Member-only story

Demystifying The Most Important And Least Understood Role In Show Business

John Updike

·9.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Broadway General Manager: Demystifying The Most Important And Least Understood Role In Show Business

6 min read · 2 weeks before

847 View Claps

60 Respond

Save

Listen

The role of the showrunner is one of the most important in the entertainment industry, yet it is also one of the least understood. In this article, we will demystify the role of the showrunner and explore what it takes to be successful in this challenging and rewarding field.

Broadway General Manager: Demystifying the Most Important and Least Understood Role in Show Business

by Peter Bogyo

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8635 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

What is a showrunner?

A showrunner is the person who has overall creative control over a television show. They are responsible for developing the show's concept, writing the scripts, directing the episodes, and overseeing the production process. In short, the showrunner is the driving force behind a television show.

What does a showrunner do?

The responsibilities of a showrunner are vast and varied, but some of the most important include:

Developing the show's concept. The showrunner is responsible for coming up with the initial idea for the show and developing it into a full-fledged concept. This includes writing the pilot script and creating a series bible that outlines the show's overall story, characters, and setting.
Writing the scripts. The showrunner is typically the head writer of the show, and they are responsible for writing or overseeing the writing of all of the scripts. This includes writing the pilot script, the season finales, and any other important episodes.
Directing the episodes. The showrunner is often the director of the pilot episode, and they may also direct other episodes throughout the season. They are responsible for overseeing the production of the episodes and ensuring that they are consistent with the show's overall vision.
Overseeing the production process. The showrunner is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the production process, including the casting, the set design, and the post-production. They work closely with the producers, the directors, and the crew to ensure that the show is produced on time and within budget.

What are the qualities of a successful showrunner?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but some of the most important qualities of a successful showrunner include:

Creativity. Showrunners need to be creative and have a strong vision for their shows. They need to be able to come up with original ideas and develop them into compelling stories.
Writing ability. Showrunners need to be able to write well. They need to be able to write scripts that are engaging, funny, and thought-provoking.
Directing ability. Showrunners need to be able to direct episodes of their shows. They need to be able to work with actors and crew to create episodes that are visually appealing and emotionally resonant.
Leadership skills. Showrunners need to be able to lead a team of writers, directors, and producers. They need to be able to motivate and inspire their team to create their best work.
Business acumen. Showrunners need to have a basic understanding of the business of television. They need to be able to understand the financial aspects of producing a show and to negotiate with networks and studios.

The challenges of being a showrunner

Being a showrunner is a challenging job. The hours are long, the pressure is intense, and the stakes are high. Showrunners have to deal with a variety of challenges, including:

Creative challenges. Showrunners have to come up with new and original ideas for their shows. They have to be able to develop characters that are relatable and engaging, and they have to be able to write stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Production challenges. Showrunners have to oversee the production of their shows from start to finish. They have to deal with a variety of issues, including casting, scheduling, and budget constraints.
Business challenges. Showrunners have to negotiate with networks and studios to get their shows produced. They have to be able to understand the financial aspects of producing a show and to make sure that their shows are profitable.
Personal challenges. Showrunning is a demanding job that can take a toll on personal relationships and health. Showrunners often work long hours and have to travel frequently. They may also have to deal with criticism from critics and fans.

The rewards of being a showrunner

Despite the challenges, there are also a number of rewards to being a showrunner. These include:

Creative freedom. Showrunners have a great deal of creative freedom to create their shows. They can write the stories they want to tell and develop the characters they want to see on screen.
Impact. Showrunners have the opportunity to make a real impact on the world. Their shows can entertain, educate, and inspire audiences. They can also raise awareness of important issues and challenge social norms.
Legacy. Showrunners can leave a lasting legacy with their work. Their shows can be enjoyed by generations of viewers and can continue to inspire and entertain people long after they are gone.

The role of the showrunner is a complex and challenging one, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Showrunners have the opportunity to create their own worlds and to make a real impact on the world. They are the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry, and their work deserves to be celebrated.

Broadway General Manager: Demystifying the Most Important and Least Understood Role in Show Business

by Peter Bogyo

4.9 out of 5