House runner — Lily Mitchell

Getting experience as a runner is a vital first step into a career in TV and film. Check out Lily’s top tips for securing that all-important entry role

What degree did you study?

I graduated with a degree in English literature with a year abroad from the University of Birmingham.

How did you get your job?

I currently work as a runner for Hat Trick Production. They do a six-month contracted runner role at their company, and I'd previously sent them my CV. They asked me in for an interview and that was the extent of it. I had found out about the job from a friend, otherwise I don’t know whether I would have known about it.

What's a typical working day like?

There are jobs that need to be done each day, for example:

• setting up the office
• going on lunch runs
• doing stock take and weekly orders for the office.

Aside from that, there are other jobs that are occasionally thrown in such as a script report, a pitch deck, a day on set - it changes regularly.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love having the opportunity to dip into so many different parts of TV and film production. At Hat Trick, you have the chance to work in scripted TV, live TV, on set and in editing studios. So, it's a really good chance to learn what you want to do and get experience in different roles.

What are the challenges?

It can be hard to get into a routine due to the variation of the job - you have to be ready to get up and go on a lunch run, if need be, for example. Also, as there are so many jobs to be done, it’s hard to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

In what way is your degree relevant?

It's helped me a lot with script reports and pitch decks, as understanding the fundamentals of stories is very useful. I mostly studied English because I enjoyed it, and I think that enjoyment has been something I've consistently followed. I love my job, and I loved my degree, which makes it a lot easier to put my all into it.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

I've been here for two months now, so I've been able to start taking on more specific projects with other people in the company. I've become more involved in on-set work, script reports and pitch decks, which means I can have a bit more of a creative outlet at work.

As for my career ambitions, I would like to enter scripted TV, looking at comedy and comedy/drama. I have a specific interest in alternative media like animation, graphic novels and video games. I'd like the chance to learn more about those areas. More broadly, though, development is where I'm heading.

What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job?

• Get as much experience in as many avenues as possible. Volunteering is a great way to get experience, especially if you can find a way to link it to the job you want to go. I volunteered at the show You Me Bum Bum Train in the West End, which gave me valuable experience as a runner and a great reference, as well as showing that I was invested in this career.
• Try to find people who are interested in similar things. I have a few friends who are in or trying to get into the TV and film industry, and it's been useful to trade tips and CV advice.
• Watch, read about and be aware of new and upcoming TV and films. Read scripts, watch TV and read reviews. It's always worth sending a CV to a company that makes content you like, even if only to keep you on file. You never know who might get back to you.

Find out more

• Read all about being a runner.
• Take a look at the media and internet sector.