What Does a Runner Do in the Film Industry? Have you any idea?
Well… We all know that film making is a team work. In this collective attempt, physical labor is as required as creative mental work. When film’s actual shooting is running then a large number of crew help to complete it smoothly. Among crew members man power is divided into individual team.
In a previous article, I discussed about grips who are also part of crew. In this article I am going to explain another portion of crew service. Those who provide this service are called runners.
Let’s know about them more clearly and elaborately.
Table of Contents
Who are Runners?
Production runners are the part and parcel of the production team. They copy call sheets, passes scripts, overlook health and safety and notices other paperwork and run to deliver it where needed. They take orders for lunch and breakfast for the production office, run to the post office or other suppliers. Runner communicates with each department of a production. He has the opportunity to impress head of the departments. As a result, senior crew who may offer and hire him for upcoming projects.
Core Responsibilities of a Runner
Runners do general office jobs like answering the phone calls, filing paperwork and entering data, helping out with photocopying, preparing and recording postage. They sometimes book travel and accommodation. They manage a float, buy stationery and keep everyone stocked up with caffeine and snacks.
Runners are basically freelancers. A mid-range feature film employs one or two runners in the production department and another in the art department.
In the early weeks of pre-production, the runner’s main duties are to provide support and refreshments for several meetings. They have to pick up items that the various departments may require, such as additional stationery or probably fabric samples for the costume department. He always has to run to provide variety services.
In the final week of pre-production, the runner provides support for the camera tests, distributes notices to nearby residents at locations, collects specially made costumes and always keeps the busy production office fed and watered. Hired items are checked and returned by runners.Such as, walkie talkies, monitors, printers, the photocopier, makeup mirrors, wardrobe racks etc. They pass the delivery documentation over to the producer.
Required Qualities
A production runner has to be good at following activities:
i) A production runner has to be good at verbal communication. He has to know how to take instruction. Listening power is important for a runner.
ii) He has to know how to work staying calm and cool head even during rush hours or under pressure.
iii) A runner has to see what needs to be done in a situation. So, he has to have observation power too.
iv) A runner has to do same works in different times or different works at the same time. That is why he has to be good at multi-tasking.
v) Runners should be passionate about their work.
vi) He/ She has to be reliable and punctual.
vi) Runners have to be cooperative and communicative.
Last Words
Runner is an entry-level position in the film industry. Though they do small activities, they provide useful services. Someone with excellent personal and professional qualities are able to do this job. The job can open the door to many other positions in film industry. Those who are really keen about making career in film industry, he/she can start with this job. I think, It’s a good starting to know the industry well. Good Luck!
