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Dear John

How do I become a runner?

First published 7th September 2006

Question:
I've heard that working as a runner is a good way to break into broadcasting but how do I go about doing it? None of the companies I have contacted seem to want me.

Answer:
Working as a runner is indeed a very good way to break into the media. But it has two main disadvantages as a form of approach. In the first place, the company you are approaching may well have a full complement of runners already with whom they are very happy, thanks very much. And in the second place, because so many people have already heard that 'being a runner is a good way to break into the media', any company looking for runners is liable to be swamped with eager applicants. I am always a bit wary of saying that you therefore need to make your application stand out from the crowd, because given the creative nature of performers, it conjures up images of people mailing themselves to the company in boxes or skydiving into the car park with 'Hire me' emblazoned on their parachute. A better approach, as this week's contributors explain below, tends to be more about persevering, doing the small things well and paying attention to detail, while keeping an eye on your long-term goals.

What the experts say:

Dave Bullivant

Dave Bullivant currently works as an edit runner at CTVC, a major British television and radio independent production company based in central London. CTVC specialise in programmes dealing with social, religious and ethical issues and last year made 25 hours of programming for terrestrial channels.

"I didn't really break into TV, I stumbled in. Having spent weeks trawling around London going to interview after interview and spending every other waking moment scouring the internet for any job that whispered TV, I became aware of one immovable fact. All the jobs I could see required the one thing I didn't have and the one thing that they could give me. Experience.

"Eventually I was offered an interview for the position of receptionist at CTVC, an indie production house making moral and religious programmes. I turned up 30 minutes late to the interview, sweating like a pig but really tried to be extra enthusiastic and work a bit of charm in there. Amazingly, I was offered a second interview - to which I arrived 45 minutes early - and then the job. I think that as I had written off the first interview because I was so late, I finally stopped trying to be the perfect employee and started just being myself, a bit crap but ready to work my little bottom off.

"If you knew me, you would realise how ridiculous the idea of me being a receptionist is, organisation is not my forte but I was ready to give it a go. I think that at the beginning of any career, you have to be willing to do anything, within reason, and eventually you get your reward. I was expecting to be a total dogs body. Just running around all day, making coffee and being shouted at. The reality was far, far better.

"I was welcomed in as part of the team, with a different perspective to offer. I have now moved on from the reception desk to being the edit runner, which is far more suited to me but I am now a much more organised edit runner. It's a tough job, with long hours and a fair bit of pressure but I am learning so much, from how to edit, to what the hundreds of acronyms that this industry loves to create actually mean."

Valley Fontaine

Valley Fontaine combines the roles of BBC presenter and broadcast journalist with TV reporting and camera work. She previously worked at urban music station Choice FM, presented the drive time show on Radio Viva 963 MW and has freelanced for several cable television outlets. Valley also works in schools and youth projects providing 'hands on' media workshops for young people. She presents her own Late Night Dilemmas show on Saturdays and Sundays for BBC London and The Sunday Special, the station's flagship current affairs show.

"In the media training I do at schools, one of the main points I always make is that it is a lot better to be specific about what you want and can do, than just vaguely want to 'get into broadcasting'. If there is a particular show you would like to work on or a particular DJ or presenter you would like to work with, do as much research as you can. Try to identify positive ways in which you could make a contribution to the show, something you will only be able to do if you take the time to watch and listen carefully. Then write to the individual concerned, making it clear you know their product well and have sensible suggestions as to where you could be of help.

"Even if the only jobs going are fairly basic, actually knowing the show will set you apart from the many people who just want to 'get into media'. And once you are in, it might well be that an opportunity occurs where you have the chance to prove you can step in and save the day. That's how I got my own start in broadcasting.

"I'd recommend you try to get work experience in the companies you are keen to work in, as over a longer period it is much easier to identify their needs and be seen as the person who can fill those needs."

John sums up

As a career advisor it's always a challenge to hit the right balance between encouraging people to follow their dreams without sending them off on flights of fantasy, while at the same time presenting the industry as it really is without actually trampling over the dreams with hobnailed boots. There is nothing wrong with working as a scene shifter or an extra but like all jobs, you'll do them better if you actually want to do them, rather than because you are really hoping to do something else. Stop waiting for someone to give you the chance to show what you can do and instead start showing what you can do before you approach them. That way not only will you increase your chances of being in the right place at the right time, you will also have some of the experience needed to make the most of it.

* Valley Fontaine presents her own show on BBC London 94.9 on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-6am. Her media training website is at www.valleyfontaine.com

* CTVC's site with details of upcoming productions is at www.ctvc.co.uk

* For general advice on broadcast media careers try Skillset on 08080 300 900 (England, Wales) 0808 100 8094 (Scotland) or www.skillset.org

* Feedback/queries are welcome to dearjohn@thestage.co.uk

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