Q&A: Filmmaking Student Samuel Robinson on working as a runner for Russell T Davies’ new show, Tip Toe

MetFilm School Manchester student Samuel Robinson, who studied BA (Hons) Filmmaking, recently got an incredible opportunity working on a Channel 4 production. He worked as a Floor Runner and Supporting Artist Runner on Tip Toe, an original drama from one of the UK’s most celebrated television writers and producers, Russell T Davies. Davies is best known for groundbreaking series like Queer as Folk, It’s a Sin, and the revival of Doctor Who, as well as acclaimed dramas like Years and Years and Torchwood.

We caught up with Samuel to hear about how he landed the role, what he learned on set, and how his time at MetFilm School helped him get there.

How did the opportunity to work on Tip Toe come about?

“The 3rd AD who I shadowed on a previous project reached out to me to see if I was available. They stated they had been trying to find me work since I shadowed them last year but didn’t want me running alone for my first job.”

What made you want to take the role?

“The 3rd AD was really patient and friendly when I shadowed them previously, and I wanted to work with them again. Not only that, but I also grew up watching Doctor Who, so the chance to work for Russell T Davies was impossible to turn down.”

What did the role involve?

“I was a Floor Runner/SA Runner on four dailies over September. I was hired to help out on set when there was a large amount of supporting artists, as there was more to manage on those days.

My general role involved getting SAs to fill in paperwork and working with costume and make-up to send them off to get dressed and ready, so they could be sent to location on time in the morning.

Once we were on location, I was helping with catering, setting up tea tables, doing crowd management, looking after the cast, and reporting to the 3rd AD or helping with whatever was needed.”

What was the experience like?

“It was an amazing experience. I took every opportunity I could to chat with various crew members in every department to learn as much as possible, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I think I was spoiled a bit with my first proper on-set experience, as a lot of the staff were saying how it was the smoothest and nicest shoot they’d ever been on!

I was lucky enough to briefly chat with Russell a few times, and he was really welcoming and friendly. He treated me the same as everyone else, which made me feel a lot calmer.”

Did you face any challenges on set?

“I think being asked to come back for the fourth day really rounded off the experience for me. I struggled with imposter syndrome quite a lot on the first two days and only found myself settling in on my third day (which was supposed to be my last). When the 3rd AD asked if I was free to cover someone on the last day, it felt really great – it not only reinforced how stupid my imposter syndrome was, but also meant I had another proper day on set.”

Was there anyone who particularly inspired you during the shoot?

“Outside of the 3rd AD, who again was amazing throughout, the 1st AD really left an impact on me as well. She was the calmest person on set, even under pressure, and handled everything without a sweat or ever raising her voice.”

How did Tip Toe compare to your previous experiences?

“Tip Toe was just on another level from everything else. The closest I had been to an industry gig prior was a Film4 short I shadowed on in December (the same shoot where I shadowed the 3rd AD). While that was still very professional, this was a whole other level, with so many moving parts. On a couple of the days I was working, I think there were close to 100 people on set, on location, all at one time. Seeing that many people all work together to shoot something so great was an indescribable experience.”

How did MetFilm School help you get this opportunity?

“The shadowing experience I mentioned above came through Joe, our Careers Advisor, so without MetFilm School I wouldn’t have ever met the 3rd AD who got me the role. More recently, Joe has also been helping me work on my CV and reach out to other production companies to find more work.”

Looking ahead, how has this experience shaped your career goals?

“The opportunity to get my first paid credit, especially within Channel 4, was an amazing opportunity. This gave me the chance to learn about the industry and the area I’ll hopefully be working in in the future.

Career-wise, it was really great to have an official TV credit before I’ve left uni, as I can use this to bolster my CV further to hopefully find more work before I graduate.”

Interested in following Samuel’s path?

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