This is usually an entry-level role in Animation studios. Runners are employed on low salaries, and are expected to cover a multitude of, sometimes menial, tasks. They are often a combination of handyman/woman, production office dogsbody, relief receptionist and messenger. However, many people with successful careers in all aspects of animation started their careers as Runners.
This route into the animation industry has nurtured the potential of many individuals, and produced some very talented practitioners who may otherwise never have had a chance to progress in the industry. While working in this role, Runners can demonstrate their abilities, prove that they have a good attitude, and discover where their main interest or talent lies.
Depending on their aptitude, skills and interests, Runners may be promoted to junior or training roles in Editing, Camera, Animation, Model Building, Scanning, Digital Colouring, Digital Compositing, Rendering, or in the Production Office, among many other departments.
Responsibilities
Runners provide support and backup wherever it might be required within the studio, but particularly at the request of the Production Office or Editing Department, and it can be very varied work. They check and, where possible, maintain studio equipment, including carrying out 'housekeeping', or office management duties, such as replacing batteries or light bulbs; fixing chairs; hanging pictures on walls; keeping track of materials and ordering new supplies; keeping the kitchen and other areas clean, tidy and well stocked; making tea or coffee, etc.
In some studios they may carry out certain administrative duties, e.g. running the petty cash, banking cheques, collecting and checking time sheets, labelling tapes, keeping the showreel and reference library, etc. There may be some overlap with the work of the Production Secretary, Receptionist and Editing Assistant, so that the Runner can provide cover if required. They run errands, pick up transfers from sound studios and facility houses and carry out a multitude of other tasks, but should also be watching and learning all the time.
Skills
Runners must be bright, helpful, presentable, articulate and have basic literacy, numeracy and communication skills. It is helpful if they already have an interest in animation and, to get the most out of their time in the job, they need to develop an understanding of the production process. Runners must be able to cope under pressure, accept instructions from all quarters, show initiative and problem solving skills, respond quickly to requests and know how to prioritise their tasks.
Qualifications/Experience
In general, there are no requirements for Runners to possess degrees or other academic or training qualifications. However, this is often a practical route into a studio for graduates of Animation degree courses or comparable Art, Computer or other technical courses. Most companies are more interested in the attitude and personality of applicants but a promising showreel, or a portfolio which demonstrates their talent and abilities, may improve the chances of success. Working as a Runner offers not only the opportunity to learn how a studio operates, but also the time for both Runner and employer to assess their strengths and to discuss the job roles which may suit them best.
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