Runner

A runner organises props, makes tea, opens the mail, answers the phone, pampers stars and runs errands between set, office and location. This position is traditionally the first rung on the ladder of a media career.

The Work

The work varies according to the department. Runners often move around, spending up to six months with each department.

Art department

You could be:

• unloading equipment


• photocopying


• developing film


• cleaning and tidying.

• finding, obtaining and maintaining props


• buying DVDs for research


• doing research


• delivering equipment, tapes and scripts


• filing, dubbing, office work


• handling petty cash.

• organising catering and accommodation


• shopping for and serving lunches and drinks


• greeting new arrivals


• general customer care.

Conditions

• You can work outdoors, indoors or anywhere in between.


• You travel locally a lot on foot or by car.


• Hours can be very long and irregular and can mean periods away from home - the media business is 24/7.


• You must be available at a moment’s notice.

Getting In

• Although you don't need formal qualifications to get into a job as a runner, many runners have a degree.


• Many get a job offer after making a good impression during unpaid work experience placements (internships).


• Experience and contacts in broadcasting are more important than educational qualifications.


• You usually need a driving licence and IT skills.


• The number of job opportunities in broadcasting involving community languages (Gaelic, Urdu, Punjabi) is increasing.

What Does It Take?

You must be:

• enthusiastic


• willing to turn a hand to anything


• cheerful and uncomplaining


• polite


• sociable and good at networking


• willing to accept orders


• resourceful


• showing initiative


• hard-working.

Training

Training is mostly on the job.

• Skillset, Scottish Screen and the British Film Institute provide lists of relevant courses on their websites.
• Scottish Screen and Skillset offer bursaries of up to £1000 to people working in the Scottish film, TV, animation, computer game and interactive media industries.


• BBC Training and Development have several courses on their site which may be relevant.


• The National Film and Television School website lists courses which may be relevant.


• There are some training schemes with television companies but entry is highly competitive, with a range of qualifications acceptable.

Getting On

• Because most work is freelance and temporary, there is little chance of promotion.


• Progress largely depends on getting other jobs through your networking abilities.


• Runner is the first rung on many different career ladders in the media industry. From here you may become a camera operator, a film and video editor, or you may move into production, direction or design.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

The Network scheme is run in connection with the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival. 150 young people got the opportunity in August 2009 to work behind and in front of the camera and make useful contacts.

Find information on the next programme on the MGEITF website (see Addresses).

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.