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TV or film production runner
TV and film runners work behind the scenes, doing small jobs and basic tasks to help productions run smoothly.
Average salary (a year)
£0
Starter
£0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 50.0 hours
variable
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; volunteering; applying directly; training with a professional body
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, performing arts
You might find it helpful to choose a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make industry contacts.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
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, Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts, Level 3 Diploma in Business
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do an apprenticeship as a broadcast production assistant.
The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 also offer apprenticeship opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
BBC apprenticeships|https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships
ITV apprenticeships|https://careers.itv.com/teams/early-careers/apprenticeships
Channel 4 apprenticeships|https://careers.channel4.com/4talent/apprenticeships
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could start by working for a sound or camera equipment hire company to get some experience.
Volunteering
Get as much practical work 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.
Direct Application
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.
More 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.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Other Requirements
It can be useful to be able to drive and have use of a car.
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In this role you could
collect and deliver equipment and scripts, pass on messages and post, and run errands, file and photocopy documents, answer the phone and greet visitors, drive vehicles around sets or between locations, find suitable props, keep sets clean and tidy, look after studio guests and provide refreshments
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
If you already have some industry experience or have completed training, then you may be able to apply for a ScreenSkills Trainee placement.
With experience, you could move into a production assistant, assistant producer (AP) or producer role.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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