Post-production
Post-production runner
What does a post-production runner do?
Post-production runners oil the cogs of a post-production facility.
Runners keep the edit suites tidy, make tea and arrange meals. They sometimes work on reception, answering the phone and making clients and guests feel welcome.
They do a lot of admin including labelling picture and sound files and printing, distributing and filing continuity notes for dramas. They also run errands, ingest (transfer) footage and look after the petty cash. This is an excellent route into any job within post-production. There are roughly three different areas of work: management, editing and sound design. Being a runner is a route into all three.
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What's a post-production runner good at?
- Story-telling: have an interest in the way stories are created through assembling shots and scenes, a good eye for composition or ear for sound and its emotional impact
- Attention to detail: organise and work with fine timings and pixels
- Learning to use software: have an interest in the technical aspects of the edit, be able to learn how to use the tool
- Learning by watching and asking: observe the editor and assistants, know when to listen and when to ask
- Taking instruction: do what’s asked, prioritise, stay calm under pressure
- Communication: work well with team members, be welcoming to guests and clients
Tools of the trade
You won’t be expected to know how to use professional software from the start, but these are some of the tools you might be able to use once you are working as a runner in a studio:
- Editing feature films - Avid Media Composer
- Editing lower-budget films - Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro
- Colour grading - DaVinci Studio
- Sound editing - ProTools
Go to our portfolio page for a list of free software to get you started.
Who does a post-production runner work with?
Post-production runners might report to the tech ops supervisor. They come into contact with anyone who uses the post-production facilities, such as the picture editor, dubbing mixer or director.
How do I become a post-production runner?
The route into becoming a post-production runner depends to some extent on which area of post-production you would like to specialise in. Learn all you can about sound if you have ambitions to be a dubbing mixer, and about editing if you want to be a picture editor. Whichever area you are interested in, search for runner or trainee jobs with post-production houses or audio post-production houses and apply for them.
At school or college:
If you want to go to university, A-levels or Highers in art, drama and theatre, English, film studies, graphic design, graphic communication, media studies, physics, psychology or computing science are useful. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification. Look at what your local college offers in those subjects such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
- BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
- T level Media, Broadcast and Production
- UAL Applied General Diploma in Art and Design
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography)
- T level Craft and Design
- T level Digital Software Development
Get a degree:
It isn’t essential, but if you want one, take a subject that you really enjoy. You might want to add a Masters degree in a subject like editing or sound design, depending on where your interests lie. Or have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses in film and TV. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the film and TV industries.
Build a portfolio:
This is useful for impressing admissions tutors and people in the post-production industry. Just as importantly, it’s the best way to learn about editing or sound design, seeing what works and what doesn’t. Keep doing it. Make sure it shows off the area in which you are most interested, whether that be editing, sound editing or colour grading. Go to Build your portfolio to learn how.
Get work experience:
Use Eleanor Adler’s list of post-production companies in the UK to research post-production houses. Send them your CV and ask if they offer work experience.
Take a short course:
Go to the list of training courses recommended by ScreenSkills to see if there is one in the area of post-production that interests you.
Search for jobs:
Research post-production houses. Regularly check their websites to see if they are advertising for runner roles. Check out ScreenSkills job boards. Have a look at Eleanor Adler’s page on where to find post-production runner job lists. Send in your CV.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in...
Working in visual effects (VFX). Alternatively, you could consider being a logger in the unscripted TV industry.
