Runners keep an animation project running as smoothly as possible by assisting the work of the production management department of an animation studio.
Runners keep an animation project running as smoothly as possible by assisting the work of the production management department of an animation studio.
They are the most junior members of the department and do any number of administrative jobs. Their role varies depending on the size of the company they’re working for. In smaller companies, they support all the departments, whereas, in larger companies, they may specifically help the production coordinator.
Runners’ responsibilities might include:
Some animated projects, including animated TV series, outsource the animation part of the production abroad. In these cases, runners may be responsible for scanning and labelling the storyboards and any associated documentation for shipping.
Runners are usually employed by animation studios. They don’t tend to be freelance, but might be employed on a short-term contract.