Production Runner Job Role

A production runner doesnt have a particular job desciption, because they carry out many different tasks which are similar to an assistant job role. A runner is a fast paced job as you have to be aware all the time, as someone may want something, and it would be down to you to get it to them. The basic jobs are ones such as making tea or coffee, transporting scripts to actors, director, producers, looking after the cast and crew, making sure they are catered for and generally waiting on them. This is a minor role but it is the one where you will first start to gain your experience in all aspects of media, as you get to see everything that is going on. You would get to see the production process, and what it takes throuhout the day or week to get something complete or nearly fnished. It opens you up to so many different oppurtunites, that once you have the experience for, you can then go in to it.

An important part of being a runner would be cash handling. You are given a responsibility to handle petty cash which acters for you and your team of runners. On top of this there is huge list of other responsible jobs, some of which are similar to an office assistant, as there is a lot of paper work involved in a job like this. You are required to fax, file, photocopy, sort out work and papers that relate to job oppurtunities or contracts between the company and cast. These are what proves a certain person is working for a production company so need to be kept safe and done properly.

Other jobs include:

• Fetching items for staff such as equipment, extra cables or tape
• Handing out post and deliverin post if necessary
• Driving to set locations
• Undertaking research for the director, producer or artists
• Ordering stock
• Hiring props
• Preparing schedules for the day

Althouth these seem like minor tasks, there wouldn't be any one else to do these if a production didnt hire runners. They help the production run smooithly by ensuring they fulfil the jobs they are faced with, as it takes stress off people higher above them, as they have enough to do as it is. It is an industry where you have to help out as much as you can, and it is not seen as a slave. Its all part of the job which should benefit the runner in the long run.

Runners are usually employed on a full time, short term contract. This is due to production being filmed over a set period of time, and once this time is up there is now ork for thr unner. Unless another opputnuity arises they are unemployed for a while. This shouldnt put people off this role though as it is all part of the industry and if there is any work at that time. Some are unpaid and use the job as work experience to put on their CV that they are trying to build up the experience they need to do well. It's important that you're aware of the media industry and know what it involves to run a smooth production. You need to have a basic knowledge of cast, crew, other job roles, the current media industry and trends in the real world. It's very benficiary to have a broad knowledge of current events as there may be something you could apply to a production, and tell them any ideas you think would work.

Runners are required to long hours such as 12 hour shifts or maybe even longer. It can be very stressful line of work and if you really want to get in to media, then you need to stick at it. You can show people that you can work under such high pressure and demand of others. It's important to show dedication to what you're doing and you will learn a lot of skills along the way.