A runner acts as a general assistant, running errands between the set, office and location, looking after cast and crew. This position is traditionally the first rung on the ladder of a media career.

The Work

The work varies according to the department, which could be art and animation, production, editing or on location.

You could be:

• filing, photocopying and answering the phone
• sourcing and hiring props
• transporting crew, guests, cast members and equipment between locations and sets
• organising catering and accommodation
• looking after studio guests or cast members
• delivering scripts, post and messages
• carrying out basic research
• keeping studios and sets clean and tidy
• ordering stock and handling petty cash.

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.

The BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union) website has recommended freelance rates of pay. For freelance runners this varies from £10.85 to £20.79 depending on the type of production you are working on.

Conditions

• You might work outdoors and indoors.
• 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 runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• You must be available at a moment’s notice.
• The work can be physically and mentally demanding.

Useful Subjects

• Drama
• English
• Gaelic (Learners)
• Gàidhlig
• Gaidhlig / Gaelic
• Media
• Modern Studies
• Music Technology

Getting In

• Although you don't need formal qualifications to get into a job as a runner, many runners have a degree (SCQF Level 9-10).
• Many get a job offer after making a good impression during unpaid work experience placements (internships).
• You could get experience through involvement with student or community TV and film projects.
• Experience and contacts in broadcasting are more important than educational qualifications.
• Employers look for a good understanding of what the job involves and lots of enthusiasm.
• You usually need a driving licence and IT skills.
• You should be fit as you might have to lift and carry heavy equipment.
• The number of job opportunities in broadcasting involving community languages, including Gaelic, Urdu and Punjabi, is increasing.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

6705

3.6 %

RISE

2029

6949

  United Kingdom

2024

68678

2.6 %

RISE

2029

70488

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You must be:

• enthusiastic and motivated
• well organised and focused
• willing to do a wide variety of tasks
• physically fit with lots of stamina
• polite, sociable and good at networking
• good at problem solving and using your initiative
• able to work well under pressure
• reliable
• able to follow instructions.

You should be:

• willing to accept orders and work long hours
• good at working in a team
• hard working and willing to learn
• aware of health and safety.

Training

• Training is mostly on the job.
• ScreenSkills provide a list of relevant courses on their website.
• Both The BBC Academy and The National Film and Television School websites list courses which may be relevant.
• There are some training schemes with television companies but entry is highly competitive, with a range of qualifications acceptable.
• Channel 4 offers a variety of talent development opportunities. Details are on the Channel 4 4Talent website.

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.
• In television the next step up from runner is usually a researcher.

More Information

If you are aged 18 or over you may be interested in The Network. The Network is held each year alongside the TV Festival in Edinburgh. If selected you would attend for four free days of masterclasses and workshops which will provide you with the skills, knowledge and contacts to start a career in TV. You can usually apply from January to April.

BBC Scotland runs an apprenticeship scheme for people who are keen to get into a career in the media industry. As well as learning on the job at BBC Scotland at Pacific Quay in various departments, you will study towards a Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Digital Media at a Glasgow college. Ideally applicants will have National 5 English and Maths, good IT skills and a keen interest in media. You must be at least 18 at the start date of the apprenticeship. Entry is very competitive as places are limited. For any questions and updates by following @BBCGetin on Twitter. If you would like to find out more or check on application deadline dates visit BBC Scotland Apprenticeships.

Trainee Finder is ScreenSkills flagship new entrant programme which offers paid work placements across a range of roles in film and TV. Applications are currently closed for the 2024-25 programme. Recruitment will usually begin around September of the year before placement. Find out more and apply online by visiting the Film Trainee Finder website.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.