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Runner, broadcasting/film/video : Salary and conditions

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Case studies

  • Although starting salaries vary according to the size of the company, they have increased very little over the past few years. The average starting salary is approximately £7-£8 per hour. Pay is low and there is little reason for it to increase because competition for paid runner positions is fierce.
  • Most runners work on a freelance basis and are employed on full-time, short-term contracts. Short-term contracts and long hours can have lifestyle and financial implications. It is recommended, therefore, that you line up your next piece of work while still working on the current project.
  • There are many work experience opportunities for runners, which are unpaid but which usually come with expenses covered. This experience may allow you to compete for paid positions.
  • Runners’ salaries are generally static and start to rise upon gaining promotion to either head runner or researcher.
  • Working hours tend to be long and unpredictable, often up to six days a week during production. Broadcasting is a 24-hour operation and the working style reflects this. You may have to work nights, weekends and public holidays. Film and TV shoots often want to make the most of the daylight for filming so early mornings and late nights are a common occurrence.
  • Career breaks are possible although it is recommended not to take too long a break as it is important to keep up to date with current news and trends in the industry.
  • Work takes place in offices and/or studios, as well as on location.
  • Runners are expected to be prompt and to keep a handle on things; part of the job is to take the pressure off the person above you by doing things on their behalf and this can make the job quite stressful. However, the work is fast-moving and can be exciting, stimulating and diverse, with plenty of variety.
  • The bigger production companies tend to be based in London and other large cities, such as Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool. Production companies tend to recruit runners who live locally or who can be relied on at short notice, so relocation may be necessary.
  • Travel within a working day is common. You are likely to spend a lot of time travelling to and from locations, picking people up from places such as airports and train stations, making local deliveries and doing any shopping that is needed.
 
AGCAS
Written by Gemma Ludgate, Regent's College
Date: 
March 2011
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