Okay, where to begin…
So, my name is Hermione and I am a student at the University of Manchester, currently in my final year of studies.
Over the summer, I decided to take advantage of the endless production opportunities that Manchester, as a city, has to offer. I mean, I’m not going to be a student with little responsibility forever and I was desperately wanting some form of experience. It was after some intense research tucked away in the library, that I found the perfect company, STANDBY. This was the one production company that I really wanted to get in contact with. With an eye-catching website, showing their vast portfolio of stylish cinematic films, STANDBY also emphasised that they were a fun, down-to-earth team.
A few days after my email, I received a reply. It was from Simon, the Managing Director, who informed me that my CV had come into their hands at just the right time. They needed someone to be a production runner and I seemed to fit the bill. After a few further email exchanges and a skype interview, I was travelling up to the office the next week!
Although nervous to introduce myself and find my place in what is a tight-knit crew, these worries dissipated as soon as I walked through the door. Everybody was incredibly welcoming and friendly and even though members in the office are constantly busy, I find that they always make time to help whatever ways they can.
What is most endearing is that I am not treated like a normal production runner placed at the bottom of the food chain. Having done quite a few running jobs in the past and knowing what is expected of me, I found myself, completely thrown. Immediately I was assigned my own desk space with a computer, invited to join in on creative meetings and provide my own input; create production schedules and call sheets and what is most shocking of all, there is no expectation to make endless teas and coffees…
I know what you’re thinking, too good to be true right?
Well it turns out I’ve hit gold and my gosh am I chuffed. So far my experience has continued at STANDBY for three months now, with flexible hours to accommodate my (sometimes hectic) university timetable. It’s brilliant how work at here is jam-filled with new projects, back-to-back shoots, vast amounts of editing and spontaneous meal trips around the famous hub that is the Northern Quarter, as well as the up-and-coming Ancoats. It’s never a dull day.
So far I have noticed with my time at STANDBY, my whole outlook on production and my apprehensions about getting into the industry change. I have been developing multiple production skills and can now see what actually happens in an office – rather than looking from afar (an expectation of most running jobs). In sum, I have had a cracking time here so far and can’t wait to carry on!