Overview of the role
Floor runners are part of the assistant directors (AD) team and support the smooth running of a production floor. Their duties include running errands, delivering messages, arranging transport between unit base and set, and assisting with catering. They help look after the cast and crew, ensuring everyone has the information and resources they need.
They also work closely with the third assistant director (3rd AD) to supervise supporting artists (SAs), from managing large crowds to placing individuals in background roles. In children’s TV floor runners are very likely to be supporting child actors, working alongside licensed chaperones to ensure children are safe, comfortable, and ready for filming. So they need to understand and adhere to all of the relevant regulations around working with children, including safeguarding and GDPR/data protection as they may be entrusted with handling sensitive data such as child performance licences, hotel details, or full names.
Floor runners report to the first assistant director (1st AD) but are usually managed day-to-day by the 3rd AD. They play an important role in monitoring progress on set, as cast and crew often rely on them for updates and guidance. This means they must be approachable, observant, and confident communicators.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the size of the team and the scale and budget of the production.
- Provide support and care for cast on location or in the studio, ensuring their comfort, safety, and readiness for filming in line with production requirements such as scheduling, continuity, health and safety protocols.
- Escort cast between makeup, wardrobe, green rooms and set, keeping the AD team informed of any delays or movement.
- Escort child cast between the above as well as tutoring spaces, working with licensed chaperones and ensuring activities comply with production requirements and child performance regulations.
- Handle sensitive data such as child performance licences, hotel details, and personal information in line with agreed GDPR/data protection storage and retention procedures as set out by the production manager (PM).
- Maintain open and regular communication with the production office and AD team including use of walkie-talkies.
- Meet, greet and support talent and artists, including children, ensuring compliance with child performance regulations and working alongside licensed chaperones where required.
- Confirm distribution of call sheets and other paperwork to crew as required.
- Coordinate transport to ensure swift and effective movement of cast and crew between set and base, confirming availability at all required times.
- Ensure clear and visible signs and notices are in place, specifying access requirements and restrictions.
- Relay clear cues to artists as directed.
- Set up background action as directed by the AD team.
- Maintain accurate records of artists on set, including meal breaks, tutorage and wrap times, in line with contractual and child performance requirements.
- Provide advance notice of location or set moves, as well as wrap, to relevant departments.
- Stand in for or take over from the 3rd AD as instructed by production management.
- Maintain regular communication with all relevant departments.
- Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, reporting any breaches or concerns immediately.
- Respond to urgent matters promptly, escalating or collaborating with production personnel as appropriate.
Skills
Check out the role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of floor runner in children's TV.
- Enthusiastic: strong interpersonal skills; interact easily with others including communicating well with young cast members and act as a key point of contact on the production, providing production personnel with up-to-date information on activities.
- Proactive: take initiative, assess tasks, and deliver results with minimal guidance.
- Teamwork: collaborate effectively across all levels, fostering a positive and productive environment.
- Planning: support production planning by coordinating practical needs such as transport, logistics, and catering for artists, including children, ensuring compliance with child performance regulations.
- Set support: assist with the management of the set, studio, or location, helping to maintain smooth operations, adherence to schedules, and health and safety requirements.
- Communication: interpret and convey requirements clearly to colleagues, ensuring smooth information flow across the production.
- Etiquette: understand and uphold production roles, responsibilities, and professional communication standards.
- Time Management: prioritises tasks effectively and keeps the production team updated on progress.
- Teamwork: collaborate effectively within own department and with other departments to support overall production goals.
- Negotiation: balance the needs and working practices of all production personnel, finding ways to collaborate effectively.
- Problem-solving: plan for contingencies and resolve issues with locations, schedules, or logistics to keep productions on track.
- Resilience and enthusiasm: adapts positively to changing priorities and ensures deadlines are met.
- Productivity: organises work efficiently to achieve results within deadlines.
- Ethics and integrity: acts honestly and principled in all interactions.
- Respect and inclusion: maintains professional and ethical standards while respecting others.
- Flexibility: listens, learns, and adapts to changing priorities while maintaining high standards.
- Professional development: seeks learning and networking opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Developing attribute: explores creative solutions and new methods to improve production processes and outcomes.