What is your job role and what does that involve?
Runner – There are different set tasks depending on where you are based (office/location/studio) but as a runner you will be on hand to help everyone whenever and wherever is needed.
What are best bits and what are the worst?
Best bits are seeing how each show works differently and the work that goes into making it and also getting to talk to all members of production and crew and getting advice.
How did you get to become a production runner?
I got the role from seeing the job posting on an alumni page for MAMA Youth Project.
What training/ experience have you had?
I went to Sunderland University, then 2 months after graduation I was on a training scheme called MAMA Youth Project where we made a show for Sky1 and then I’ve been working in TV getting experience on the jobs since then.
What key skills do you need for your job?
Not necessarily key skills but you need to be friendly, a can-do attitude, putting in 110% and be able to think on your feet.
Why did you choose to work in factual / light entertainment?
I’m actually just trying to get as much experience in as many genres as I can at the moment so that I can decide which route I want to take.
Do you work in the production office / on set or on location?
I’m working in the office for the set up of The Jonathan Ross Show and then 1 day a week is a studio day.
Did you always want to work in the production office and can you see yourself progressing in this department?
I didn’t think I wanted to work on the production side but I have thoroughly enjoyed this job. However, I am still unsure of my end goal.
What role would you like next?
I would love to work on an animal/nature programme, such as Animal Park. If like to film in a zoo as I used to want to be a zookeeper.
What’s the one thing people should be aware of pursuing this role?
There can be long hours but the teams take care of you.
Always be available as jobs can come up last minute.
What advice would you offer future production runners?
Network as much as you can whether that’s events or on jobs because this is where you will get a lot of your jobs.
What do you wish you had known when starting out?
I wish I had known about the Facebook runners group which posts jobs everyday
What are your top tips…?
- Network
- Work hard
- Don’t clock watch
- Be available
- Enthusiasm