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TV production runner

Work behind the scenes and take care of all the little tasks that help a TV production run smoothly.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: LMI for All

Weekly

£380

Average

Monthly

£1,646

Average

Yearly

£19,760

Average

1,100

people are currently employed

Low growth

No change in number of jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would work behind the scenes take care of all the little tasks that help a TV production run smoothly.

You could work in any area of film or TV production, such as:

  • In the production office

  • On a studio set or on location

  • In an art department or animation studio

  • In a post-production editing facility

The job can be very varied. You might:

  • Collect and deliver equipment, scripts and other items

  • Distribute messages and post, and run errands

  • File and photocopy documents

  • Answer the phone and greet visitors

  • Drive vehicles around sets or between locations

  • Find props

  • Look after studio guests

  • Keep sets clean and tidy

  • Get lunches and make tea and coffee

Working as a runner is a common starting point in film and TV. You would get to see the different stages involved in production, gain experience and make the contacts you need to move on to other jobs in the industry.

Hours

Your hours would vary according to the needs of the production. You may work long and unsocial hours, including early mornings and late evenings as required.

Environment

You might be based in a studio, production office or on location. You would spend a lot of your time on your feet, running errands and moving between offices and production areas.

Travel

Location work could be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so you may need to travel and work away from home at times.

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Related industries

Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.

  • Creative
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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • reliable
  • time management
  • problem solving
  • resourceful
  • verbal communication
  • cooperating
  • resilience
  • positive attitude
  • adaptability

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Drama

  • English

  • Gaelic (Learners)

  • Gàidhlig

  • Media

  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media

You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.

Discover what's on offer at your school on  Apprenticeships.scot.

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but most employers value a good general education including English and maths.

It is not essential to have studied film, video or media production, although you might find it helpful to take a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make contacts in the industry.

To enter a media, film, television, production or broadcasting National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) may require no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).

You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.  

To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.

Entry to a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.

The most useful qualifications include practical skills and work placements.

This job is often seen as a media entry-level job and employers could be more interested in your enthusiasm, common sense and initiative than your formal qualifications.

Qualifications and experience that show a genuine interest in the industry and employability skills, such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCFQ level 5) or a Higher National Diploma in Television Production (SCFQ level 8).

You should also show that you have administrative and organisational skills, so any previous experience in areas like office work, customer service or hospitality would be useful.

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