags, for example checking that the camera bag contains all the necessary items
transcribe production tapes
undertake basic research
use maps, tapes and clapper boards, and other film and television production equipment
write down shot lists.

Salary

Runners are typically employed on a freelance basis, so work can be irregular and pay low. The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) recommends that runners should negotiate rates of pay above the national minimum wage or national living wage to reflect the unpredictable and temporary nature of the work.
Before starting a job, you should make sure you have a full set of terms, in writing. As well as giving the daily rate, these should include daily or weekly working hours, overtime rates and terms related to sick leave or holiday. Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully.
It's important to know your standard working hours, as well as your daily rate, so you can ensure that your salary doesn't fall below the national minimum wage.

Income figures are intended as a guide only. For more information on minimum day rates, contact BECTU.

Working hours

Working hours tend to be long and unpredictable, often up to six days a week during production. Broadcasting is a 24-hour operation, and the working style reflects this. You may have to work nights, weekends and public holidays.

Film and TV shoots often want to make the most of the daylight for filming, so early mornings and late nights are common.

What to expect

The role is typically entry-level, providing an opportunity to get hands-on experience and build industry contacts. Work takes place in production offices and/or studios, as well as on location.
Runners are expected to be prompt and efficient. Part of the job is to take the pressure off the person above you by doing things on their behalf and this can make the job quite challenging. However, the work is fast-moving and can be exciting, stimulating and diverse, with plenty of variety.
The bigger production companies tend to be based in London and other large cities, such as Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. Production companies tend to recruit runners who live locally or who can be relied on at short notice.
Most runners work on a freelance basis and are employed on short-term contracts. Short-term contracts and long hours can have lifestyle and financial implications. It's a good idea to line up your next piece of work, while still working on the current project.
Travel within a working day is common. You're likely to spend a lot of time travelling to and from locations, picking people up from places such as airports and train stations, making local deliveries and doing any shopping that is needed. You will also need to travel across the UK or overseas if filming on location.

Qualifications

There are no specific educational requirements to become a runner, but having a relevant qualification can improve your chances. A relevant HND, degree or postgraduate qualification - particularly one with a strong practical element - can equip you with industry knowledge, practical skills, work experience and valuable contacts.

Relevant courses include:

broadcast, television, film, media or radio production
drama or theatre studies
film or media studies
media and communication
performing arts.

Breaking into the industry as a runner often depends on networking, timing and persistence. Employers value experience and connections, so gaining practical experience is essential.

Postgraduate study isn't necessary, but if you're considering further qualifications, seek advice from industry professionals first to find out whether it will improve your chances of success.

Another route into the role is through an apprenticeship, which combines paid work with study for a qualification. For more information about these and other training courses, see ScreenSkills.

When choosing a qualification, look for courses that:

use industry-standard equipment
are industry-accredited
include a work placement
have strong links with employers and a good track record of graduate employment.

Skills

You'll need to have:

strong active listening, communication and interpersonal skills
excellent time-management and organisational skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines
flexibility and the ability to think on your feet in order to find practical solutions to logistical problems
the ability to prioritise tasks, remain calm and perform effectively under pressure in fast-paced environments
the ability to accept criticism and learn from it
good research skills
attention to detail
self-motivation, stamina and resilience to handle demanding schedules
a proactive and resourceful approach to work, enthusiasm and the ability to use your initiative
teamwork and collaboration skills
confidence in networking with a wide range of industry professionals, from actors and directors to production crews and caterers
good general IT skills
a good understanding of the TV, film and broadcasting industry.

You'll usually need a driving licence and your own transport.

Having a current first aid certificate and health and safety training can help you stand out.

Work experience

Gaining practical experience is essential to demonstrate your commitment to and understanding of the industry. Take advantage of opportunities at university, such as working for campus newspapers, radio or TV stations. If you're interested in the technical side, get involved in sound or lighting for student film, TV or stage productions.

Some degree courses include the opportunity to do a work placement - use these to build a network of contacts for future opportunities.

Large broadcasters offer various work experience placements, shadowing opportunities and taster days. See, for example:

Competition is fierce, so explore alternative routes such as:

volunteering for hospital and community radio, local newspapers, or ushering at studio recordings
entering competitions and showcasing your work at festivals and other events
directly approaching film and TV production companies or post-production houses - resources such as Pact's Find a Member tool and The Knowledge can help identify potential employers.

To help you stand out, create a portfolio, showreel or soundreel showcasing your work (e.g., film shorts, photographs, radio recordings or articles). Stay informed by:

keeping up to date with industry technology and innovation
finding out what's in pre-production and production
reading in-house newsletters
attending workshops and industry talks.

The ScreenSkills Trainee Finder scheme matches talented individuals starting out on their careers with film, high-end TV and children's television across the UK. During the year, you can apply for placements and receive 'set ready' training.

Given the competition for jobs, you'll need to be committed and persistent as many candidates will already be working in the industry. Find out more are marketing yourself from ScreenSkills.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Runners are employed across the TV, film and broadcasting industry, often working on a freelance or short-term contract basis. While full-time positions are rare, short-term contracts on productions, internships and traineeships may lead to more stable work.

Typical employers include:

TV broadcasters - major networks such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky (although companies such as Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky and Virgin Media Television often outsource their production operations)
Production companies - independent film and TV production companies, including those creating drama, factual programming and entertainment content
Post-production houses - facilities that handle editing, visual effects and sound design
Film studios - large studios, including Pinewood, Shepperton (part of the Pinewood Studios Group), Elstree and Warner Bros Studios
Streaming platforms - companies like Acorn TV, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Netflix.

Look for job vacancies at:

Smaller independent television, film and video companies offer additional opportunities and sometimes advertise on their websites.

Relatively few runner positions are advertised, so networking is often essential for gaining access to vacancies. Look for contacts in specialist directories such as:

Professional development

Being a runner is considered to be an entry-level position for progressing to other roles. You'll gain vital experience and a broad insight into all areas of the industry.

There are very few training schemes for new entrants and even fewer targeted exclusively at graduates. Some of the larger broadcasters and production companies may offered structured trainee schemes or work placements, providing additional learning opportunities.

However, you'll usually learn on the job through hands-on experience. Most training is informal, and you'll learn by observing and helping more experienced runners and production crew. You'll find that you pick skills up as you go along and learn through repetition. Take every opportunity to learn and proactively seek opportunities in your area of interest, whether in production, camera work, sound or editing.

There are a range of short courses that may help you to develop relevant practical skills. For details of a wide range of courses, programmes, events and e-learning, see ScreenSkills - Training.

Career prospects

There's no set time for how long you can expect to work as a runner, but it's common to work as one for up to three years before getting a real break. Use this time to learn the basics and gain exposure to a range of production areas, as this will help you decide which area you're most interested in.

The next step up from a runner is usually to a researcher. While research is often assumed to be an entry-level position, in larger companies this is rarely the case. However, smaller independent production companies may sometimes advertise for researchers or junior researchers. These roles can combine runner and researcher tasks, making them suitable for recent graduates with some work experience.

Further progression may include a move to the role of production assistant, followed by assistant production coordinator and then production coordinator. In the film industry, runners tend to progress to become head runner before moving to third, second and then first assistant roles.

In production, higher-level jobs include assistant producer, director and producer. If you're interested in moving into a management role, it's worth considering a management course, along with training in health and safety and first aid.

Promotion may be more structured in larger companies, but in smaller production companies there is usually no defined career structure, just more responsibility and a rise in salary. Runners have excellent networking opportunities and there is good scope for career development, with people often moving between different areas of broadcasting.

Most people in the industry work as freelancers. Being business-minded, entrepreneurial, focused on the direction you want your career to travel in and good at networking and self-promotion will be key factors in your success.

Runner, broadcasting/film/video