Runners in Facilities
If you want to learn, develop skills and make contacts with production companies in your area, working as a Facilities Runner can be a great place to start. Facilities companies supply specialised technical equipment and services to all sectors of creative media.
Overheads are high, due to the investment in expensive technology and premises, and Runners with an interest in the area, a responsible manner and excellent customer service skills are more likely to secure employment. Customers are also potential future employers, so it makes sense for Runners to keep them happy.
The facilities sector is unusual in that companies sometimes advertise Runner vacancies. There is usually a lot of competition for a small number of vacancies.
Facilities companies are listed in the industry trade directories and it pays to research their company websites so you get a better idea of the type of work you may be expected to do. Technology is constantly changing and reading the trade press is essential to keep up with developments. Broadcast and Televisual are amongst the titles that cover the facilities sector.
Runners say
"I sorted out all the tapes and instantly became very popular."
"I realise now (a year out of college) how much I don't know."
"You can watch people doing their jobs, listen to their conversations with clients... and learn."
"I'm incredibly interested in the management side, which I'd never thought about at college."
"It's wonderful to have access to all this expensive equipment."
"I went through a phase of being trained but desperate - turned down for trainee jobs. Reducing my sights and starting as a runner has opened doors - at last."
Employers say
"Good hotel and restaurant experience is really helpful."
"If you flatter people (quite genuinely) they're much more inclined to help you learn. Asking an Editor 'may I come and watch you work at the end of the day?' can often be a good start."
"Everyone uses Runners a bit differently. Listen hard at the beginning, don't make assumptions, and ask."
"We need people who like people - and technology."
"If you want to work in this industry, you need to be interested and excited about it - and send out that message to others."
"One Runner turned out to be brilliant at dealing with crews. She's now our ace scheduler."
"It takes real skill to show flair and be promotable whilst doing really boring, mundane jobs."
"At the start of a contract some people are bound to test you out/make ridiculous demands. Always talk to your boss."
