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How do I create the best CV for myself as an entry level Runner/Production Assistant?

12 years, 5 months ago - Matthew Prince

Hi,
How do I create the best CV for myself as an entry level Runner/Production Assistant? I know there are are various examples over the Internet, but what do UK Producers/Directors wish to see?

My background is in Admin & Office Work, would it be useful to mention that or create a brand new CV?

What should I add and what should leave off? Any JPEG or PDF examples would be appreciated.



Matthew Prince

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12 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

To be honest, entry level, you just need to turn up and show willing. Producers/PM's won't really care about your CV, or even really read it. Frankly, it's rare to keep a file of 'possible runners', as a job comes in it'll just get posted and a bit of word of mouth will get it filled.

Get someone you know in the business to introduce you, and keep an eye on sites like this one, http://www.filmandtvpro.com/, etc for posts looking for runners. Be local and available and you'll get unpaid runner work experience easily enough, then you can start finding which department suits you best once you're on the ground and talking to people.

Response from 12 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW

12 years, 5 months ago - Gavin Ricketts

I've written a book about writing a CV for TV, which goes through exactly how to write a CV and covering letter for the TV industry, as while Film and TV CVs follow similar format to all CVs, there's key ways you can make sure that your CV stands out and communicates your skills clearly.

You can find out about the book here:

www.cv4tv.co.uk

However, this book is more for those with a a few years' work under their belt. If you're looking for some tips on a beginner's CV, try this shot eBook I wrote, which goes through in details what to include and what NOT to include, and three key skills (which have nothing to do with film making directly) which you need to show to stand out and get the interview. You can find out more here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0096VGIJG?ie=UTF8&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=B0096VGIJG&linkCode=shr&tag=cv4tv-21

You can read more tips for free at my blog, www.cv4tv.wordpress.com.

Response from 12 years, 5 months ago - Gavin Ricketts SHOW

12 years, 5 months ago - Matthew Prince

Thank you Ashley!

Response from 12 years, 5 months ago - Matthew Prince SHOW

12 years, 5 months ago - Ashley Briggs

Oh, examples of diary services; callbox, red. Check their CV formats and copy.

Response from 12 years, 5 months ago - Ashley Briggs SHOW

12 years, 5 months ago - Ashley Briggs

Hi,

You probably won't be hired by Directors/Producers, more the Assistant Directing department (1st Ad, 2nd AD etc) or the Production-Cordinators, PA's or even the office secretary / front of house. Target these first. If you literally have zero experience of film/tv/advertising/promos you'll probably need to do some work for free so that you can build a CV. Free running work is everywhere, you just need to be enthusiastic and hunt for it. I'd look for the work that is through a decent enough company but where they may have little money in the pot currently or per production. Promos, virals may be more useful to start you off than ads and film for example. Then do as I did and literally walk into production companies and announce you are ready to work that very minute. Take with you what you'd need and literally declare you are there to help. I did this and my CV quickly went from what looked like nothing to a ballooning list of running in all sorts of offices and on-set. The diary services may be able to offer help to, or at least look at the CV's of the runners they have to both see the format and the production companies that are hiring runners.

In a nutshell, show your face and be keen.

Hope that's useful, if somewhat rambling. Good luck, Ash.
www.inspirationgone.com / www.ashleybriggs.co.uk

Response from 12 years, 5 months ago - Ashley Briggs SHOW