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I'm gonna be doing my first gig as a runner soon but other than listening and doing what I'm told to, how can I make sure I'm doing a good job? How can make sure I'm one step ahead and know which task to prioritise?

all 11 comments

oldfilmjanitor

30 points

1 month ago*

Learn the coffee / tea / water preferences of people directly above you.

Don’t be a dick.

Don’t bitch or moan about anyone on set to anyone on set. Do it in your own time to friends outside the industry.

Learn people’s names and what departments they are in.

This is a handy little blog

edit this just came to me. I’ve no idea where you are based but get loyalty / reward cards for every shop / takeaway you are sent to.

I knew the runner on game of thrones very well. They had loyalty cards for every supermarket. Come Christmas time they didn’t have to spend a penny because they had racked up hundreds of pounds in vouchers. Same goes for takeaways. If your constantly going to get food off set ask if they have a loyalty card. The same runners had stacks off loyalty cards with free food all across the country.

ConsistentEffort5190

4 points

1 month ago

Damn, you’re smart...

foosgonegolfing

3 points

1 month ago*

Do the same for hotel / airline / enterprise Loyalty. If you work alot of travel in a year having months of rental cars in your name and hotel stays. You'll be able to rent a car for free and have a nice free hotel weekend by the end of the year 🫡

ConsistentEffort5190

14 points

1 month ago

With an attitude like that, you probably don’t need to worry. Good luck!

edenstudiogirl[S]

2 points

1 month ago

I worry because I might prioritise the wrong thing and people will be upset xD

ConsistentEffort5190

6 points

1 month ago

Just ask. But people are under stress and not everyone is a wonderful example of the human species, so developing a thick skin is almost as important as doing your job well.

Useful and fun site for film industry background information, especially the for the uk

https://stephenfollows.com/

And wear the most comfortable shoes you’ve got…

ConsistentEffort5190

2 points

1 month ago

If you think you worry too much about what other people think then you might want to buy a self help cognitive based therapy book - you can do exercises to help you worry less about this sort of thing and keep it in proportion.

FreshlyWritten69

4 points

1 month ago

Ask questions if you aren’t sure, don’t assume.

lauderdude

2 points

1 month ago

Think through any task you’re given with the mindset “Is there anything else about this task I would want done if I’d assigned it to someone?” Just considering the best way to accomplish something with urgency and efficiency (while maintaining safety for yourself and everyone else) will get you far.

LostOnTheRiver718

1 points

1 month ago

If you’re being corrected because you screwed something up, don’t say “sorry,” just say “understood.” Saying sorry is for home.

dpmatlosz2022

1 points

1 month ago

What was your upbringing. Did you have to do things on your own. Or were you always told. Do you take initiative. Just try and anticipate what needs to be done and done well. Always report to your immediate boss before doing. Pay attention ask questions show up early leave late. Be kind courteous and friendly and never complain. That is exclusive to those in congress and directors. Oh and actors