How to Stand Out as a Production Runner

If you were to compare the functions of a production company to the inner workings of the human body (a comparison we all asked for), then I think it would be fair to say that company directors are the brains running the operation. PR acts as the mouthpiece, sharing work with the world and creating new connections. Post-production acts like the nervous system, keeping things running smoothly and piecing the work of all departments into powerful projects. Meanwhile, the producers are the heartbeat. Without our producers supplying life to creative concepts and providing work to post-production, production companies would struggle to function and eventually would cease to exist.

Where in this complex system does the humble runner find their role? How do those of us trying to find our part to play ensure that we make ourselves an indispensable asset to the system?

In my eyes, the way to stand out as a runner is to make yourself the person that is there to protect and assist every other function of the anatomy.

As runners, we need to be the point of call for every individual within the company by pre-empting and solving issues before they arise. It takes a ‘can do’ attitude and exemplary organisation skills to make this happen.

Attitude is beyond doubt the most important characteristic to help you stand out from the crowd and make your mark. You may be asked to do jobs that you never expected to be part of your job description, but that is the beauty of the role. I never expected to whip up a fresh salad for our talent in the middle of a busy shooting schedule, to paint artificial trees white at midnight on an industrial estate or to scrub litres of dried porridge from the floor of our studio (we'll delve into this project in another post).

All of these experiences whilst challenging in the moment, are great memories and they allow you to showcase that you are willing to do what is needed to help the function of the team.

Positivity is an attribute that affects every element of the runner's experience. By showcasing an aptitude for trying new things, you will impress those around you and widen your opportunities for career progression.

Organisation is the other key element. As a runner, you will be expected to work across a multitude of jobs for numerous people across several departments. Keeping track of responsibilities so that you can predict issues will illustrate to the rest of the team that you understand what is needed for a production to run smoothly.

Here at Sassy for example, we swear by our “prop boxes”. These containers hold the solution to any potential problem that can materialise on set. If I were to forget to check the prop boxes prior to a shoot and our talent were to rip their shirt, I may find that there is no sewing kit and we would struggle to resolve the issue.

So, to link back to the question posed - where does the runner fit into this complex anatomy of the production company? View the runner like the white blood cell. From the outside you may feel insignificant, but when you zoom in you will find that the runner is an essential part of the system. You are protecting the team from encountering issues that may ultimately tear everything down.

You are there to assist and within that responsibility you get the pleasure of seeing things unfold at every level. Being a runner is a process of learning and it is a pleasure to do so.