Life of a Set Runner

'Property of the State' aka POTS

In September of this year (2015) I was given the incredible opportunity to work on the first feature film shot around the north west of Northern Ireland. This was my very first time working as part of a crew on a feature film. I have previously been an extra on a feature, Dracula Untold, but this was my first time as crew, as a devoted set runner! I have been to many training courses and lectures about what its like on a film set and what it takes to be a runner. Because of this and my extra experiences, I felt I knew what to expect.. but it was exactly what I expected and much more! 

We worked 6 days a week, 12 - 14 hour days for 5 weeks.. which may sound crazy but when you're doing something you love, it's most definitely worth it.

As a set runner, you are at bottom of the ladder as the film industry definitely has a hierarchy. Because of this I definitely belittled myself, 'oh I'm only a little invisible runner', but I've learnt that is definitely not the case. As a runner you do a lot of errands for the different departments and some can be very important. For example, I regularly took hard drives back and forth between set and the editing office. At the time I didn't think much of it, I just wanted to get the job done as quick as possible for my colleagues but thinking back, it was quite a big responsibly. The film footage was in my hands and if I lost it.. well let's not think about that! Everyone starts somewhere and I'm grateful I am finally on my career ladder and I can't wait to work my way up (to get me that bafta I dream about!)

This experience improved my social skills and I developed thicker skin. At every training day they always said 'you need thick skin in this industry'. This has always been a weakness of mine and I knew I might struggle as I'm a wee sensitive soul (haha). During POTS, I dealt with a film crew of 70+ individuals and spent a lot of time with the general public. Film sets can be stressful environments at time and runners be at the end of people's bad moods, but you have to constantly remind yourself that it isn't personal. I was so lucky to have such an amazing support system throughout the 5 weeks.. my other fellow runners! Who I now also call my friends :) I feel so lucky to have spent 5 weeks on a film set and being able to watch all the departments doing their thing. My favourite thing to do was watching the monitor, which shows you exactly what they are filming. I was in awe at how everyone/everything came together and looked so great on screen. 

Crew photo!

My experience working on POTS had its highs and lows. From cold, rainy days in a forest to sunbathing between scenes with ice creams. I learnt SO much, I grew in confidence and knowledge of film production. I became a pro tea maker, I became obsessed with tidying film sets, I drove what felt like millions of miles. I was responsible for locations but most importantly, biscuits! I saw many 6am sunrises, I made some amazing friends, I cried, I laughed lots, I saw some beautiful sceneries and camera equipment, I ate a lot of sausages (thanks catering!), I spoke the film lingo, I sadly ran over a pigeon..

and finally, I worked alongside a very talent crew who produced a great film

and I loved every minute! 

That's a wrap!

Beth