What does a Runner do?
A runner is a key supportive role for any production and will often be asked to carry out any number of errands. Runners assist the production in any way necessary, running errands for both cast and crews. The responsibilities can be varied and the hours are usually long, anything from making drinks, performing admin tasks such as emails and taking notes at meetings.
What skills does a Runner need?
Prioritising: As runners are needed to support all the cast and crew across a production, being able to prioritise what errands are needed to be completed first is a priority.
Communication: Clear and concise communication is crucial for every runner to succeed in their role. Being able to communicate with many different personalities is important.
Willingness to learn: As the Runner position is the first step on the ladder for those pursuing a career in the media industry, you need to absorb all the experiences you can from a Runner job.
Driving Licence: Many runners will drive cast and crew between the unit base and the set.
Who does a Runner work with?
Runners typically report to assistant directors, who are managing units and sets. However, runners will often take messages from cast and crew members on the production, so they’ll need confidence to understand their needs and be able to solve their problems.
How much does a Runner earn?
As an entry level role, runners can expect to earn the minimum wage. However, industry union BECTU advises runners to earn anything between £10.85 to £15.23 per hour, depending on the type of content.
How to become a Runner?
It’s important to start contacting production companies and sending in your CV. Be sure to showcase any experience you may have and how it means you could take on the role of a Runner.
Work placements schemes are run by major production companies and broadcasters. Here at Action Media Jobs, we keep track of these placement opportunities and we’ll always add them to our jobs section.
Career Progression
A runner is the first major job on the production career ladder, yet it provides a useful base to decide what roles you want to take on later in your career. You could head into a variety of different roles:
- Development – Working with writers to develop their projects into fully-fledged film and TV projects.
- Production – Coordinating aspects of a large production, maintaining budgets and schedules.
- Editorial – Deciding what content to commission for TV channels or platforms