Glitz, glamour, and…getting screamed at for incorrectly spreading Marmite on toast? Welcome to the life of a runner in the dazzling world of film and television. These entry-level positions, often filled by bright-eyed young hopefuls, are the backbone of any production. But the reality is far from the red carpet fantasy.
The Unglamorous Reality of a Runner’s Life
According to industry insiders, runners are truly the “lowest of the low” on set. Anonymity is the norm, with one runner named Tom* revealing, “Nobody knows your name, nor do they care to ask.” Tasks can range from the mundane to the degrading, including fetching coffees, lugging heavy equipment, and even scrubbing toilets.
“You will be asked to get coffees, lug around kit, even clean toilets – and if anyone higher up senses a whiff of disdain, you’re on your bike.”
– Tom*, Film Runner
But it’s not all grunt work. Runners are also expected to think on their feet and solve problems at a moment’s notice. “One moment, you’re scrambling to fix a broken JCB that’s in the middle of shot; the next, you’re racing to track down someone cutting a tree in their garden, desperately pleading with them to stop so you can continue shooting the intimate scene,” Tom explains. The pressure is immense, and the margin for error is slim to none.
Abuse and Harassment: An All Too Common Tale
Sadly, mistreatment of runners is rampant in the industry. Actor Richard E Grant recently shone a spotlight on this issue, citing the experience of his own daughter Olivia. “They are paid the least amount of money, they are the youngest, they get there at five in the morning, they are the last to leave – and if anything goes wrong they get shat on from a dizzy height,” he revealed.
Dozens of runners have come forward with their own harrowing stories. From being publicly berated for minor mistakes to enduring sexual harassment and groping, the experiences are as varied as they are disturbing.
“I was expected to work relentlessly long hours and would cry in the photocopying room.”
– Hamish*, Former TV Comedy Runner
The power dynamics at play make it difficult for runners to speak out or seek help. With short contracts and the constant threat of being blacklisted, many suffer in silence. “Please, please, please keep my name out of it,” one anonymous source pleaded. “This year has been dire for us in the industry and my career will be ended if this comes out.”
Glimmers of Hope: Winds of Change in the Industry
But there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Industry leaders are starting to acknowledge the systemic issues and take steps to address them. A new body, the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, aims to promote best practices and provide support for those facing mistreatment.
The BFI has also published comprehensive anti-bullying and harassment guidelines, and recently launched a pilot program to help productions treat staff more ethically. “I do think the landscape is changing, there’s more safeguarding and requests from broadcasters to the production companies to take better care,” notes Sean*, a former runner who has worked his way up to assistant producer.
“I see a lot more responsible producers who went through the fire and decided that that isn’t what they want others to go through – myself included.”
– Sean*, Assistant Producer and Former Runner
The road ahead is long, but the conversation has begun. As the industry grapples with its demons, there is hope that the next generation of runners will face a kinder, more equitable environment. One where passion and hard work are rewarded, not exploited. Where the only tears shed are those of joy and creative fulfillment, not anguish and despair.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
