But it’s all for the sake of experience (in driving as fast as you can without getting caught, in my case) and that’s why so many people put themselves through the hard slog of being a TV runner. Below, I’ve put together some tips on how to survive weeks, months or even years in this role.

Survival tip 1

Be prepared to move. Most TV runner production jobs tend to be in London, Cardiff, Manchester and Bristol, so living close to one of these will help your chances. Or, if you’re not nearby to one of these cities, letting potential employers know you are willing to move will also stand you in good chance of being chosen for the job.

Survival tip 2

Being a licensed driver. And better yet, having your own transportation. Most runner jobs require you to drive around a lot, from different set locations, and collecting and delivering items. Sometimes they might even need you to drive other vehicles, such as small vans and even large lorries, depending on the job requirements. So being comfortable in these situations is important.

Survival tip 3

Your age can hold you back. This kind of ties in with the previous tip, so you need to be aware that being under the age of 25 could hold you back as a TV runner. It’s always going to be cheaper to insure older people as drivers on production vehicles. This isn’t really helpful when you’re 18 and testing out a life in production, so be prepared to fight your case and make them pick you over someone older.

Survival tip 4

Be willing to do anything that is asked. You might not like the sound of working down in the archives or buying lunches, but it might lead to your dream role, or at least give you a broader understanding of a job that you might not have considered before (not specifically buying lunches for ever more, but on delivering those lunches, it gives you a chance to network with more people, and that’s always useful).

Survival tip 5

Be frugal with your money. Although there are lots of TV runner jobs out there, competition for them is high. You don’t always know when the next job will be coming along and you don’t want to be left broke, so it’s best to make sure you have some funds left in reserve for important things like paying rent and buying food. Don’t panic though, because if you keep the job up you will start to make a name for yourself and soon people will be asking you to work for them. This in turn will get you to the next step on the career ladder!

So there you have it, 5 handy survival tips on becoming a TV runner. If you think I’ve missed off something important or have an opinion on this article, then feel free to leave a comment below.

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The post Survival guide for a TV runner in post-production appeared first on Blackbird.

The following new Forscene developments will be showcased at IBC2015.

• Virtualised Workflow for Digital-Rights Content
  Forscene integrates with deltatre’s products and the Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform to provide the first completely hardware-independent solution for the post-production and distribution of digital rights content.
• Expanded and Improved Social Media Sharing
  The platform’s unique ability to publish sub-clips and full highlights packages, including graphics and multilayer edits, directly to social media platforms and content distribution networks has been improved and expanded to include Twitter.
• Multicam Edit
  Forscene’s up-to-18-camera multicam logging tool has been developed to now include multicam editing.
• Dual System Audio
  To facilitate ingesting native rushes directly into Forscene, the platform now has the ability to sync separately recorded video and audio original source files.

Experience the Power of Forscene On-Stand
We invite you to test-drive Forscene’s powerful sports workflow at IBC2015.  Get a taste of adrenaline in one of our five simulated car races, then experience the thrill of editing your personal race highlights package on Forscene’s professional video editing software running on an iPad over a standard internet connection. Take the checkered flag by publishing your video directly to multiple social media platforms at the touch of a button.

Forscene Remains IBC TV’s Cloud Provider of Choice
IBCTV news, the official broadcaster for IBC2015, will once again use Forscene to provide its self-service syndication workflow. Participating broadcasters and IBC exhibitors will be able to access library content provided under editorial control, including rushes and daily program footage from Forscene. In addition, Forscene will work with IBC’s Rising Stars to enable their content to be packaged and made available to the IBCTV news team.

Speaking Events at IBC2015
The Forscene team will host the panel discussion “How the cloud is changing post workflows” in the Technology In Action Theatre, 3.A19, on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 14:30. This discussion will investigate the impact that the cloud has had across different sectors – from reality talent shows to sports highlights and observational documentaries. Experts in each format explain how logging, editing, reviewing, and/or distributing content in the cloud has redefined “post” and changed their workflows.

Company Quote:
“Launching our new interface at IBC2014 had an enormous impact on the industry’s perception of Forscene and we’ve seen an increase in the platform being used for editing – particularly within sport – over the past year as a result. We pride ourselves on being responsive to our clients’ needs, and the developments that we’re showcasing at IBC2015 are, once again, directly linked to existing or future projects. Our theme this year is ‘Go Boxless’ and we will show how Forscene powers unique workflows that free users to think outside the box and get more done outside of the edit suite without heavy hardware requirements and regardless of geography.”  Jason Cowan, Business Development Director

Go Boxless with Forscene at IBC 2015 stand 8.B38e 

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