Zig Zag productions needed some runners to help with the filming of a children's programme,'Ultimate Brain' which is broadcast on CBBC.
I was excited when I found out I would be working on this as it would be great experience to put on my CV and help me next year when working on studio modules.
What is a runner?
A runner is someone who runs around making sure small but important jobs get done, hence 'Runner'. A runner is an entry level position in the industry with tasks often being simple but they need doing as other crew are busy getting the show filmed.
What I did:
I started off taking the scripts and call sheets from the office down to the studio and gallery handing them out making sure everyone has one. I then went around taking a drinks order. Crew around the studio get very busy so it is important for me to make sure they have a drink and bottles of water. I went into the gallery to give water as they get thirsty very quickly. I checked the lighting and sound crew as they are separated from the main gallery, I didn't want to leave anyone out!
It was quite often that I wasn't doing any jobs, I kept walking around cleaning up and trying to keep myself busy. I kept watching them film each segment of the show, a lot of the time 'pick ups' had to be done. - A 'pick up' is re-recording a line usually because of episode time going over and to cut out any ab-lib. The show has children on the teams and sometimes they are not enthusiastic enough when responding to the characters on the show. I enjoyed watching the crew like floor manager and camera ops. A lot of the time I kept going to the diner to help there as that is where the contestants go during breaks. Some parents stay there and watch the show on the TV. I checked on everyone making sure they are okay and providing drinks and snacks if they requested them.
I went up to the office to help with the scripts for the next recording, filing them together and making sure there is enough. Before lunchtime I was asked to give out lunch vouchers to crew, again making sure everyone who needed one had one!
After lunch I had more jobs to do. I first had to sort out the cue cards, cutting out printed questions and sticking them onto the cards. This didn't take long which was good as they used them shortly after I finished them! The segments on the afternoon recording were messy with the character sliding down a slide with oil and washing up liquid. Soon as they stopped recording I was on hand to clean this up. Later on the contestants had to hit the jelly as fast as they can. I helped clean this up. Floor manager called 'That's a wrap' and we cleaned up.
Being a runner was a great experience especially on a show like this as they really do need the helping hand. I enjoyed watching the crew and going into the gallery. At times it was fast paced but I like the thrill and adrenaline to get jobs done on time. I hope to have more experience like this in the future.
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