Runner - Post Production
The role of Runner is usually the entry point to a career in Post Production Facilities Houses which provide complete end to end services for off-line, on-line and non-linear editing, visual effects, and DVD production to the independent, corporate and broadcast media sectors. Post Production involves creatively weaving together visual and audio materials shot or created during the production process, and combining them with other media, graphics, effects, subtitles, archive footage, etc., to create a variety of final products including broadcast programmes, DVD titles, corporate productions, etc.
Runners are part of the team that supports the work of senior Post Production personnel and clients. The term Runner and the nature of the industry glamorises the function, but in fact they are often a combination of waiter, cleaner, handyman and messenger. Although they are expected to perform a multitude of often menial tasks, the Runner role provides the opportunity to learn about every aspect of the industry, and to make valuable contacts, and it has nurtured the potential of some very talented individuals.
What is the job?
Runners are responsible for client hospitality, including providing food and drinks. Because clients spend long periods of time at Post Production houses during the editing process, they are usually catered for on the premises, and may enter almost every part of the facility at some time or other. One of the Runner's main tasks is to ensure the cleanliness and tidiness of the facility, including edit suites, reception, kitchen and rest rooms, for the benefit of clients and colleagues. They also take care of dispatch - delivering and collecting packages, tapes, other media, and/or sometimes hardware. They provide cover when required for other junior members of staff, including Reception, Junior Tape Operators, etc., and may also work in the Library carrying out archiving and other similar activities.
Runners may be involved in digitising materials prior to editing. They carry out fault finding, and repair basic office materials - phones, chairs, etc., and move, carry and connect up tape machines. They deposit cash and cheques, and collect cash floats from banks, as well as undertaking some administration duties, e.g., checking invoices and job sheets. Runners are also largely responsible for the routine running of the building, e.g., opening and locking up, and may be the last to leave the facility at the end of the working day. Runners must be able to cope under extreme pressure from clients and/or co-workers, responding quickly and appropriately to requests, using their own initiative. They should also be prepared to ask for help and advice when necessary, as this is essentially a learning role.
Typical career routes
Runners may progress to become Head Runners, or to roles in reception, operations, library or bookings, and ultimately to Edit Assistants, Editors, and in some cases Producers. Runners usually stay in this role for six to twelve months. After twelve months they may become Head Runners, be moved into another department, or released.
Essential knowledge and skills
Runners must be tidy and presentable, have basic literacy and numeracy skills, and have knowledge of safe food handling. They must have an understanding of the Post Production process, including the requirements and characteristics of different media formats, the difference between on line and off line editing, and the difference between masters and dubs.
Key Skills include:
- excellent communication skills;
- a high level of organisational skills;
- precise attention to detail;
- initiative and problem solving skills;
- effective team working skills;
- diplomacy and sensitivity when working with clients;
- basic IT skills;
- knowledge of the requirements of The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) regulations 1995;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.
Training and qualifications
No specific academic or training qualifications are required for Runners. Media studies degrees are not necessarily considered particularly relevant when selecting Runners, and many companies are more interested in applicants with retail or catering experience. Media studies degrees may raise false expectations in students, and many would-be Runners find it hard to cope with the reality of making tea and fetching food for clients. A bright and enthusiastic attitude, and willingness learn, are the most useful attributes. Personality and communication skills are also important at entry levels.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
- UK Screen Association is the trade body for Post Production;
- BECTU, the trade union represents Post Production personnel;
- British Film Institute publishes Sight and Sound;
- BKSTS (The Moving Image Society) publishes Image Technology;
- Digital Post Production
Publications
- Broadcast, weekly newspaper for the UK TV and Radio industry;
- Televisual, monthly business magazine for the broadcast industry;
- Audio Post Production for Television and Film - Wyatt & Amyes - ISBN 0-240-51947-7
- How Video Works - Weynand & Weise ISBN 0-240-80614-X
- Nonlinear Editing Basics - Steven Browne - ISBN 0-240-80282-9
- Video Editing and Post Production - Gary H Anderson - ISBN 0-240-80337-X
- Digital Editing with Final Cut Pro 4 - Mamer &Wallace - ISBN 0-941188-91-4
- Digital Nonlinear Editing - Thomas Ohanian - ISBN 0-240-80225-X
- Editing Digital Film - Jaime Fowler - ISBN 0-240-80470-8
All books available from: http://www.focalpress.com/
Glossary
Linear : Editing in formats where it is not possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., VHS, u-matic or BETA, etc.
Non-Linear : Editing in formats where it is possible to move sections around within edited material, e.g., film, AVID, Edit Pro, etc.
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Runner - Post Production
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