If TV and film production is a finely tuned machine, production runners are the oil that keeps each part moving smoothly – and prevents the whole complex system from seizing up.
Their responsibilities cover everything from photocopying call sheets to taking lunch orders; they handle all the small daily tasks and unexpected odd jobs needed to get (and keep) the show on the road.
It's also a common launching pad for anyone interested in progressing through the ranks in film and television production, making competition for roles intense despite the seemingly simple responsibilities. Wherever in the industry you’d like to end up, runner is a good place to start.
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A film or television runner works behind the scenes on studio sets, locations, and in production offices as a kind of general assistant. Tasks aren’t often glamorous, but they often offer a comprehensive look into a production’s inner workings.
Some common runner responsibilities include:
- Making drinks
- Running errands, such as collecting props or doing dry cleaning
- Driving cast and crew to shoots and around sets
- Taking messages between crew members
- Arranging accommodation and travel
- Organising equipment
- Keeping the set clean and tidy
“I did everything I could to be useful,” said Richard Walker about his first day as a runner. “I saw how even the smallest jobs make a difference to the crew, and how grateful they were for having me around.”
Is a production runner the same as a production assistant’?
Not exactly, though you’ll often see the terms “production runner” and “production assistant” used interchangeably. While the roles and their responsibilities are similar, a production assistant tends to work more with the production team, handling office tasks and paperwork, whereas runners are more often found performing general tasks on set.
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1. Consider a course.
Many production runners head straight into the job without studying at university, but a degree and the knowledge that comes with it can be useful later on. The National Careers Service recommends courses with “practical skills, work placements, and the chance to make industry contacts” in subjects such as:
- Creative media production
- Film and television production
- Film and TV studies
- Performing arts
Former runner Gemma Wallace is particularly enthusiastic about film school: “This is a great place to learn all the fundamentals of production…You have a clearer path of where you want to go in the industry. Of course, it's money, time, and it's training. But it's an option, and it is a great one.”
Shorter diploma programmes, available in colleges across the country, are another option, including:
- Level 3 Diploma in Media Techniques
- Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production
Uneasy about committing to long-term study or unsure if TV and film production is truly your calling? You could try a short course instead:
- Five-day Skills Bootcamp for Production Assistants in Chesham from All Spring Media
- Three-day First Steps Into Film and TV: Production Assistant online course from the National Film and Television School
- Two-day Introduction to Production Assisting online course from London Film School
- One-day First on Set: Production Bootcamp in London from First on Set
The Production Guild of Great Britain also offers regular courses from top film and TV professionals. It’s also a handy go-to for industry news, networking opportunities, and events programmes.
2. Pursue an apprenticeship.
Competition is fierce, but apprenticeships are a fantastic way for aspiring runners to gain hands-on experience. They impart the skills and knowledge required for certain roles through practical experience, while also teaching through seminars and other off-the-job training. Plus, they pay at least minimum wage (exact figures differ, but a Level 3 apprenticeship at the BBC currently offers £21,840, plus a £5,318 London Living Allowance).
You can find 15-month programmes offered by:
Or you can look directly to broadcaster apprenticeship programmes from the likes of:
Beyond traditional apprenticeships, the ScreenSkills Trainee Finder has helped place hundreds of creative individuals in entry-level film, high-end TV, and children's television schemes across the UK.
“It was a brilliant opportunity,” said Camilla Botterell-Race, whose Trainee Finder experience took her to the four-part BBC One crime drama In the Dark. “Senior members of the production team were mindful that they needed to teach and train me. They asked about my previous experience and what I was interested in learning whilst I was with them.”
3. Gain hands-on experience.
The lucky ones saunter straight from film school into a production runner role, but this can be tricky in a saturated talent market. It’s also worth noting that a lot of opportunities are centred around media hubs, specifically London, Manchester, Cardiff, and Bristol. “In my experience, the key to getting your foot in the door of the TV industry is a combination of luck and hard work,” notes runner Charlotte Taylor.
There’s often a frustrating “chicken and egg” situation in which the entry-level roles needed for experience…demand experience.
Volunteering is one way of cracking that nut. Projects potentially looking for volunteers include:
- Short films
- Student productions (you can offer assistance even if you aren’t studying)
- Microbudget productions (generally considered between £50,000 and £250,000)
It’s also worth looking beyond TV and film in less prestigious but still useful industries. Maybe you don’t want a career in advertising or corporate video production, but they can be a good place to start — and often pay better.
4. Apply (and keep applying).
While any experience is good experience, nothing’s going to beat your first job as an actual production runner – but how do you get it?
You can search and apply directly for TV and film runner jobs, but waiting for jobs to come to you isn’t always strategic. “Don’t wait for a role to be advertised,” says experienced runner Jasmine Josephs. “Reach out to companies or people that you know for any opportunities to help as a runner.”
You can also find opportunities through:
- Facebook groups: Join People in TV: Runners right away. As summed up by Bethany Bacon on TV Watercooler: “This is where EVERYONE will tell you ALL the jobs get posted. Facebook is the place to find TV work and this is the page that will have all entry-level job traffic.”
- Instagram stories and X posts: Wallace recommends following up-and-coming industry professionals to see “casting calls you wouldn’t normally see…I’ve got so many gigs via that.”
- LinkedIn: Follow production companies and industry professionals, and keep an eye out for posts about upcoming positions.
- TV and film credits: “Watch the credits at the end of your favourite TV programmes,” recommends Bacon. “Note down the names of the PAs and production companies, and send them a cover letter, CV, and a note to say that you are really keen to get some credits and would love to do some work for them as a runner if they have anything available.”
Do your research before applying to any job or company, then tailor your application to the specific position. While you may think you have zero experience, consider transferrable skills developed in other roles. If you waited tables, for example, mention the affability and long hours on your feet it required.
5. Make yourself indispensable.
“At the very least, you should add value,” executive producer David Tanner advises production runners. “What you should be aiming for is to be invaluable.” Part of that is being proactive on set, but don’t neglect steps you can take outside the job.
For example, a driver’s licence is often essential for running errands, transporting equipment, and reaching filming locations – having your own car is an added plus, as is a licence for operating a minibus or medium-sized vehicle.
Other things that could bolster your application include:
- A good grasp of basic IT programs, such as Word and Excel
- Knowledge of first aid or health and safety courses
- Familiarity with on-set lingo and production basics, such as how to read a call sheet
6. Be a self-starter.
Being a TV or film runner probably isn’t your end goal, and being tasked with getting the coffee may feel unimportant, but don’t let that bother you. Working hard, being proactive, and staying positive is what gets you noticed – and it could eventually lead to something more specialised with added responsibility. The step from runner to researcher is a popular one, but other well-trod paths take you from runner to assistant production coordinator or head runner.
“When on set, don’t sit down,” says Jada from Get Into Film. “There’s always something to do, and if you’re not busy, ask someone if they want a cup of tea.”
Take the initiative. If you see something that needs to be done, handle it before being told to. Ask questions whenever you can, get to know people working in other departments, and learn the heads of each department so you can find them in a hurry. Even remembering how people take their drinks can save time and improve your image.”
“Respect the role as a production runner,” Tanner adds. “You will learn a lot there. Be a good runner. Don’t try and escape it too quickly.”