Production Runners are the foot soldiers of the production team, performing small but important tasks in the office, around the set and on location. Their duties may involve anything from office administration to crowd control, and from public relations to cleaning up locations. Production Runners are usually employed on a freelance basis, are not very well paid, and their hours are long and irregular. However, the work is usually extremely varied and provides a good entry-level role into the film industry.

What is the job?
Production Runners are deployed by the Producer and by other production staff, such as the Production Co-ordinator, to assist wherever they are needed on productions. Their responsibilities vary considerably depending on where Production Runners are assigned. In the Production Office duties typically include: assisting with answering telephones, filing paperwork and data entry, arranging lunches, dinners, and transportation reservations, photocopying, general office administration, and distributing production paperwork.

On-set duties typically include: acting as a courier, helping to keep the set clean and tidy and distributing call sheets, Health and Safety notices, and other paperwork. On location shoots, Production Runners may also be required to help to co-ordinate the extras, and to perform crowd control duties, except where this work is dangerous, or performed by police officers or other official personnel.

Typical career routes
Production Runner or Production Assistant is an entry-level role that can provide valuable contacts and experience for many other roles. Progression might be to a trainee position within another department or to a more senior role within the Production Office.

Essential knowledge & skills
Production Runners must be flexible and well organised, and be able to think on their feet. They should be able to relay messages quickly and accurately, whilst paying due regard to the need for silence when on set. They should have strong verbal and written communication skills, be able to take orders, and to show tact and deference towards those in positions of authority and greater responsibility. They must be punctual and enthusiastic, and understand the importance of taking detailed notes and recording expenditure accurately. They should be level-headed, and able to work calmly and effectively under pressure. Production Runners must be able to contribute to good working relationships, and to creating a positive atmosphere on the production. They should have good secretarial skills, and be computer literate in standard word processor, spreadsheet and e-mail programs. They should also be aware of Health and Safety issues, and ensure that their actions do not constitute a risk to themselves or to others.

Key skills include:

• organisational and administrative skills
• computer skills
• good communication and interpersonal skills
• the ability to work without supervision
• versatility and a willingness to learn
• knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.

Training and qualifications
Enthusiasm is considered more important than experience. While there are no specific educational requirements, this is a very popular area of work, and Production Runner jobs can be very strongly contested despite the low pay. In these circumstances, a good education is a definite advantage. A large number of colleges and other training providers offer Media courses that may provide a suitable background. Relevant courses include City & Guilds qualifications, such as the Diploma in Media Techniques or the Certificate for Audiovisual Industries Induction; BTEC National Certificate in Media Production; HNC/HNDs; Foundation degrees, first degrees and postgraduate courses in film and TV production.

Skillet's network of Screen Academies are institutions that it has identified as offering the highest quality of film skills training. Details are available on the Skillset website: http://www.skillset.org/training/san/ssa/

Some experience in film, drama or broadcasting, whether it is in amateur dramatics, student radio or film making, shorts or community media is also an advantage. A full, clean EU driver's licence is almost always required.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council 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. Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.

Download for more information: Production Assistant or Production Runner

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