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TV production runner

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Performing arts and media
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Career outlook for TV production runner

Average UK salary

£19,760

Currently employed in Scotland

1,100

"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it 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.

Working conditions

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.

UK employment status

Full-time

34%

Part-time

57%

Self employed

9%

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  • Adaptability
  • Positive attitude
  • Resilience
  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Resourceful
  • Problem solving
  • Time management
  • Reliable

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

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.

Useful subjects

  • English (required by many courses)
  • Media studies
  • Social studies subjects 
  • Drama
  • Music technology
  • Practical technologies 

You will also need

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.

Helpful to have

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).