What Does a Film Runner Do On Set?

A production runner is an entry-level job role in the film industry. They assist wherever needed with various basic tasks, from office administration to crowd control. Many filmmakers start their careers within this role as it allows you to watch how a film is made.

You can find current vacancies for film runner jobs on our jobs page. Below you will learn more about finding film work, expectations as a film runner and career progression. 

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What Is A Film Runner?

A film runner, otherwise known as a production assistant or PA, is a varied entry-level job role in the film industry. They are called runners as the role involves 'running errands'. You can find film runner jobs during all stages of filmmaking, from development to post-production. Runners might also be assigned to a specific department, e.g. art department runner.

Most people working within this role are freelancers, especially in film and TV production. Although you will find some contracted, full-time company positions. When looking for work, you will need to decide if you can afford to freelance or need a full-time job. Freelancing means that you will need to consistently look for work because film work is based on short-term employment. In contrast, a full-time position will be more reliable but might not involve working on set amongst a crew.

You will likely need some initial work experience before finding high-end film runner jobs. This is because film crew work is exceptionally competitive, and producers want to hire people who know how to do their jobs. Initial work experience can be found by doing an internship, helping out on independent film sets, or taking a workshop.

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What Does A Runner Do?

Film runner jobs vary greatly, but you will never be asked to do anything complex or technical. Although, you will need a basic understanding of how a film set works. This includes the general production process, who does what on set and film set etiquette. Above all, a runner needs common sense and seeing as film sets are stressful, a thick skin will come in handy.

The tasks expected from you will change production to production. But examples of runner duties include - driving actors to set, blocking off a road from the public and general admin tasks. Since it's an entry-level role, you can ask for help if you are unsure how to do something; just don't bother anyone who looks too busy and important.

Speaking of which, film sets are very hierarchical. Runners don't interrupt actors or talk to the director unless spoken to first. This is not a creative role but a time to watch and learn. Another valuable skill is to have a driving license and car. Film runner jobs have a preference to hire drivers. In addition, you will need to drive if you want a career in film production, so consider investing early in this skill.

Film Runner Task Examples -

• Making tea and coffee
• Driving actors to set
• Blocking off roads
• Basic admin tasks
• Taking lunch orders
• Keeping the set clean

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How To Find Film Runner Jobs?

First, it will help to understand how people hire staff in the film industry. The majority of high-end film and TV crew work will be employed through recommendations. This means people will hire who they know and trust first. When you start to look online, you will find that high-end work is harder to find than low-budget independents. Nevertheless, My First Job In Film regularly features entry-level high-end film and TV work.

To find consistent work on high-end productions, you will need to have experience and industry contacts. So, working on indies and low-budgets makes sense at the very start of your career. You might also be able to find an internship or film trainee placement. Then, when you have experience on set, you will find it easier to get more work. Better still, producers like to repeatedly hire the same people. 

So, to break it down, producers will be more inclined to hire you when you have initial experience. The first 1-3 years are the hardest in film, especially if you are a freelancer. But after you have experience, understand your role and have networked on film sets finding work will be a lot easier. 

There are lots of ways to find film runner jobs online. From film jobs sites to Facebook groups and social media. Making profiles on job sites and film commission dictionaries can also help you get discovered.

Places To Find Film Runner Jobs –

• My First Job In Film job's board
• Online film job sites
• Facebook groups
• Social media search
• Film commissions

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What To Expect On Set

Before production, you will receive a call sheet by email. This will let you know when and where you are expected to be. Then, when you arrive on set, you will report to your department. For most runners, this will be the production office or AD department. However, all departments have runners, especially on big film sets.

If you are a driver runner, you might have instructions to pick up actors or crew in the morning. This should have been confirmed with you, but these notes can also be found on the call sheet. If there is time in the morning before work, try to introduce yourself to everyone. Importantly, make sure that you know who your boss and co-workers are.

Your runner tasks will vary depending on your experience and the production. If there is a more experienced runner on set, follow their lead and listen carefully to instructions. Your job won't be complicated, but tasks need to be carried out exactly as requested. For example, print out call sheets and hand them to everyone on set.

You should also expect to work long work hours, between 10-14 hours a day. In addition, the work can involve being stood up outside for long periods in different weather conditions. So be sure to dress appropriately and bring supplies such as a bottle of water, sunscreen and comfy shoes.

Film runner jobs are not the dream job role. In fact, this entry-level job can actually be tedious and exhausting. But always keep in mind that this is the very first rung on the ladder. So try to enjoy working without too much pressure and learn as much as possible.

Film Runner Essential Equipment -

• Comfy Shoes
• Notepad and Pen
• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Raincoat/Winter Coat
• Headlamp

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Career Advancement

Film runner jobs are the lowest ranking positions on set. Which means that you can technically go anywhere from this role. By working as a runner, you can see how a film crew works together and hopefully, it will have inspired you to pursue a career in film.

A runner can step up into any department trainee or entry-level assistant role. For example, make-up trainee, grip assistant, sound trainee. If you know what job you want, you can climb up the crew hierarchy ladder. Many filmmakers continue to work on independent productions to practice their new roles and network. Sometimes filmmakers will work a higher position on indies and a step down on high-end productions.

For competitive above-the-line roles, you will need to create a portfolio. This includes the positions - producer, screenwriter, director. Aspiring producers need to do their own projects, typically starting out with short films. Screenwriters should create spec scripts and develop their writing skills. Finally, directors will need to make their own films and practice directing actors.

It takes time to step up into any role; this is why a filmmaker might have multiple freelance positions. For example, a director might work as 1st AD and direct films in their spare time. There are no correct formulas when creating a film career. So how you make a living and advance to your dream job will be different from others. Just make sure that you continue to learn and find enjoyment whatever path you take.