Runner
Self Employed or Contract?
Most Runners these days are either freelancers or employed on full-time and short-term contracts.
The short-term contracts involve long hours and they can have lifestyle and financial implications however it is recommended that you line up your next piece of work while still working on the current project.
How much money would you make out of this?
Starting salaries maybe vary depending on the size of the company; they have increased very little over the past few years. The average starting salary is approximately £7-£8 per hour. Pay is low and there is little reason for it to increase because competition for paid runner positions is fierce.
If you are on work experience, don’t expect to be paid because you won’t however the experience from it all may open opportunities for paid positions.
The salaries are generally static and start to rise upon gaining promotion to either head runner or researcher.
How many working hours?
Working hours tend to be long and unpredictable, often up to six days a week during production however sometimes if the production is on a deadline or if the place you are working for is a 24-hour operation then you would have to work nights, weekends and public holidays. This working style reflects this and you often want to make the most of the daylight for filming so early mornings and late nights are a common occurrence.
What kind of training would you need for this job?
There are no formal entry qualifications for runners, but the industry is very competitive and many runners have degrees. Subjects like video and television, media and broadcasting skills, media production, acting, drama and theatre are the most relevant when applying for this job.
Basically when you’re trying to get this job, it’s often combination of luck, timing and networking although the industry looks favourably on those with experience and contacts, rather than qualifications.
There are no specific educational requirements for becoming a runner however, a relevant HND, degree or postgraduate qualification, particularly one with a practical focus, may increase your chances of success as this can equip you with an understanding of the industry, practical skills, a work experience placement and useful contacts.
Relevant things involve:
· Television/film/media/radio production;
· Media and broadcasting skills;
· Multimedia;
· Drama and theatre.
It is also helpful to develop a portfolio, showreel or soundreel of your work (e.g. film shorts, photographs, radio recordings, newspaper articles) that you can send to companies to illustrate your talent. Keeping up to date with changes in technology, finding out what is in pre-production and production, and getting hold of in-house newsletters will put you ahead of the game, as will attending workshops and talks by people in the industry but competition for even work experience for this job role is fierce enough so you need to be prepared to work hard to get it.
Applying for the Job
Here is one job I looked at ITV, It involves signing to be a member before you can apply for the job.
As I researched the interest I saw a lot of other website that involves being a member with a subscription of some kind before I could send them an email.
I did find however a job role where I can apply and not become a member.
References
Networking is essential and you should send your CV to as many production companies and post-production houses as you can. Follow this up with a phone call at a later date (around ten working days later is a good guide) to indicate your enthusiasm for the role. Any Health and Safety knowledge or training is also useful.
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