Runner

Production Runners assist wherever they are needed on productions and their duties vary depending on where they are assigned. They may be involved in anything from office administration or crowd control to public relations and cleaning up locations. Runners are usually employed on a freelance basis, are not very well paid, and their hours are long and irregular. The work is usually extremely varied and the Runner role offers an opportunity to learn about every aspect of the industry, providing a good entry-level role into the film and television industry.

In a production office the Runner's duties may include: assisting with answering telephones, filing paperwork and data entry, arranging lunches, dinners, and transport, and general office administration. On-set duties may include: acting as a courier, helping to keep the set clean and tidy and distributing call sheets, health and safety notices and other paperwork. On location shoots production Runners may also be required to help to coordinate the extras, and to assist with crowd control duties. In addition to theses tasks in the post production process the Runner may be involved in digitizing materials prior to editing. They may also carry out fault finding, and basic repair on office furniture and equipment. Runners must be able to cope under extreme pressure from clients and colleagues, responding quickly and appropriately to requests, using their own initiative and be prepared to ask for help and advice when necessary.