Spotlight on Just Runners alumni
LONDON-BASED FILM RUNNER AGENCY JUST RUNNERS WAS FOUNDED IN 2018 AND HAS SINCE RECRUITED TALENT FROM COURSES, INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMMES DESIGNED TO ATTRACT PEOPLE FROM VARIED BACKGROUNDS TO THE FILM INDUSTRY.
Our alumni has an amazing track record in advancing in the industry. Of the ex-Just Runners, a whopping 70% have gone on to establish careers in film production while a further 17% went on to enrol in media / film courses or work in theatre.
When the initiative 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.
TESTIMONIALS
Just runners has been fantastic 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 – CHEYENNE WATERS, Disney
I would have not got this far without your help with providing me the experience of running. Everything is going well and I really enjoy my job! – KRISTIAN RAYES CABRERA, The Mill
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 –FRANK HAMMOND, freelance director
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 – PENELOPE JOANNIDOU, Speade
Thanks so much, Paul for believing in me and bringing me on board with Just Runners, it's really been life-changing and I'm eternally grateful! – TOSIN LEPE, Production Switchboard
Roll call (from top - left to right):
Costanza Rendini Manzoni – production and social media at British Arrows
Lamin Verlaine – ingest operator at Sky
Kate Wilson – production assistant at Creative Blood
Jordan Bagot-Dunn – assistant technical director at Framestore
Amina Koroma – production assistant at We Convey
Penelope Joannidou – full-time runner at Speade
Sehaj Rathore – production executive assistant at Studio Lambert
Frank Hammond – freelance director, production assistant, 1st AD and lighting
Yassir Elbashir – Media Production student at Bournemouth University
Tosin Lepe – freelance production assistant at Production Switchboard
Cheyenne Waters – production manager apprenticeship at Walt Disney Company
Kristian Reyes-Cabrera – junior visual effects apprentice at The Mill