Production Runner Review

My job title is: Production Runner on Countryfile. My 'in office' daily tasks usually involve, ordering archive tapes for Directors for their pieces in Countryfile. Music Reporting, which means producing a document so that all artists etc get paid for us using their song. Out of office tasks involve: General running errands, making tea and coffee, holding the Countryfile camera, giving crew snacks when filming. Holding monitor, calling the resturant/pub and ordering lunch. Being in charge of all the rushes from the shoot.

I've learnt all about tapes and the way the BBC works as a company. I have gained lots of confidence whilst working at the BBC and have been given the most responsibilty I've ever had in any job. I will be attending a First Aid course this month, which counts as a 3 year qualification. I also have passed the 'Safety in TV Productions' course which counts as a passport for any company in the industry, to show I am a safe worker.

I really love the atmosphere when I come into work, I feel proud to be working at the BBC and feel a huge sense of achievement, being so young and having to leave college to work in such an amazing invironment. My managers and colleages alike are lovely hardworking people, who are I am friends with but admire too.

I definitely feel valued, having been put incharge of the shoots rushes in my bag and being the person responsible for them was a huge thing for me. I'm glad I did the job well and the piece looks great too! I have also been credited on national television at 17! I feel the BBC is a great place to work and always gives me opportunities to grow as a person and their employee.

I really like the apprenticeship, I love that it's 12 months long too, as it really gives us a chance to learn everything and then demonstrate those things, and for a year! So it just increases employability in the future, rather than just a 3 month placement. I love that mid week we have a study day and get to develop ourselves more, I think it's really nice for me personally, as I am the youngest out of the apprentices, I am really grateful I still have 'college' in my working life. It doesn't necessarily single me out from my friends who still are in college. I still play a part in the typical 'growing up in education' stage, but counter balance a very serious and competitive job too. I am also really grateful for the events and opportunities we get too.

The college leader, Andy is helpful and is positive! You can tell he has experience doing his role and often he speaks about his ex students and what they have gone onto achieve.

My mangers on Countryfile are so lovely and kind. Lynne and Jo are very supportive, if I ever need to leave early for say dentist or giving blood. I can arrange to start earlier and leave a bit earlier to make up the hours. Anything I would like to do or learn they'll arrange something to make this happen to the best of their ability.

I'd say it does well, I do have to pay rent at home, all transport costs and my food shopping. I'm learning how to budget and occasioanlly treat myself when I can afford it.

I am still very involved in filmmaking outside of work. This weekend I will be directing a film for the BFI which is something I've worked on since December and was an idea I've had for a few years now, which is very exicitng! I still volunteer on any shoots that local director friends work on and am in the process or writing two short films with two different friends! So I like to keep busy!

Yes

BBC is a great place to work, it offers opportunities to grow and develop as a person, and helps guide you into what you aspire to do - which to me, makes it the perfect place to work!

I cannot stress, the 'passion' you need to have already installed in you to get the job. VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER! Are the 3 words I think are very helpful. When people say to me "But I want to work in the industry" the first thing I ask is what have you done to prove that? When they answer "Um I made one music video with college years ago" I shake my head and say, you musn't want it enough. A job in the creative industry is competitive and you have to go above all to stand out. I went to college, worked two part time jobs, volunteered for independent production company films/music video/corporates sometimes as long as 19 hour shoots then the next day went into college then in the evening worked a shift in Tesco. I then went onto Broadchurch and many others, but it's because I was passionate and love what I do. So my advice, is build that CV up, do everything, market yourself, shoot things, help on other's shoots, read about filmmaking, watch films! There's so much to do, so show passion as the BBC really liked how passionate I was.