For 10 years, Hit The Ground Running (HTGR) has been providing training for people interested in working in film and television drama, with alumni going on to work on Outlander, Shetland, Penny Dreadful and others. With more courses coming up in 2018, we spoke to HTGR organiser Linda Fraser to hear more about the scheme.
The idea of the Roadshow was to be the first point of contact for anyone with an interest in working in film and TV drama. We made 6 stops across Scotland - Inverness, Dumfries, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh - and we tied in visits to local colleges with our Careers in Film & TV Drama information stall.
We were overwhelmed by the interest and enthusiasm we encountered from a broad range of attendees, including those still at school, students and also people looking to change career and transfer their existing skills.
It was great to have the opportunity to meet up and connect local groups of like-minded people. We met lots of interesting people and encouraged those who are at the stage of currently looking for entry-level work in film and TV drama to apply for our forthcoming HTGR 2-day Runner training course.
Designed and delivered by experienced industry experts, the course is focused on entry level crew positions in film and TV drama, and specifically the role of the Runner. The training consists of a comprehensive series of practical exercises designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, experience and confidence to help them progress their career.
It's delivered in partnership with regional film offices across Scotland, and is provided free of charge to 10 participants per course. We usually have more interest than places available so participants are selected via application. We also have additional input from a number of guest industry practitioners on each course.
It's intensive, interactive and lots of fun too!
As one participant said, "It's a fabulous way of finding out what is involved in being a runner. It gives hands on experience and the chance to meet potential employers. It is full of fun and gives you a real buzz about working in the industry."
The HTGR 2-day course equips participants with the tools to seek freelance work and then make the best impression when they get it. Through networking opportunities, we connect new entrants to the people looking for runners and trainees. As it's now 10 years since the course began, we've come full circle and former participants are now the employers.
As a snapshop measurement of the success of the course, roughly half of the Runners and trainees currently listed in the industry directory Filmbang have received some training from us. So it's not essential to do the HTGR 2-day training course to break into the Industry in Scotland - but it helps!
HTGR secured me my first proper run in the industry. The course was extremely informative and I felt well equipped and confident going into my new job- Rachel Nolan, HTGR Glasgow 2017 Production Runner
Our intensive and interactive two-day training course for new entrants in Scotland is FREE to attend and we'll even reimburse your travel costs. The course is informal, interactive - and lots of fun too!
It's specially designed for people at the start of their career who have been trying secure their first job, as well as those with a couple of credits looking to improve their professional practice and fill the gaps in their understanding. The course specifically benefits those seeking entry level crew positions in film and television drama.
Apply for the next round of Hit The Ground Running 2-Day Runners Training Course by Monday 8 January 2018.