Day in the Life of a Production Runner

What is a production runner?

~~~~As a runner, you'll act as a general assistant, working under the direction of the producer and other production staff to undertake whatever basic tasks are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process.~~~~~

A production runner runs errands, office stuff, food stuff, production stuff and we have cars too sometimes so we can bring people places and pick up and buy other things needed throughout the day. The fun thing about it is the days are very different everyday and keeps ya on your toes. But generally there are a number of similarities and tasks that you do for every touring crew. 

 Have really been a production runner or two types of venues, one 3,000 cap venue, Terminal 5 and Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut 10,000 seat venue. The arena was half the size of MSG but in terms of acts we generally got acts very similar to them and TD Garden being a market right between the cities with being smaller and easier to fill out and a more intimate concert for the fans. There are no columns and no obstructed views. 

The day typically starts with clocking in around 8am and introducing yourself to the backstage manager and saying hello to the other runners working the show. Write and exchange phone numbers with each other for the day, pick up the car keys for the day, typically 12 passenger sprinter vans, sometimes black suburbans or specific cars requested for the day. Check the gas, check the car for damage. In a perfect world, when the tour comes in, introducing yourself to the tour coordinator or tour manager depending on the size of show and see if they need anything at that moment.

 Usually  bringing bus drivers to their hotels is first. (Usually drivers are driving throughout the night and are basically nocturnal so bring them to the hotel in the AM so when the the concert starts they can be brought back to leave when it ends). If it is not busy help the backstage person set the rooms, furniture and stuff. Hotel keys for the band are usually acquired for the band, merch located to set up while trucks loaded in. Laundry is usually first with dry cleaning needed to be in if they want it day of for show, before noon, and crew laundry day of as well. 

Bus stock is normally next, usually, a grocery list of things for the crew on the road as well as items not found on the hospitality riders. could be floated out $100s for the day and reflected for others. Throughout the day production, venue staff, as well as the promoters might also need things like grabbing office supplies, sending out fed ex packages, getting ticket counts, help set up meet and greet place like pipe and drape. Sometimes tech is needed so going to Shaboo Production LLC for tech rentals or guitar center. Oh also crews come in go throughout tours at times so bringing people and picking people up from the airport happens as well. Oh also send up the guest list to the box-office too. Oh also the artist might want to go shopping or go to the park or get their nails done. 

Oh make sure you're eating throughout the day too. and don't get stressed out from the other departments setting up their stuff. Catering is usually there for breakfast, lunch and dinner if you have a minute. Oh also pick up the laundry if you're free then order the band dinner. Luckily, Mohegan Sun Arena is in the middle of a casino so there are options to just walk to for the band, not vegan or healthy really but for a crew dinner since they're so busy to eat too. Usually grab burgers, pizza, or sandwiches. Jerry mikes, Pepes, and Bobbys burgers or five guys are staples. The day usually ends with settlement after buying every food, alcohol, office stuff and other needs for the day. Make sure you keep your receipts. Oh also ice the buses. Sometimes you can catch the concert if it's not busy. End the day with just drive the crew members after their showers to their buses in the lot if they are a huge crew and can't all fit down stairs. make sure you return the keys after the night. 

As a runner for Terminal 5 you sop for the same stuff it seems like but no car provided no buses or trucks felt with or hotels or transportation, seems strictly office supplies and hospitality.  Simple enough but you're on foot so don't forget to eat as well. The production manager usually tries to put in an order from the rider since the venue operates on a buy out and usually when you arrive, so does the food order. Anything not bought, like the arena, you go out and buy later but first stock the rooms before the band comes then introduce yourself to the tour manager and exchange numbers. the accountant, promoter rep gives out $1500 for the hospitality. if that runs ask what you want to buy/notbuy that fits the budget. 

The tour might cover with their own petty cash. There could also be random task along the day as well while you're out. Set up water cases for stage. Also go bring the laundry and pick up the laundry when you're out, this is the table clothes, towels for crew and hand towels for band. At the end of the day you grab them all for the next laundry. Make sure you eat since there is no catering and keep your receipt for the end of the day. Ice the buses too after you grab the band and crew dinner, pizza usually. 

Settlement is different if no buy out happened. Separate your receipts promoter (office supplies), and budget (food delivery and groceries and liquor) If buy out happened, ask the number of crew, divide the surplus, tour manager signs and you're all set. Once the tour manager releases you, you should be all set, the hospitality coordinator cleans up the rooms for the next day, towels, food, resets rooms and throw out stuff.