posted November 14, 2010 11:35 AM         

I wanted to ask you a few questions about working on a film set. I've just gotten an opportunity to work on a feature film set here ('I Love Alma Cogan'). I've only ever worked on one Student Thesis film before, as an actor and Production Assistant. The feature film is asking me to be a runner. I don't exactly know what that entails... and I'm really nervous I'll fail! I want to have the proper etiquette and such...

I just wanted to pick your brain a bit. I'm sorry to bother you like this. I know it's not your job to give tips and the like.

If you prefer I can give you my email, or add you on Fbook.

posted November 15, 2010 05:23 AM         

Koolz, your post is at 1111 & when I looked at the time right after reading it, was 1:11.

No worries, glad to help.

A "Runner," is basically an on set Production Assist aka (PA). It's the lowest on the totem pole but if you want to get in, that's the entry point. I must say, your very lucky to get anything before you've even grad'. Most film grads have a hard time even finding a job as a PA.

I've actually never PA'd before, but I've interacted with many on set. As far as I know, your duties will be to deliver or buy stuff like toilet paper. Clean the sets, washrooms, whatever they ask of you. Stand outside (sometimes up to 16hrs, rain or snow) in a parking lot directing crew where to park. Stand outside of set doors guarding the doors during lock-up (when rolling). Make sure no crazy fans sneak in as well.

Officially your under the "Film Locations Department," which is run by the Location Manager. Your immediate boss would be the ALM (Assistant Location Manager).

They'll give you a walkie-talkie...you should probably know your codes (ie: lockup, what's your 20, rolling, 10-1, etc) before going on set. Although you would've learned those terms in film school.

Rule #1 ettiquette...do not be caught dead socializing, even if there's no work. Make yourself look busy! Even more importantly, you are NOT allowed to talk to the Actors, Producers, Directors. If an actor talks to you, be civil but dont continue a convo, cuz that's grounds for getting fired. You also make sure the film extras dont try to talk/harass Actors. Not allowed to take pictures on set either, so dont be caught doing that. Sometimes photos are leaked, and you dont want them potentially suing you even though you didnt leak them. Anyways it really depends if you have a chill supervisor too...some are super strict jerks. Honestly, usually it's not a big deal getting fired or quitting, but your first few gigs is a huge deal cuz you'll need those on your resume to get any future gigs. Dont worry, you'll be fine...it's really no big deal.

You MIGHT encounter instances where people treat you like total crap...you must suck it up and ignore it. I'll give you an example I've witnessed before. Camera Crew guys are usually a bunch of elitist mad dogs. They're always grumpier than any other crew, mostly cuz they deal with the highest stress. Some sets, your absolutely not allowed food/drink (except for the Dir & Prod). It's your job the PA to make sure nobody breaks that rule...cuz it's on you. Anyways one time the camera guy brought in a drink, and the PA asked him not to, then later threw it out when he wasnt looking. Camera guy went ballistic on the PA, spewing swear words. In such situations you have to be civil & just remember if you dont throw the drink out, your @$$ is on the line. Anyways that's not a big deal, you get used to people like that.

I'd also warn you, be cautious with networking, dont be so trusting. People tend to sabotage each other in this industry. However since your a PA, your safe for now. It's also a fact producers tend to lie a lot haha. They often make "offers," of help to actresses/girls at clubs etc, but have no intention of helping.

posted November 15, 2010 05:29 AM         

I dont know if they have a Film Union in the UK. If you were in North America, I would definitely tell you to make sure you've taken all the requirement Film Safety courses to be eligible for a Logbook under the Film Union. Keep track of your work hours, pay stubs etc...dont throw them out. They're used as proof you've worked on set to get into the union.

posted November 15, 2010 02:04 PM         

The woman who i've been emailing about this (she's working on the set) has already said it's an unpaid position, hour between 7am-8pm 6 days a week potentially. I have told her when I have class.. but even still, i'm worried about whether or not this schedule will affect my academic work. It makes me nervous. But then I have to think, "Meta, are you REALLY ever going to get an opportunity like this again? Probably not. So if that means you don't sleep because you have to be on set and then come home at night and write essays, that's what you have to do."

I have only ever been a PA on a Student Thesis film. That was super lax. If anything, I was more organized and in control than the director. But i doubt that's what will happen here. I'm not sure how strict the set/crew/director will be. I'm not even sure how big the film is. Considering it's a British film, I doubt it will be too big. But that has nothing to do with anything...

I have not learned those terms from being in school yet (i don't know why not, but I haven't) so that will have to be something I google.

I'm a bit nervous because I know the PA usually makes food runs, or prop runs, or goes to the airport to pick people up (there's an airport near here). Well, I am an American, and have no idea how to get around anywhere outside the main city AND i'm not sure it's legal for me to drive a UK vehicle. I ride the bus. Everywhere. So we'll have to see what they say about that being my source of transportation. I don't think it will jive if it takes me 2 hours to get coffee for everyone.

I talked to a woman who used to work for the BBC and is now a scriptwriter (she came to speak at my University last week) and she said to be ENTHUSIASTIC. Yeah, I may be doing the crappiest work on the world, and being treated like crap, but it's a job! And I totally agree. I think i'll be able to keep myself in check. I am excited to do this. But nervous too. I don't want to f*** anything up, or make a bad impression because the reality is that this COULD be a foot in the door. Even if it doesn't open doors, when I go to intern somewhere, it will be nice to have some work experience.

Thanks for telling me not to socialize. That could have gotten me into big trouble, as I am a social butterfly! I will be 100% professional, be efficient, and stay out of the way.

posted November 15, 2010 06:15 PM         

Just been thinking, that I would have a real hard time to follow all t hese rules.

But that is just how the business is, and if you want to get in, you probably have to play according to their rules.

posted November 16, 2010 09:39 AM         

Feel free to delete. I copy and pasted it to a word document, 'cause I can't read and reply now.