OUR ALUMNI

When Just Runners started, the aim was simple – to open more industry doors and promote diversity wherever possible. And, yes, on a small scale, we've achieved this. But the jobs 70% of Just Runners have moved on to aren't just day-to-day placements, many have landed plum full-time roles because of the experience and mentoring made available to them.

It goes without saying that such opportunity hasn’t come without the fantastic support of everyone who has promoted, and more importantly placed bookings with Just Runners. We currently have 14 runners on our books, who are steadily building their CVs and gaining experience in the freelance market. We hope our prized alumni, who are progressing through the ranks, are the first of many, many more… what a difference a year makes.

Ronita Awoonor-Gordon

Freelance FLOOR RUNNER & Junior Production Assistant WITH production switchboard

Being on Just Runners helped me level the playing field quickly. When I began freelancing, I was turned away due to my lack of experience, and I struggled to find opportunities. I am grateful to have found Just Runners, as I have been able to build my CV and get on the sets of major commercials. Through Just Runners, I have been able to learn quickly what it takes to be a Runner and subsequently take on other roles on set.

Just Runners’ cause is invaluable and key to ensuring that underrepresented talent gets opportunities. I have seen firsthand how working with Just Runners has allowed production companies to ensure that they are taking steps towards tackling issues of underrepresentation. I will forever be grateful to Just Runners for helping me get my foot in the door.

BETHEN BLACKABEE

Freelance Production Executive & Videographer @ Butlin’s Big Weekenders

Just Runners really way the foot in the door for me. Having graduates a film degree with a lot of drive but no contacts, Paul and the team took me in and helped me to start building on that essential experience that would lead on to an amazing career for me.

I eventually ended up working full-time as a production assistant in the industry, and began to gravitate towards the camera department as my contacts continued to grow. To this day, Paul still reaches out with DOP and camera job opportunities, which is always a lovely reminder of how far I’ve come since 2021!

Just Runners have always shown a keen interest to continue to help me (and even my friends) with work and support. It’s a tough industry, and a strong support network goes a long way!

I’m now working as a production executive and lead video creative for Butlin’s Big Weekenders and Butlin’s Conference and Events, filming huge names in music (which as Just Runners know was a HUGE dream of mine) and getting paid to join in all on the fun! I still dabble in DOPing for music and events content (particularly festivals), and I’ve even worked for all of my favourite bands!

I highly recommend joining Just Runners if you’re starting out. Moving into film and tv is a scary leap, but they’ve helped me grow and build an amazing career, far further ahead than I thought I’d be at the age of 24!

Omer Burhan

Freelance Floor Runner with Production Switchboard

I dont know where I'd be without Just Runners. They helped forge the career I need, in addition to introducing me to opportunites where I was able to gain an internship that consequently put me on the path of production and I cant thank them enough.

Lucinda Knoyle Hughes

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT @ MARKS & SPENCER

I’m currently a Production Assistant at Marks & Spencer, and I owe a huge thanks to Just Runners for helping me get my start in the industry. They provided me with my first role as a runner (on a coffee ad!) leading to me work for two years in documentary film making at amazing companies like Raw TV, Fulwell 73, and now full time at Marks & Spencer.

Their support was key in building the experience I needed to advance my career in film and TV production. Thanks so much!

Cheyenne Waters

production manager apprenticeship at Walt Disney Company

Just runners has been fan`tastic and has taught me so much about the industry. The experience gave me a unique insight which I otherwise wouldn’t be able to achieve. It allowed me to find a space in such a competitive industry. The experience allowed me to gain my current placement year working at Disney, as the Production Management intern for the animation team. I wouldn’t have ever been able to achieve this without all the support from Just Runners. I believe the experience has been crucial in letting me and a new generation of people interested in film, TV, or advertising to get a foot in the door who wouldn’t otherwise be able to. I’ve learned so much from the entire experience, and I hope to use all my new-found knowledge to push towards a long and fruitful career. I want to thank every production company who took me in and allowed me to grow because, without all of your support, none of this would have been possible

Frank Hammond

freelance director, production assistant, 1st AD and lighting

Just Runners has been an amazing gateway into the industry and I owe you guys a lot. I think it's safe to say that Just Runners has put my foot in the door and proceeded to shove me inside! I really do hope to stay in touch with the agency and whenever I need a runner you'll always be my first port of call.

Penelope Joannidou

full-time runner at Speade

I remember having sent dozens of job application e-mails to companies without receiving any replies, trying to keep my hopes up despite the lack of response to my efforts, when one day I met Paul McLoone. That was the day when everything started. From not knowing anyone in the industry or in town, suddenly I was invited for a training and interview day with Just Runners, the company Paul put together. It all just got more and more exciting by Paul inspiring us to learn, giving us countless opportunities to attend industry events, meet industry professionals and start networking. Just Runners gave me opportunity to build a CV that helped me land future jobs in the industry