BECTU Vision’s flagship training course Hit the Ground Running celebrates a significant milestone this year – eighteen years of supporting newcomers into Scotland’s Film and TV industry.
For nearly two decades, the two-day course, which has taken place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Dumfries in recent years, has opened doors to the screen sector through practical exercises, opportunities to engage with working professionals, and first-hand insight into crew roles.
Currently supported by Screen Scotland and the BFI Skills Cluster Fund, Hit the Ground Running focuses on entry-level roles in Production, Assistant Director and Locations departments, covering the key aspects of working as a runner on set, with sessions on reading production paperwork, understanding industry terminology and on-set etiquette, and using walkie-talkies.
The enduring strength of Hit the Ground Running lies in the contributions of hundreds of crew members who have helped shape the course over the past 18 years. By drawing on the expertise of industry professionals and regularly refreshing course content, the programme remains relevant, practical and closely aligned with the evolving needs of Scotland’s film and television sector.
To mark the programme’s 18th anniversary, this year’s contributors included long-standing collaborators Assistant Directors Alex McKay, Mark O’Connor and Katherine Kennedy, alongside Location Manager Chris Cameron. In a fitting full-circle moment, all of the other practitioners involved this year were Hit the Ground Running alumni, having themselves been participants on the course at the start of their careers. These included Location Managers Lyndsay Tannahill and Stewart Forrest; Assistant Directors Doug Inman and Mark Lacey; Unit Manager Pippa Davis; Assistant Location Manager Rebecca Shepherd; Co-Producer Steven Moore; Production Manager Olivia Gifford; Production Coordinator Eilidh MacKinnon; Screen Sustainability Manager Sara Hamilton; and Training Manager Sarah Mindel.
Thanks to the knowledge, experience, commitment and support from all the practitioners involved over the years, Hit the Ground Running has evolved into far more than a training course. It is now an industry-recognised pathway into Scotland’s screen sector, helping to open access, connect emerging talent with employment opportunities, and strengthen the film and television workforce across the country.
We are delighted that the programme continues to support new entrants and contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of Scotland’s screen industry.
Watch highlights from Hit the Ground Running 2026
For more information about how we support new entrants in the industry, visit https://bectuvision.org/training/new-entrants/
