If you want to work in the film industry, you will likely start your career as a film runner. A
runner or production assistant is the most junior job role on a film set. This is a great entry-
level film position, but it’s not a permanent career. Below we have broken down how to
move up from this role into other film departments and popular positions.  
Looking to start your film career? You can find paid film runner jobs and internships on
our jobs page. 
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Why Start Out as a Film Runner?
The runner job role is at the bottom of the film set hierarchy. It’s a general task-driven role
that requires little skills and experience. Compared to all the other job roles in the film
industry, this is best suited for newcomers and graduates. 

Not only will you gain work experience, but film runner jobs allow you to watch how a
professional film set operates. Film work can differ from what is taught in universities and
film schools. So, although you might know the basics of filmmaking, it’s only from working
on a film set that you can learn how a film set works. 

This isn’t a creative job role, and you won’t get a say on the script. However, you will get to
watch how the crew work together within this role. Filmmaking is a very collaborative
industry, and you will need to understand everyone’s job role to advance within it. 
So, by starting out as a runner, you can observe all film industry job roles and gain initial
experience without too much pressure. Better still, from film runner jobs, you can pivot your
career in any direction.

Benefits of Being a Film Runner –
 A junior role that doesn’t require advanced skills
 Watch and learn within a professional setting 
 Initial film industry work experience/credits
 Chance to make initial film industry contacts
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What Film Job Do you Want?
You might already know what job you want in the film industry. But it’s OK if you don’t know
straight away. Film runner jobs can help you learn more about available careers. For
example, do you want to work on a film set, or would you prefer to stay in the production office? You also need to consider if you want a full-time job or stick to freelancing. Being open-minded is in these early stages is helpful.

There are lots of jobs and career opportunities in the film industry. These roles stretch
across all film stages from development, pre-production, production, post and distribution.
As well as film runner jobs, we advertise positions in a range of departments and
disciplines.  

For the majority of film careers, you can move up the department hierarchy. For example,
the art department is a trainee, assistant, director, supervisor, and production designer. You
can move from one role to another as you gain experience, skills and knowledge. This
hierarchy is the same for most departments, from costume, assistant directing and camera.
However, it is more difficult to move up into the above-the-line roles (the most competitive
roles with the most creative influence). To become successful in these roles, you will need a
lot of experience and knowledge. In addition, you will need to work on your own projects to
develop your skills, such as writing screenplays or producing independent films. 
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Producer Work Route
To move up to film producer, you can start your career in any job role, including film runner
jobs. Producers have been assistant directors, production coordinators, directors and
screenwriters. There is no one route to this role, all that matters is that you learn everything
you can about filmmaking.

A film producer must have extensive knowledge of the whole production process. They
need to understand everyone’s job role and learn a range of organisational, communicative
and creative skills. Many producers start out in the production office, advancing from
runner to production coordinator, manager and later line producer.

In TV and commercial production, it’s possible to stay within the company and directly climb
up the hierarchy ladder. There may be positions such as assistant producer or the
opportunity to shadow other producers. However, for feature films and high-end TV drama,
you might need more independent experience.

Making independent films has two benefits. First, it allows you to create a producing
portfolio and build trust in this role. Second, there is always the chance your independent
film will become a success. Many producers begin by making short films and low-budget
features before working up to higher budgets.
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Director Work Route
Film directing is the most competitive job role on a film set. To succeed in this role, you
need extensive industry experience and creative skills. You can learn the basics by taking
a film course, although some professional on set work experience is beneficial. 

These days many directors start out in film runner jobs before deciding on a work route.
Directors have started as assistant directors, editors, producers and screenwriters. So, there
is no clear route to directing, what matters is that you continue to learn and network within
the film industry.
 
Directors can work in film, TV drama, non-fiction TV, commercials and documentary. These
days new opportunities are emerging in games and online. In the past, directors mainly took
an independent work route, but now there are many routes and directing niches. It’s also
possible to move up whilst working for a TV or commercial company. 

If the goal is to direct feature films and high-end TV drama, you must create a directing
portfolio. Many directors begin by making short films and low-budget features before being
trusted with higher budgets. A win at major film festival can help you get an agent and spike
interest from producers. 
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Screenwriter Work Route

Screenwriters can start their careers within any entry-level film role. It’s important to
understand the filmmaking process, network and improve your writing skills. Many
screenwriter’s start in the production office and within development.

It’s possible to move up into a screenwriting role within TV and commercial production.
Other work routes include assistant producing, assistant writing and script reading. In
addition, a screenwriter needs to write spec scripts and boost their writing skills. You will
also need a writing portfolio to get hired as part of a writing team. 

For high-end screenwriting work, you will benefit from having an agent. Writer’s agents look
for people with experience, a portfolio and proven potential. All film work, even film runner
jobs, count as work experience and can be included on your filmmaking CV. You will need to
independently produce a portfolio of spec scripts. 

You can do a few things to gain additional trust as a screenwriter. First, working and
networking within the film industry is vital. Entering screenwriting competitions or winning
any writing award will help you stand out. You can also try to get your screenplay made by
independent filmmakers. 
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Film runner jobs are a great way to start your film career. By moving up into another role,
you can benefit from a higher income and more creative responsibilities. Many positions
have a clear stepping stone hierarchy for you to advance towards. However, the most
innovative and competitive roles will require additional work.

New to the film industry? My First Job In Film can help you start your career. We have new
production jobs listed every week, including internships and work experience placements.