Running for 'The Carer'

What is a runner???

As I have been accepted as a 'Runner' for the production, I decided to find out what my role as a runner would involve.

Runners are at the bottom level for Film or TV. They are required to assist a production run smoothly. They do not require any special skills.

'Runners act as general assistants, working under the direction of the producer and other production staff, to undertake whatever basic tasks are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process.' (Prospects,2015) http://www.prospects.ac.uk/runner_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm

This is one of the first ways to get involved with a film. It gives an insight to see how a film is made and an opportunity to see all aspects of a production in a professional working environment on set without having too many duties and deadlines. You can gain a strong understanding of how the industry works.

To be a runner, you should respect everyone and their departments. Even though you are trying to help as a runner you need to keep in mind that people are working and doing a job who will have more experience than you, especially in their profession. The best way to avoid causing offence is to make sure you talk to them at the right time and ask if there is anything they need.

Intro to my first day

My first day, I was shown to the production office by a Location Manager called Monty. I introduced myself to him as I was going to be working with the team for several weeks.

There were so many people who I walked past, where he was introduced me to everyone. I couldn't remember everyones names or roles, so I had to slowly figure it out one by one. I smiled and sad hello back to them.

I was introduced to the Production Team - Esther, Greg and Juan. The office was in a small kitchen. They told me we wern't going to be there long because the main production office is being used as a set where they were about to film after a couple of days time.

As usual, I prepare myself for the day by printing off all the information I was sent in a email.

My first email contained a Call sheet which looked something like this:

The sheet contained all the details for the day, contact numbers, scenes being shot, call times, lunch time, location etc... I had all this so I can refer to during the day.

I spoke to Esther the most, where she sent me a copy of the script to read, accommodation information where crew were staying and information about the actors involved in the film.

The day was slow where I had not much to do. I was finally given some scripts to give to the script supervisor who was on set. I went for a walk around the building and found myself amongst the technical crew and noticed that it was quite silent. They were already recording the first scene, I didn't know who was who, so I just asked the nearest person to me. I handed the scripts over silently to the script supervisor. 

I introduced myself to a couple of the crew members and asked them what they were doing when they wern't recording. They showed me their equipment and what their roles were. I noticed the technical crew were mostly Hungarian, but some knew and spoke a bit of English. They seemed quite friendly.

I stood there as silent as I could to watch how they were filming. I made sure I was standing to a side where I was not in the way, and watched the acting on the monitors. I noticed the set was in a room,  and the equipment was set up just outside the room. There were loads of cable about, and was wondering how the crew knew what cables were for what. At the end of the day, I watched them pack and realised that each person with their own job role packs their own equipment, so they will know what cable is theirs and what is not. This way they don't have to worry about other cables.

Other duties I carried out throughout the day were grocery shopping for actors. I was told some actors have specific dietary requirements and so I went out and to get what was on the list. Also, the water company had not delivered water in time for the production, so I had to go and buy as much water as I could carry. The production company had covered me to drive their car as they knew I could drive. Due to the location of the shoot, the access and ability to driving a car is much needed.

Although the production covers the expenses costs, I still tried to look for the best, cheapest products on the shopping list. Just like normal shopping, I compared prices and tried to find the best deal. This is to help bring the costs down for the production.

Photocopying, cutting and arranging scripts

I collected the receipts in a separate part of my purse, so when it comes to claiming the money back, I could fill out the expenses form to claim it back. The receipts will also be attached as proof of how much I spent to claim back. They gave me some float money so I didn't go into my personal money.

Near the end of the day, I found myself helping the 2nd AD photocopying call sheets for the next day, paper cutting and stapling the scripts together for the crew. After, the final scene was shot and everyone packing away, I started going round the crew handing out the scripts and call sheets.

I went back to the production office where I was told I could go home.

Pile of scripts printed and organised