Overview of the role
Joining a production as a runner is a typical entry level route into TV production and can be a great way of discovering more about a variety of different genres and projects and building industry awareness and networks. Runners support productions in the office and during filming and the roles can vary depending on the project, from a location based show where pre-schoolers learn about wildlife to a studio based gameshow for older children or a sensitive current affairs documentary for older children. Tasks range from general admin support, location research and assisting with talent and contributors to technical runners assisting filming crews or studio runners working with audiences and gallery teams.
In children’s TV runners must be familiar with all of the relevant working with children guidelines and regulations including the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and broadcaster editorial guidelines and with GDPR/data protection rules. Runners need to be able to work well as part of a team and use their own initiative, working to tight deadlines and juggling multiple priorities. A driving licence can be useful but not essential, depending on the role and runners typically report to the production manager or production coordinator.
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 genre, scale and budget of the production.
- Sourcing, purchasing and collecting props or supplies.
- Prepping items to take on location including paperwork and equipment.
- Collecting hire cars.
- Setting up and de-rigging the production office with the team.
- Handling sensitive data such as casting documents in line with agreed storage and retention procedures as set out by the production manager (PM) and in line with all GDPR/data protection rules.
- Set up physical spaces for production meetings and briefings.
- Occasional research tasks.
- Use vehicles to run errands, transport people and equipment when required.
- A technical runner role may also include transporting equipment to set, moving equipment bags and supervised backing up of rushes (data wrangling).
- Meet, greet, and support talent and contributors (including children) during filming, ensuring compliance with child working guidelines and an empathy with young contributors that helps to create a pleasant environment for their taking part.
- Support production management in organising, collating and scanning release forms, distributing any call sheets or paperwork in line with data protection and retention policies.
- Put up any signage or filming notices around filming areas.
- Purchase and distribute meals and refreshments.
- Collect receipts for production purchases.
- Ensure the production office, locations, and vehicles remain tidy and well-organised.
- Collate carbon footprint data using carbon calculators and log.
- Deliver drives to post-production facilities.
- Organise equipment, kits, memory cards, and props, ensuring all items are accounted for, returned in ready-to-use condition, and report any missing items to the production secretary or coordinator.
- Recycle or confidentially shred paperwork once it is no longer needed.
- Reconcile receipts and report spend to production secretary or coordinator.
- Return items to storage units if required.
- Return any props and hire cars.
Skills
Check out the role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of production runner in unscripted children's TV.
- Knowledgeable about working with children: understand and adhere to all welfare and safeguarding guidelines and work within all regulatory frameworks on licensing and health and safety.
- Reactive: thinks quickly and asks questions when expectations are unclear.
- Enthusiastic: strong interpersonal skills; interacts easily with others.
- Proactive: takes initiative, assesses tasks, and delivers with minimal guidance.
- Teamwork: collaborates effectively across all levels, respecting hierarchy while fostering a positive, productive environment.
- Planning: supports production planning, coordinating practical needs such as transport and catering for contributors (including children) and crew.
- Driving: safely and reliably drives crew or contributors, including motorway travel.
- Communication: interprets and conveys requirements clearly to colleagues.
- Etiquette: understands and upholds production roles, responsibilities, and communication standards.
- Time Management: prioritises tasks effectively and keeps production updated on progress.
- 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.