What is a Post Production Runner?
A Post Production Runner is an individual who is on hand to help out in the edit suites and around the building at a post production facility. They help out with all aspects of post production.
What is the Job?
Post production facilities are the places where film and TV dramas are edited. They can be independent companies or part of a large studio. Post-production companies often employ Runners to take care of the most basic daily tasks in their facilities, to ensure that operations run smoothly. In exchange, Runners have the opportunity to get the industry experience that they need to progress to more advanced roles.
Post Production Runners, as mentioned, will do a lot of basic tasks, from cleaning, to making tea and arranging meals. They also sometimes work on reception, answering the phone and ensuring that guests and clients feel welcome.
In addition to this, Post Production Runners will often have administrative duties, which can vary from labelling files, filing notes, printing, photocopying and distributing material. They are also often in charge of delivering and collecting packages.
Within Post Production there are roughly three different areas of work – management, editing, and sound design. The role of Post Production Runner is a potential route into all three.
Key Skills
- Basic knowledge of the post production process and relevant jargon.
- Initiative, efficiency and organisation.
- Good communication skills.
- Friendly with good people skills.
- Excellent IT skills
- Ability to take instruction
- Flexibility across different duties
Salary & Working Hours
The working hours of a Post Production Runner are likely to be the normal working day of 9-5pm, but this will depend on the hours that the studio or post production house is open. As an entry-level role, the salary of a Post Production Runner averages around £16,500 a year.
How To Become a Post Production Runner
The role of Post Production Runner is an entry level position, and therefore it is a relatively easy role to get into. You won’t necessarily need any qualifications, and work experience isn’t essential (although it may help in securing the role – and experience in retail or catering is often valued by companies). The most important thing in becoming a Post Production Runner is that you have a can-do attitude and are willing to help out in a variety of ways.
If you want to start out as a Runner in order to begin your career in Post Production, you may be interested in taking a course in filmmaking, cinema, animation, or anything related.
Where Can It Take You?
Most people do not see the role of Post Production Runner as a permanent one. It is usual to stay in this role for six to twelve months, as it is usually used to gain experience and relevant skills for whichever role you wish to progress to. It’s possible to progress to Head Runner or to a Post Production Assistant role, or another position that is relevant to the experience you have gained.
Become a Post Production Runner
If you are ready for the first step in your career, why not take a look at the latest Post Production Runner vacancies on our jobs board? You can view our latest vacancies here.