TV production runner
Work behind the scenes and take care of all the little tasks that help a TV production run smoothly.
About the job
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.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'TV production runner'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Postal delivery worker Courier
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
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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
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
Modern Languages
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.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'TV production runner'
