Tv Or Film Production Runner

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

39 to 41 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Tv Or Film Production Runner

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
volunteering
applying directly
training wi

College / University

You could do a degree course although it's not essential. Relevant subjects include:

creative media production
film and television production
film and TV studies

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could take a college course, which may help you to get into the industry. Courses include:

Level 3 Certificate in Media Techniques
Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an apprenticeship as a broadcast production assistant.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start by working for a sound or camera equipment hire company to get some experience.

You can apply directly to become a runner. This job is often seen as a first step into the industry and employers could be more interested in your enthusiasm and initiative than your formal qualifications. Any work experience you can get will also help.

Other Routes

You could join The Production Guild. It's a membership organisation for professionals working in UK film and television. It offers training including a Runner's Basic Training workshop for people who want to get into the industry.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to work well with others
active listening skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of media production and communication
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

collecting and delivering equipment and scripts
distributing messages and post, and running errands
filing and photocopying
answering the phone and greeting visitors
driving vehicles around sets or between locations
finding props
keeping sets clean and tidy
looking after studio guests, getting lunches and making tea and coffee

Working Environment

You could work at a TV studio or at a film studio.

Career Path & Progression

If you already have some industry experience or have completed training, then you may be able to apply for a Creative Skillset Trainee placement.

With experience, you could move into a production assistant, assistant producer (AP) or producer role.

Volunteering Opportunities

Get as much practical experience as you can. This will show employers that you're committed to learning more about the industry. You can build useful experience through activities like:

student film or TV productions
community or student radio
work experience placements

You'll also get the opportunity to meet people already working in TV and film. Building a network of contacts could help you when you start looking for work.

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 offer work experience placements, and 'insight' and 'talent days'. Competition can be tough, but if you're successful, it will help you get a better understanding of the industry.

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

ScreenSkills also has information on finding work experience.

Tips & Information

Career tips

You should show that you have administrative and organisational skills, so any previous experience in areas like office work, customer service or hospitality would be useful. Having a fast typing speed and shorthand skills may also be helpful.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in film and TV from ScreenSkills.

You can find out more about entry level opportunities in television from the Royal Television Society.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.