aka: production runner, production assistant, PA
The film runner, also known as a production assistant, is an entry-level job role in the film industry. Some of the biggest names in the movie business, including Guy Ritchie, Agnes Varda, and Quentin Tarantino, started their careers as film runners.
If you want to work on film sets, you will likely start in this position. Even though you’ll be an entry-level employee, though, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the film or TV shoot runs smoothly. Working as a film runner will help you see firsthand how to make a film — plus, it might introduce you to some of your first industry contacts.
On this page, you’ll find a complete film runner job description. We’ll break down the job role in full, including duties, education necessary, possible career routes, average salary, and how to find work.
What is a Film Runner?
The film runner role requires little formal training, and you don’t need previous experience to apply. Most people start their film careers working entry-level crew positions like this one.
The tasks you complete as a film runner will depend on a few factors, like the scale of the project and overall budget. However, some typical duties include driving the cast to set, handing out call sheets, and making hot drinks for the crew — tasks that help keep the film set running.
What Does a Film Runner Do On Set?
The film runner can work in any department on a project. You could be an art department runner, an accountancy runner, or a grip runner. On smaller film sets, there might only be floor runners who help the assistant director department.
A film runner’s job will vary every day, but the tasks are often simple and active, such as blocking off a road for filming and keeping the set tidy. It’s also typical for a film runner to relay information from the AD (assistant director) department to the rest of the crew via walkie-talkie.
One advantage of being a film runner is that you have the opportunity to watch how a film set works. If you are unsure what job you aspire to have on set, you can watch people work together and see what appeals to you.
Film Runner Job Description
Each film runner is generally assigned to a department. There, the runner will take orders from the department head. For example, floor runners work on set and respond to the 1st assistant director. The runner will complete any tasks assigned to them throughout the day.
Runners’ tasks are simple and require little training. However, more experienced runners will take on more challenging jobs, such as helping to control crowds and even directing the background artists. People often work as runners for a year or two before progressing to a higher job role in the film industry.
“I consider myself a student of cinema. It’s almost like I am going for my professorship in cinema, and the day I die is the day I graduate. It is a lifelong study.”
Quentin Tarantino
Production Duties
Film runners on set take orders directly from the first assistant director and complete any tasks given to them throughout the day. The runner is often the first on set and last to leave, so it’s standard for a runner to have a 12-14-hour workday. Here are some of the tasks a runner might be asked to complete:
- Driving cast and crew to set
- Completing production office admin tasks
- Making tea and coffee for the crew
- Keeping the film set clean and tidy
What Education and Skills Do You Need to Be a Film Runner?
You don’t necessarily need experience or skills before applying to be a film runner. However, having some basic filmmaking knowledge and enthusiasm for working in the industry is helpful.
Depending on your location, it can be competitive to find work on professional film sets. If so you could gain some experience on local low-budget films before applying to work on a bigger project.
It’s also useful for film runners to have:
- Physical fitness and stamina, as you’ll be on your feet all day
- Good communication skills
- The ability to follow instructions and carry out tasks quickly
- A driver’s license and, in some cases, a car
Career Routes for Film Runners
You can find runners working in every film and TV department. If you know you want to work in a particular department in the future, you may want to try for a job there. For example, if you want to work in the art department, you could apply to be an art runner. From there, it can be possible to work your way up the career ladder directly — from art runner to art assistant to art director to, eventually, production designer. In this role, you learn by watching others, and it’s a great first job for anyone interested in a film career.
“I’m not under too much of an illusion of how smart or un-smart I am because filmmaking ultimately is about teamwork.”
Guy Ritchie
Average Salary of a Production Assistant
The day rate of all film industry crew members depends on the project type and budget. For example, you’re likely to get less pay for a low-budget indie film than for a high-end TV project.
If you look at our crew rates, you can see how the rates change depending on budget and job role. Your pay may also take into account your personal experience.
The film runner is generally the lowest-paid member of a film crew. Most film sets pay minimum wage; however, some union projects pay more. For reference, the IATSE union has a starting day rate of $170. So, for the average six-day work week, you will make $1020. Make sure to check your local union and current recommended rates.
How to Find Work as a Film Runner
At the start of your career, you can find entry-level jobs on film job sites under the titles “film runner” or “production assistant.”. However, you might need some work experience before you’ll be competitive for jobs on major film sets.
One way to gain work experience is to apply to work on lower-budget film sets. You could also try working full-time as a PA for a media company to gain experience before applying to work on film sets.
| US 🇺🇸 | UK 🇬🇧 |
|---|---|
| UTA Jobs List | ScreenSkills Jobs |
| The UTA Jobs list advertises entry-level work in LA and throughout the US. Remember that the entry-level position for the 2nd AD is production office assistant or runner. In addition, they list paid training placements and internships. | ScreenSkills is a charity that provides industry news, training, and resources for the UK film industry. As well as, having regular training opportunities they also now have a jobs board for professional production positions. |
Wrapping Up
To sum up, the film runner is a general assistant on a film set. They complete various tasks throughout production, which helps the workday run more smoothly. It’s important for a runner to have enthusiasm for the film industry, an interest in making films, and (if possible) a bit of related experience.
This job is a great first step for anyone wanting a career in the film industry. It can sometimes be challenging, as the work days are long. However, it is a great way to get your foot in the door and work toward your goals in any department.
