A comprehensive overview of the role and responsibilities of a Showrunner in television and film production.
Down in the Deep End of Televised Creation:Unraveling the twisted, chaotic world of showrunning, where power, passion, and production collide.
The Scepter of Television: Showrunners
Have you ever gazed upon a TV series so spectacularly spellbinding that it left you begging for more? Well, there's a gripping tale behind the triumphant triumphs and disastrous mishaps that grace our screens every week. It's a yarn spun by a unique breed of creatives and tacticians: The Showrunners.
So, Who Exactly are These Powerhouses?
The Showrunner is the God-Emperor, the Witch-Queen, the Alpha-Dog behind the scenes, exerting creative and managerial control over the television show they've taken under their wing. Leaning on decades of hustle and expertise, these individuals steer the ship through the turbulent waters of the television landscape.
But What Exactly Does It Take to Be A Showrunner?
Creative Leadership
Beyond brute talent, the craft of storytelling demands an almost supernatural grasp of plot structure, character development, and pacing. And when it comes to the fore, the Showrunner must flex these muscles, guiding their writing staff through the creation of a captivating, cohesive televisual epic.
Management and Collaboration
While asserting control over the narrative, Showrunners must also maintain a delicate balance of communication with studio and network brass, hiring key personnel to mold their creative vision into a tangible, breathtaking series.
Shadow Cruelty: Showrunner vs. Other Key Roles
Although Showrunners hold the reigns of creative power, there are other creatures that roam the vast wilderness of television production.
Creators
The seeds of TV series are often sown by the Creator, who presents their daring ideas to the networks and is responsible for their creative authority. However, as the project progresses, the reigns may be passed to a Showrunner who can better navigate the labyrinthine world of production.
Directors
Unlike the omnipotent Showrunner, the Director reigns over a single episode or sequence, rapidly assuming the mantle of creative authority as they weave their own vision into the tapestry of the series.
Executive Producers
The Executive Producer is a beast common to the television kingdom, responsible for the financial and administrative aspects of a show. A Co-Executive Producer serves as the series' second-in-command, providing support and guidance in the management of the Showrunner's vision.
The Path to Becoming a Showrunner
The journey to the throne is long, arduous, and crowned in the blood of a thousand scripts. However, through determination and grit, aspiring Showrunners can forge their own paths.
Writing Experience
Grip that pen and hone your writing craft; refining your skills will be your ticket to the top. Immerse yourself in the world of television, read the revered tomes of TV royalty, and enlist the support of fellow writers and mentors to refine your voice.
Writers' Room Progression
Rise through the ranks of the Writers' Room, from Staff Writer to Co-Producer to Writer's Assistant. Each addition to the hierarchy offers an opportunity to develop, test your mettle, and build your relationships with your peers and industry bigwigs.
Production Knowledge
Plunge into the treacherous waters of production, learning the art of budgeting, scheduling, coordinating, and collaborating alongside seasoned veterans of the television world. This knowledge will serve as the backbone that supports your rise to power.
The Most Fearsome of the Unseen Commanders
Through their vision, passion, and relentless pursuit of televisual excellence, certain Showrunners have risen above the rest. Names like Shonda Rhimes, Vince Gillian, and Amy Sherman-Palladino have etched themselves in the annals of television history, heralded as the architects of some of the most groundbreaking series of our time.
The Wealthiest of the Unseen Commanders
Showrunners can reap immense financial reward for their contributions to the artistic landscape, with contracts reaching the multiple millions and even billions. Shonda Rhimes, for example, currently nets $15-20 million annually for her numerous ABC shows. The likes of David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have signed deals worth $200 million for their work on the Netflix phenomenon, Game of Thrones.
Tips to Claim the Throne
If you aspire to rule the lands of television, here's some hard-earned advice to guide your journey:
Develop Your Creative Voice
Read widely, write voraciously, and immerse yourself in the teachings of the masters to forge your own distinctive approach to TV storytelling.
Embrace Rejection and Failure
As brutal as it may be, rejection is a crucial part of the creative process, offering invaluable lessons that will carry you forward on your path to greatness.
Build a Network
Your connections will serve as a valuable lifeline as you navigate the treacherous waters of the television industry, so cultivate relationships with peers, industry veterans, and tastemakers.
Stay Persistent
The path to the throne is arduous, often taking years, but with determination, grit, and a touch of luck, you can conquer the kingdom of television.
In Conclusion
Becoming a Showrunner requires a unique combination of creative ingenuity, leadership acumen, and dogged determination. Draw inspiration from those who've unlocked the realm of television's untold mysteries, and forge your path with courage and conviction. And remember, the show must always go on!
- In the pre-production phase, aspiring Showrunners must immerse themselves in the world of television, honing their writing skills and learning from the masters to develop their own creative voice.
- Showrunners navigate the business aspects of their craft, often collaborating with financial experts and network executives to secure funding for their projects, shaping the commercial direction of their television series.
- From screenwriting to showrunning, a successful career in the television industry can lead to lucrative financial rewards and industry recognition, unlocking opportunities for careers in various sectors of the entertainment business.
