In the world of television, the role of a showrunner is both fascinating and demanding. As the creative and managerial force behind the scenes, these individuals wield immense power and influence over our favorite shows.
But what exactly does it mean to be a showrunner, and how can aspiring creatives pursue this challenging and rewarding career path? Let’s delve into the exciting world of showrunning and discover “what is a showrunner” and what it takes to make a mark in the television industry.
Key Takeaways
Showrunners are creative and managerial decision-makers in the television industry.
Successful showrunners possess strong communication, leadership, storytelling and problem solving skills.
Aspiring showrunners should focus on honing their writing skills, networking within the industry, and gaining experience to become successful.
Defining the Showrunner Role
A showrunner assumes overall creative control and management of a TV show, frequently collaborating with co-executive producers. They are typically experienced television writers and producers who have a strong background in writing and are often always an executive producer on the show they are running.
As the driving force behind a television series, showrunners:
Safeguard a consistent creative vision
Foster a personal or emotional connection with the audience
Select and/or approve writing staff
Submit season and episode outlines to the network or studio
Make sure the series has a coherent voice and tone
The role of a showrunner is unique as it combines both creative and managerial aspects. Showrunners need to maintain open communication with studio and network executives, who finance the development and production of a television show, while also being the primary decision-makers, overseeing staff television writers and other crew members. The show’s success or failure often relies on the showrunner’s ability to balance these aspects. An illustration of this is Dan Harmon’s dismissal from his role as showrunner of the television series Community before Season 4, due to conflicts between the creative and managerial aspects of the role.
Creative Leadership
Showrunners must possess a thorough comprehension of screenwriting craft and storytelling, as they are responsible for directing the narrative as a whole and ensuring uniformity and clarity in this regard. Their role in the writing process is integral to the initial stages, but ultimately, they must rely on the writers’ room to complete the task. This means that showrunners must have a keen sense of story structure, character development, and pacing to effectively guide their writing staff through the creation of a compelling and cohesive television show.
In addition to their storytelling prowess, showrunners are also responsible for making decisions on casting and determining the direction of story arcs. This requires a deep understanding of their show’s characters, themes, and overall vision, allowing them to craft emotionally resonant stories that resonate with audiences. Some notable examples of showrunners with a distinct creative vision include:
Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal)
Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul)
Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
Management and Coordination
From a managerial perspective, showrunners oversee the entire production process, spanning from pre-production to post-production. They serve as the primary point of contact between the network, studio, and production teams and are responsible for:
Ensuring that all facets of the production run smoothly
Hiring key personnel, such as the Casting Director, Cinematographer, Production Designer, Costume Designer, and Editorial Team
Providing regular on-site guidance throughout the season
In addition to their creative leadership, showrunners must also work closely with co-executive producers, who serve as the series’ second-in-command and provide final approval for script drafts. This collaboration is crucial for maintaining a consistent creative vision and ensuring that the television show remains on schedule and within budget.
As the ultimate decision-makers, showrunners must be adept at problem-solving and possess strong communication skills to navigate the complex world of television production effectively.
Showrunner vs. Other Key Roles
While showrunners oversee the entire series to maintain a consistent creative vision, other key roles in television production like creators, directors, and executive producers focus on different responsibilities and areas. Creators are responsible for the initial concept of a TV show, but may not always be the showrunner, as they may not possess the necessary skills or experience to manage the production process. Directors, on the other hand, have artistic control over individual episodes but do not oversee the entire series.
Executive producers are involved in the financial and administrative aspects of a show but may not have creative control. They may be responsible for securing financing, managing budgets, and ensuring the overall quality of the production. However, they typically do not have the same level of creative authority as showrunners, who are responsible for preserving a consistent creative vision and managing all facets of a TV show.
This distinction highlights the unique and multifaceted role of showrunners in the television industry, as opposed to their counterparts in feature films.
Creators
Creators are the originators of a program concept who sell it to a network or studio and are responsible for presenting show ideas to television networks while retaining creative authority over the show. However, while creators are responsible for the initial concept and world-building of a television series, they may not always be the showrunners, as they may lack the managerial and decision-making expertise required to run a television show effectively.
For instance, Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad, also served as the showrunner, ensuring continuity in the characters’ motivations and maintaining the thematic purpose and tone of the show. However, in the case of Better Call Saul, a spin-off series, Gilligan’s role as showrunner is minimal due to the well-developed world and storytelling techniques he established in Breaking Bad.
This example illustrates that while creators play a vital role in the inception of a television show, the showrunner is responsible for bringing their vision to life and maintaining its creative integrity.
Directors
Directors, unlike showrunners, have creative authority over individual episodes but do not supervise the whole series. They are responsible for:
Establishing the creative direction of a television show or other production
Possessing full artistic authority over the project
Collaborating with actors to provide guidance on their performances
Organizing camera angles and shots
Ensuring that the creative vision is maintained throughout the process
While directors play a crucial role in shaping the look and feel of individual episodes, their authority is limited to the episodes they are directing. They do not have the same level of creative control as showrunners, who must maintain a consistent vision and tone across an entire series. This distinction underscores the unique and essential role of showrunners in overseeing all aspects of a television program, from pre-production to post-production.
Executive Producers
Executive producers are involved in the financial and administrative aspects of a show, although they may not have creative control. As the head producer, they are responsible for:
Overseeing the creation of a TV show, film, or web series
Making business decisions
Securing financing
Ensuring the overall quality of the production
A co executive producer works closely with executive producers, showrunners, and the story editor, providing support and guidance in the management of the show.
Despite their significant role in the production process, executive producers typically do not have the same level of creative authority as showrunners, who are responsible for preserving a consistent creative vision and managing all facets of a TV show. This distinction highlights the unique and multi-faceted role of showrunners in the television industry, as they must balance both creative and managerial responsibilities to ensure a show’s success.
Essential Skills for Showrunners
Essential skills for showrunners include:
Strong communication
Leadership
Storytelling
Problem-solving abilities
As the driving force behind a television series, showrunners need to effectively convey their creative vision to their team and inspire them to produce their best work. They must also be able to make sound decisions, assign tasks, and navigate the complex world of television production.
Additionally, showrunners must have an excellent understanding of screenwriting craft and be able to generate story ideas and execute them effectively. Even if they are not the creator of the series, they must be capable of taking an idea and running with it. This blend of creative and managerial skills is what sets showrunners apart from other key roles in the television industry and makes them instrumental in a show’s success.
The Path to Becoming a Showrunner
The path to become a showrunner generally involves accumulating writing experience, advancing through various writers’ room roles, and acquiring production knowledge. Aspiring showrunners should focus on refining their writing abilities, gaining experience in a writers’ room, and understanding the complexities of production. Working under other showrunners offers a valuable opportunity to observe how they manage a writer’s room, address production and post-production issues, and discern effective solutions from ineffective ones.
To achieve their goal, aspiring showrunners should focus on:
Refining their writing skills
Networking within the industry
Gaining diverse experience
Learning from successful showrunners
This combination of skills and experience will help them navigate the challenging and competitive world of television production, ultimately paving the way for a rewarding career as a showrunner.
Writing Experience
Aspiring showrunners should have:
An extensive writing background
A thorough understanding of story structure
Experience in reading and writing scripts
Taking classes and joining writers’ groups to refine their writing abilities and develop their unique voice
Gaining experience in writing for a show to understand the collaborative nature of television production and the challenges they may face in the writers’ room
Consider hiring writers to expand their team and enhance the creative process.
To enhance their writing skills, aspiring showrunners should also immerse themselves in the world of television, studying successful shows and analyzing their storytelling techniques. This will help them develop a solid understanding of what works and what doesn’t in television production, ultimately preparing them for their future role as a showrunner.
Writers’ Room Progression
A typical path to becoming a showrunner involves progressing through the writers’ room hierarchy, starting as a staff writer and advancing to the position of head writer. Aspiring showrunners should focus on gaining experience in various roles within the writers’ room, such as:
Staff writers
Co-producers
Writers’ assistants
Writer’s PAs
Each of these roles offers different insights and responsibilities, allowing aspiring showrunners to develop their skills and understanding of the television production process.
Working under other showrunners provides an opportunity to observe their approaches to running a writer’s room, managing production and post-production challenges, and gaining insights into what works and what doesn’t in the writer’s room. This hands-on experience is invaluable for aspiring showrunners, as it equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their future role.
Production Knowledge
Acquiring production experience is beneficial for aspiring showrunners, providing insights into the operations of a TV show and potential challenges that may surface. Aspiring showrunners can gain this knowledge by observing a showrunner, working as a production assistant, or enrolling in production classes. This will equip them with an understanding of the duties of the various crew members, the production process, budgeting process, and scheduling process.
Acquiring production knowledge can enable aspiring showrunners to comprehend the intricacies of the production process, foresee potential issues, and formulate strategies to address them. This comprehensive understanding of the television production process is essential for ensuring a show’s success and the smooth functioning of the writers’ room and production team.
Famous Showrunners and Their Impact
Prominent showrunners such as Shonda Rhimes, Vince Gilligan, and Amy Sherman-Palladino have made a lasting impact on the television industry with their distinctive creative vision and storytelling prowess. Their work serves as an inspiration for aspiring showrunners, offering valuable insights into the creative process and the challenges faced in managing a television show. By studying their work and learning from their successes and failures, aspiring showrunners can gain valuable knowledge that will help them navigate the complex world of television production.
These influential showrunners have created iconic shows that have resonated with audiences around the world, showcasing the power of storytelling and the impact a showrunner can have on the television landscape. By understanding their journey and learning from their experiences, aspiring showrunners can develop their skills and forge their path in the television industry.
Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes is a highly successful showrunner known for her hit shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton. Her impressive grasp of storytelling and her clear understanding of the types of stories that viewers are looking for have made her one of television’s most successful and influential showrunners. Rhimes recently signed a multi-billion dollar development contract with Netflix, showcasing the immense earning potential and influence of a successful showrunner.
Rhimes’ accomplishments serve as a blueprint for aspiring showrunners, illustrating the importance of strong storytelling skills and a keen understanding of audience preferences. By studying her work and learning from her successes, aspiring showrunners can gain valuable insights into the creative process and the challenges faced in managing a television show.
Vince Gilligan
Vince Gilligan is the creative force behind critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. His distinct vision and storytelling techniques have garnered widespread praise and have established him as one of the most respected showrunners in the television industry. As the showrunner for Breaking Bad, Gilligan ensured continuity in the characters’ motivations and maintained the thematic purpose and tone of the show.
Gilligan’s work serves as an excellent example for aspiring showrunners, showcasing the importance of a consistent creative vision and the ability to maintain a show’s tone and direction. By studying his work and learning from his successes and challenges, aspiring showrunners can develop a deeper understanding of the creative process and the skills required to oversee a successful television series.
Amy Sherman-Palladino
Amy Sherman-Palladino is known for her unique vision and style in shows like Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Often writing and directing the majority of episodes of her shows, Sherman-Palladino’s distinct voice and storytelling techniques have made her a celebrated figure in the television industry.
Aspiring showrunners can learn much from Sherman-Palladino’s approach to storytelling and her ability to create memorable characters and settings. By studying her work and learning from her successes and challenges, they can develop a deeper understanding of the creative process and the skills required to create engaging and successful television shows.
Showrunner Salaries and Earning Potential
Showrunner salaries are influenced by:
Experience and stature, with newcomers earning $30,000-$40,000 per episode and established showrunners securing nine-figure deals
The success of their television shows
Their reputation within the industry
Their ability to negotiate lucrative contracts.
It is important for aspiring showrunners to understand the earning potential in the television industry and to remain focused on developing their skills and building their reputation. By honing their craft, networking within the industry, and learning from successful showrunners, aspiring showrunners can increase their earning potential and secure their place as influential figures in the television landscape.
Tips for Aspiring Showrunners
Aspiring creatives aiming for success as showrunners should concentrate on:
Refining their writing skills
Networking within the industry
Gaining diverse experience
Learning from accomplished showrunners
This combination of skills and experience will help them navigate the challenging and competitive world of television production, ultimately paving the way for a rewarding career as a showrunner.
Some practical tips for aspiring showrunners include:
Reading and writing scripts
Taking classes
Joining writers’ groups
Attending industry events
Joining professional organizations
Connecting with other creatives
By immersing themselves in the world of television and learning from the successes and failures of those who have come before them, aspiring showrunners can develop the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to make their mark in the television industry.
Summary
In conclusion, the role of a showrunner is both demanding and rewarding, requiring a unique blend of creative and managerial skills.
The journey to becoming a showrunner involves honing one’s writing skills, progressing through the writers’ room hierarchy, and gaining invaluable production knowledge. By learning from the successes and challenges of influential showrunners like Shonda Rhimes, Vince Gilligan, and Amy Sherman-Palladino, aspiring showrunners can navigate the complex world of television production and forge their path in the industry. With dedication, perseverance, and a passion for storytelling, the aspiring showrunner can leave an indelible mark on the television landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a showrunner and producer?
Showrunners have more overall creative control than producers; they are responsible for the general direction of the series in all aspects, while producers focus on the production side of things.
Do showrunners make a lot of money?
Showrunners can make a lot of money, as nine-figure deals are increasingly common. For example, Shonda Rhimes reportedly earns $15-$20 million per year for all her ABC shows, while David Benioff and D.B. Weiss earn $200 million for their Netflix deal.
How do showrunners get paid?
Showrunners typically get paid per episode, and salaries can vary depending on the number of episodes in a season. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides salary information for producers and directors which can give insight into what showrunners earn.
What is the difference between head writer and showrunner?
A head writer is responsible for the scripts, however a showrunner is an executive producer and lead writer. The showrunner’s decisions cannot be overturned without consultation, whereas the head writer must adhere to their directives.
What essential skills must a showrunner possess?
A successful showrunner needs excellent communication, leadership, storytelling, and problem-solving skills.
