Callum Parfitt

Callum graduated from BA (Hons) Media Production in 2018 and currently works as a Production Runner on BBC One's Top Gear. We spoke to him below to find out what it's like working on one of the nation's top shows!

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

There's 2 kinds of typical days for me, as I'm on a TV show that isn't constantly filming 5 days a week. The office typical day that's prepping for the shoot, making sure we have the props, costumes and equipment needed. I also assist the researchers and producers with anything they may need a hand with, as well as making sure everything I need is stocked up ready to go for the shoot.

Then a shoot typical day is 100mph from morning until night, first thing is dealing with the radios, then travelling to set making sure everything is ready to go for the shoot, handing out hi-vis's, tea, coffee, setting up a snack table, then just doing whatever is needed then during the shoot, handing out waters, handing out scripts or schedules, could be anything.

Is there anything that has surprised you since working in the industry?

What surprised me when I first started in TV was the waiting around on some sets, it's almost unnerving stood there waiting, but when you've gone through everything in your head and you've ticked all the boxes for everything that needs doing or could be done now it's quite a weird feeling. Also how lovely everyone is as well, I didn't expect everyone to be mean or anything, it's just a surprise how lovely everyone (99.9% of people) treats you as a runner and remembers what it was like to be in your shoes and are always keen on giving you words of advice and support.

What's the best part of your job?

The best part of working in TV production is the amazing places I'm fortunate enough to travel to with my job, I've been abroad more times this year than I have ever, also when I'm involved in a production meeting pitching ideas and developing others, and then seeing your idea come on to the screen be it little or large is something quite amazing!

That sounds very busy and very fun! When you have some free time, what do you like to do?

When I get the time to do hobbies I quite enjoy dabbling on the piano, I can bust put the odd tune or two quite decently, I say "tune or two" as learning songs by means of internet and free apps is quite difficult when I don't have a consistent enough schedule to knuckle down. I also have an interest in making props/costumes from popular films/TV shows including but not limited to Iron Man suits, a Dalek, Captain America shield and torso and a stormtrooper helmet.