Dominique Pace

Runner in Sound Post-Production at Aquarium Studios

Dominique graduated from Southampton Solent University in November 2008 with a BA(Hons) degree in Film and Television Studies.

Dominique updated us on her current job: I'm working at Aquarium Studios Ltd. Aquarium is a sound post-production company that specialises in sound design, ADR and Foley. My job title is 'Runner' and I'm the only one present at the moment.

As a commuter I get the train to London at 7.30am and arrive at work at 8.30, this is so that all the studios can be prepared if there are clients in at 9.00am. Throughout the day a lot of tea-making is involved, as well as general maintenance of the studios, such a fruit, water, cleaning and dusting. Other than that, I do some audio assisting, which requires me to transfer audio files or digitalise (capture) tapes, so that the sound can be worked on alongside the film or television picture. The majority of my day is filled by running to and from companies that we work alongside and doing general errands across Soho!

Working as a Runner is the ticket into any part of the Film and Television industries and you have to be organised, prepared, calm and thoughful about what you are doing. Use your common sense and you can't go far wrong.

I'd like to continue Running and at some point in the future move to a different part of the industry, such as editing or production and start as a Runner there too. The more Running experience you can get, the better.

When going for interviews I found that employers do want to know about your previous education. However, anything that adds to your profile, like working at a bar or restaurant, anything that shows you are alert and responsible, really helps. The clients are your company's biggest priority and the runner is usually the person they see the most. So make sure you are presentable and approachable, even for a job as small as making the tea...