Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Film Runner

🎯 Role Definition

A Film Runner (also called Production Runner or Set Runner) is an entry-level member of the production team responsible for the smooth day-to-day logistics of a film set. The Film Runner executes time-sensitive errands, supports departments (camera, lighting, art, sound, locations), assists with cast and background movement, enforces set etiquette, and maintains clear communication with production office and assistant directors. This role demands reliability, excellent communication, basic technical awareness, physical stamina, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Keywords: Film Runner, production runner, set runner, on-set duties, call sheets, crew support, location logistics, production assistant.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Student or recent graduate in film/media looking for on-set experience
Production intern or office assistant transitioning to field role
Hospitality, courier, or logistics workers moving into production

Advancement To:

2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD) or 2nd 2nd AD on larger sets
Production Coordinator or Production Manager (with office experience)
Camera Trainee / 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC)
Locations Assistant or Locations Manager
Grip / Electric junior roles or Department Assistant

Lateral Moves:

Art Department Assistant or Props Runner
Sound Trainee / Boom Operator Assistant
Post-production Assistant (ingest, dailies, archiving)
Craft Services / Unit Catering Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Arrive punctually, check the daily call sheet, confirm pick-up/drop-off times, and ensure you understand places of work, key contacts, and special notices for the day.
Deliver and distribute hard‑copy call sheets, scripts, sides, production notes, and other essential paperwork to cast and crew across base camp and multiple locations.
Run urgent errands for production staff — including obtaining supplies, picking up equipment, getting last-minute prints or props, and arranging courier services — with a focus on speed and discretion.
Transport and load/unload equipment, cables, stands and light sandbags from production vehicles to set, following department leads (camera/grip/electric) and safe manual handling practices.
Provide on-set support to camera and lighting teams: fetching lenses, marking floors, holding flags or reflectors, and assisting with basic equipment moves under supervision.
Manage talent logistics: escort actors from base to set, facilitate wardrobe or makeup movement, coordinate background talent call-ins and holding areas, and maintain cast confidentiality.
Operate two-way radios professionally using standard radio etiquette (priority channels, call signs, brevity) and escalate issues to the production office or ADs as required.
Maintain set cleanliness and health standards: remove litter, empty bins, manage recycling, and ensure base camp/holding areas are tidy and stocked.
Assist the locations team with basic permits, site set-up/strike, parking management, and communicating with location owners, local authorities, and neighbors when directed.
Hold or erect simple safety and directional signage, run cable ramps, and support the health & safety briefings by ensuring crew have the right PPE and are briefed on hazards.
Coordinate transport logistics for crew and equipment: liaise with drivers, arrange parking passes, direct load-ins to production vehicles, and monitor vehicle arrival/departure times.
Process and track petty cash, expense receipts and invoices for small purchases and hand them promptly to the production office for reconciliation.
Log daily production paperwork: crew sign-in sheets, timesheets, background forms, release forms, and submit completed documents to the production office on schedule.
Support craft services by restocking food/drink stations, replenishing catering supplies, and ensuring food allergy and dietary needs are clearly displayed when required.
Facilitate quick location prep and turnaround: set up base area, move furniture for set dressing, and assist art department with small prop placement under direction.
Act as a runner between production office, post-production, studio facilities and on-location sites to pick up or deliver media cards, hard drives and digital dailies following chain-of-custody protocols.
Stand by on call for additional shifts, late-night shoots or early call times and remain flexible to overnight location shoots when required.
Provide accurate and timely incident reports or equipment damage notes to the production office after any on-set issues, thefts, or accidents.
Enforce quiet and safety protocols during filming (e.g., “rolling”, “quiet on set”), guide crew and public, and politely control pedestrian flow to prevent disruptions during takes.
Assist with crowd management and background coordination on larger shoots: organizing line-ups, signing in extras, answering basic questions, and moving background talent to set.
Support the sound department by positioning blankets for noise dampening, placing lavalier packs as directed, and keeping sound paths clear of foot traffic.
Help coordinate accommodation and travel logistics for visiting cast and crew when requested; collect keys, confirm arrangements, and provide local area guidance.
Keep an accurate inventory of kit transported and returned to vans/stores, note missing or damaged items immediately, and follow up with department heads.
Learn and comply with union and production company rules and confidentiality agreements; maintain a professional demeanor with cast, crew, suppliers and public.

Secondary Functions

Assist with administrative tasks in the production office: filing, scanning, compiling daily reports and supporting the production coordinator with call time changes.
Support pre-production tasks including basic location recce notes, photographing locations, and preparing simple maps or parking diagrams for crew.
Contribute to the organization's on-set safety culture by helping prepare H&S paperwork, setting up signage, and communicating emergency procedures.
Help with simple digital tasks: uploading receipts, logging contact details in spreadsheets, and sharing location files through cloud systems.
Participate in departmental briefings and assist with sprint-style task lists for short-term shoot objectives and wrap schedules.
Provide on-site feedback on operational issues (traffic, parking, weather impacts) to help the production office adjust schedules and logistics.
Act as a temporary runner for post-production needs: deliver hard drives, log dailies, and assist with basic QC tasks when required.
Cross-train across departments to cover last-minute resource gaps: assist art, props, grip or sound teams as workload demands.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Call sheet and production paperwork literacy: interpret, distribute and act on call sheets, script sides, and daily schedules accurately.
Radio and comms proficiency: proper radio etiquette, channel usage, and escalation protocol for urgent items on set.
Basic equipment handling: safe loading/unloading of stands, lighting cases, camera bags and simple grip kit.
Manual handling and on-set safety knowledge: correct lifting techniques, cable management, crowd safety, and use of basic PPE.
Driving and transport coordination: valid driver’s license (where required), experience escorting vehicles and understanding of loading bays and vehicle manifests.
Timekeeping and crew sign-in: capture accurate start/finish times for personnel and maintain timesheets and sign-in registers.
Chain-of-custody for media: secure transport of media cards, drives and dailies, and basic awareness of data safety protocols.
Basic technical support: ability to help charge batteries, label kit, replace bulbs, and perform simple troubleshooting for common production issues.
IT and document management: familiarity with Google Workspace/Microsoft Office for sharing schedules, spreadsheets and contact lists.
First aid or basic emergency response awareness (preferred): certified first aid/CPR is a plus and helpful on location.
Permit and location liaison basics: understanding how to read simple permit documents and communicate permit constraints to crew.
Cash handling and petty expense reporting: responsible handling of small purchases and accurate submission of receipts.

Soft Skills

Clear, calm communication under pressure — both verbal and written — with cast, crew, vendors and the public.
Strong teamwork and collaborative mindset: work across departments and provide reliable support to multiple leads.
Highly organized with excellent time management and the ability to prioritize conflicting errands.
Discretion, respect for confidentiality and professional conduct around talent and intellectual property.
Problem-solving and resourcefulness: think on your feet, offer alternatives, and escalate appropriately when needed.
High physical stamina and resilience to work long hours, variable weather and fast-moving schedules.
Punctuality and dependability: consistent attendance and the ability to manage early morning and late shifts.
Attention to detail: precise handing of equipment, paperwork, receipts and instructions.
Flexibility and adaptability: willingness to change tasks and locations at short notice.
Customer-service orientation when interacting with cast, extras and location owners.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent; demonstrated interest in film/TV production through extracurriculars, internships or volunteer work.

Preferred Education:

Diploma or degree in Film & Television Production, Media Studies, Broadcasting, Communications, or similar vocational training.
Short courses/certificates in first aid, manual handling, set safety, or basic camera/grip skills.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Film & Television Production
Media Studies / Communications
Performing Arts / Theatre Production
Logistics, Events or Hospitality Management
Technical Theatre / Stagecraft

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: Entry-level to 2 years of hands-on production experience; many Film Runners are new to industry but have completed internships, student films, or production support roles.

Preferred: 1+ years experience as a runner, production assistant, location assistant or in a role with similar logistics responsibilities on commercial, TV or film sets. Demonstrable examples of reliability on multi-day shoots, ability to work independently, and familiarity with union/company set protocols are advantageous.