ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

7 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Best to watch the production/get work tab here, maybe also Mandy, productionbase, tvwatercooler. Getting paid production work as a fresh graduate may be a challenge, and if you don't find yourself getting jobs, try volunteering for some - compared with the cost and duration of the course it's not much more demanding and you can work a causal job in between anyway. Experience is everything, but getting experience is hard, which is why volunteering may help.

The other way to find running work is to find runners who've recently stepped over to production secretaries or coordinators. Hiring runners is usually the last job, and left to coordinators as their first taste of being an employer. Also anyone who is stepping to a 3AD might be able to put in a word for you.

http://www.tvwatercooler.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/RUNNER-TIPS-DOC_nov2011.pdf might be useful. There's a LOT of really great articles on tvwatercooler for aspiring runners. I don't agree with them all, but by and large.

7 years, 1 month ago - Helen Jack

Hi Meredith,

As Paddy says, it's certainly worth looking at our Production pages under ('Production' > 'Get Work') https://shootingpeople.org/production/work. Here, you'll find a number of opportunities that might be of interest.

Lots of luck with it!
Helen

7 years, 1 month ago - Vasco de Sousa

If you want to be a runner, and can drive, I'd recommend going to kftv, the knowledge, or some such site, searching for production companies, and sending them your cv and a cover letter. Make sure to personalise the cover letter.

Most of the time, the good jobs are taken before they are advertised. Experienced professionals receive about ten speculative cvs a week, which is why they don't have to advertise jobs (most of the CVs aren't very good, however, so you still have a chance if you pitch it correctly).

Sometimes, if they don't have work at the moment, you can keep trying.

Most production companies that can afford to pay you have a website, and advertise those jobs on their website. If they have to advertise on Mandy, then they probably don't pay very well.

Also, follow the companies on LinkedIn. Aardman shares memes of their jobs in Bristol, not too far from Devon, (though not necessarily the ones you're looking for) so do ITV and others.

7 years, 1 month ago - Meredith Bond

Thank you all for your advice, it's been helpful! I have checked out KFTV and contacted as many companies as possible. Both Production Base and the production page here I keep an eye on regularly, the majority of the time I do not meet the specific requirements of the employer (mainly due to location).

I have a fair amount of experience in different areas of production, hence why I am now looking for more consistent, paid opportunities. I have volunteered on many projects for three years now, so am in need for more stable work.

If anyone has any further advice or suggestions, please don't hesitate!

7 years, 1 month ago - Jane Sanger

I hire runners but it’s nmw. What I lol for is someone who does not stand there but eg gets a hug if water and goes round offering drinks, offers tea and coffee . Asks the 2nd ad can they do something doesn’t wait to be told . Someone who clears up gets out the broom and hoover at the end if the day, clears and washes dishes. Such marvellous willingness will get you promoted quickly to 2nd A/D . I have as many people said already a list of favourites, but sometimes they are not available . Next drivers are preferred as logistics of getting runners to places us not my favourite and someone chatty but not too chatty. The last runner on my job got offered furyher work by the DOP and Priducer on other films they are working g on. Enthusiasm and willingness gets you noticed. Don’t aim too high even though you are a graduate when you first start Most people started off lower down the ranks.

7 years ago - Jon Draper

Are you still in Plymouth?

I head up Stormy Studio, a small Plymouth based animation film studio.

To break up the normal corporate work, we're actually in the pre-production stages for our own Short Sch-Fi film. We've got all the film kit, we're currently fine-tuning the script, prop design. Actors are selected, locations selected (awaiting permissions).

Should be fun, just trying to squeeze in the progress around the normal paid corporate work is proving a little challenging.

By all means get in touch if still in the area and interested in getting involved.

Low to no money though, I'm afraid as it's currently a bit of a punt/passion project etc.. Some great crew working on the project though. (Successful stills
photographer, talented DOP, experienced London based actors)

7 years ago - Mark Wiggins

You should register with myfirstjobinfilm.co.uk. Also, start volunteering on shorts. You'll get paid work via contacts you've made on unpaid shorts etc. Its how the Film Inuustry works. People tend to hire people they know or who have been recommended to them by people they know.

7 years ago - Kurt Riddell

An article on myfirstjobinfilm.co.uk:

http://www.tvwatercooler.org/wordpress/thinking-of-subscribing-to-my-first-job-in-tv-or-film/

Haven't had any personal experience but from the small amount I have heard about the site hasn't been positive. Please note the date of the article, it is from 2015 and things do change over time.