Roles in MEDIA PRODUCTIONRoles in MEDIA PRODUCTION

The RUNNER

The RUNNER

Chris johnson 2007Chris johnson 2007

Job Overview

The role of the ‘Runner’ is seen as the lowest or most ‘junior’ position within a Media Production Company. In a nutshell, the job of a runner requires you to help out wherever required when needed. Common duties of the runner can include:

• Answering the phone.• Handling both incoming and outgoing Mail (Inc. E-Mail).• Organising transport.• Meeting & Greeting guests.• Making drinks.• Light Catering duties.• Light Cleaning duties.• Supporting the production team regarding almost any area of development and/or production both on and off location (this is the highlight!).

Abilities and Requirements

• Enthusiasm - An Enthusiastic and Hardworking attitude is absolutely essential for this job. The ability to work long hours doing (often repetitive) stressful tasks you may very well not enjoy, while ‘Keeping your cool’ is a must.

• Communication - To succeed as a Runner, the ability to be able to communicate in a professional manner to a wide-range of different personalities.

• Team Player - Team work is the backbone of any successful Production Company, and as a result, a good runner will be an excellent team player.

• Interests - A good runner will have a strong interest in all aspects of the media, pre and post production.

• Initiative / Self Motivation - Both of these traits will be a given in order for a Production company’s runner to maintain their position.

A current UK driving license is almost always required for a runners job. Good general Office and computing abilities and/or experience will also aide and reflect well against you.

It is common for a runner to have Media related achievements in higher education. Though this is not strictly necessary in order to get the position.

Money Matters

• A Media Production Company runner does not command a high wage.

• A Runner can expect to earn around £200 - £275 Pw - Sometimes a little more depending on location.

• A Runner will very often be paid a flat-rate, regardless of hours worked. This is also often presented as £XX per day, rather than a weekly wage.

Looking to the Future

Despite the long hours, low wages and often undesirable tasks, the role of the runner is hotly contested. Being a runner is still an excellent way to get your ‘foot in the door’ into an industry that is hard to break into.

In regards to your future career, the role of Runner offers you;

• The opportunity to make excellent contacts, and network within the industry.

• The chance to work in the many different areas of Media Production - which will give you both valuable experience, and a better idea of the career avenue that most suits you.

• After a few years experience as a runner, you will be in a position to be considered for internal promotions.