Rhedwyr mewn Teledu
Television is the biggest employer of Runners, but before making any approach, it is essential to research the work of the company that you are applying to. Making programmes is just one part of the tough global business of television, and many wasted applications are made to companies that simply don't do the type of work that Runners say they are interested in. The following information can help you to choose a company that is right for your career. You can also read what runners say, and what employers say about runners in television.
The television industry is made up of the broadcasters, the independent production sector (approximately 1000 companies that make but do not transmit programmes), and the cable and satellite sector. Television is constantly changing and to keep up with developments you need to read the trade press - e.g. Broadcast, Televisual - and look at the companies' own websites which contain lots of information about their business, output and plans.
The BBC - work experience is often the way into Runner employment and the BBC has a wide ranging work experience programme offering opportunities across many departments. However, their approach to Runners is less structured, with Production Managers often making their own arrangements. The BBC generally advertises new vacancies, but there are many instances of departments recruiting Runners through direct contact or via networking opportunities, such as the annual Production Show, or from unsolicited CVs. Be very clear about the type of work carried out by the department you are applying to e.g. BBC Resources is the UK's largest facilities house which sells its services and facilities across the industry - and yet many applicants say they are not interested in what goes on in post-production, which represents 75% of the department's work. BBC Resources has a well established system of developing and employing Runners who go on to become trainees in the department. Recruitment occurs every 4 - 6 months. The BBC website www.bbc.co.uk is the best source of information about the corporation.
ITV companies - these vary in size and output. The main players, Granada and Carlton, have centralised particular types of production in London, Manchester, Bristol and Leeds. If you are approaching any of the ITV companies to become a Runner, say on drama production, then it is critical to research where that genre is being produced and which companies specialise. Some hire out studios - e.g. the London Studios employs a number of Runners and has a structured Runners set up. Channel 4 and S4C do not make programmes but commission them from independent companies. They employ only a small number of people and consequently opportunities for Runners are likely to be limited. Similarly five which makes very few programmes.
BSkyB Runners are employed in small numbers, primarily to service the edit suites and studio facilities. Runner positions are seen as stepping stones into television. The VTR department provides training for Runners in editing or in the studio. Often the way in is through the work experience programme where there are opportunities to work in studios, VTR, transmission, sound or observing live playout in the studio.
Other Cable & Satellite companies - some are now well established and employ small teams of people, often including a Runner to work on their (usually low budget) programmes. In large cable and satellite companies there are between 2 and 4 Runners in departments and internal databases of freelance Runners are used for backfilling. Details of companies can be obtained from the ITC and information can also be found in the industry directories.
Independent Production sector - most Runners are employed in this sector. Companies vary in size and in the type of work they produce and usually specialise in comedy, documentary, drama, entertainment, children's programmes etc. - although the larger companies are very diverse. Some are involved in making feature films. Be clear about the various and different Runner roles in film and television when applying. Some of the larger companies operate occasional Runner schemes which offer 6 - 9 months of supervised experience in different areas of the business. These schemes are seldom advertised and selection takes place from CVs/contacts that have already been made. Taking the initiative is an essential part of getting into and getting on in this sector in which individual companies are constantly competing against each other for commissions. In medium and larger companies there are excellent opportunities to move on, usually into Research but also into Production Secretary/Co-ordinator roles. Production Managers and those recruiting Runners tend to pick carefully with an eye to training on the job - Runners could be next year's production crews.
Getting on depends entirely on how well the individual performs as a Runner. Most independent production companies are members of PACT, the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television, which produces a directory listing the type of work companies make.
When we meet people - often through work experience - we particularly look for some INTEREST and idea about which way they hope to develop, but people just say 'I'd like to work in television.'
- 'Appearances really matter - the letter, the CV, how much care they've taken getting dressed for the interview.'
- 'We're very interested in applications from ethnic minorities with relevant skills - it's still a very white industry.'
- 'The industry is under real financial pressure. We can't carry anyone.'
- 'Touch base every couple of months or so - but don't expect an immediate response. Potential Runners are not top priority.'
- 'Sometimes we ask Runners to meet and greet big stars - it can be a bit daunting. Other times they'll spend the whole week opening envelopes - important to the programme, but not exciting.'
- 'There are some people you want to help, because they put a lot into helping everyone else.'
- 'The best advice is to impress Production Managers. The more you can do to make their lives easier, the more likely they are to ask you back. Keep in touch after you leave.'
- 'In drama it's much more businesslike than I expected - I have to account for everything.'
- 'I've been lucky. A manager took a real interest in something that I was doing and she's shared all kinds of knowledge and experience.'
- 'I know that there was lots of competition for this job. But I did lots of research so I wasn't too surprised to be interviewed.'
- 'I'm pleased I did so much in student societies at college. I've realised that admin skills are really helpful, even in this apparently chaotic atmosphere.'
- 'I can't believe the effect on my social life - I hardly see anyone. I didn't realise that the days would be so long, but everyone seems to work like this.'
- 'Being in a production office is a great start - I'm beginning to understand how the programme is built and then made.'
- 'I'm shocked at how tight the budgets and timescales are in TV.'
- 'Every month there's a programme ideas forum that we're all invited to. Last time I researched an idea for a show and suggested it at the meeting. It's been taken seriously and if it gets commissioned I should be part of the production team'.
