Another day and another brilliant blog post from Ken Levine, this one on the fine art of Showrunning. I’ve run a few series — including one that starred a guy who didn’t speak English and got all his dialogue transmitted to him through a flesh-colored earpiece. Showrunning is the greatest job in the world…and the worst. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have in TV…and non-stop agony. But I think Ken sums up the experience very well:
People ask me what’s it like to be a showrunner. I tell them “did you
see the end of BONNIE & CLYDE?” It is a constant barrage of
problems coming at you from all directions[…]You need to be a psychiatrist, an accountant, a CEO, a personnel
manager, a Drill Sergeant, a Jewish mother, and work well under heavy
medication. Once you’ve satisfied those requirements then you can add
talent…but that’s optional.
Ken was announcer for the Mariners awhile back. Same Ken Levine. He seems like a good guy.
Ok, what is a showrunner? I followed the link, but I’m still not sure what this person’s job description is.
The executive producer of the show — the writer/producer responsible for EVERYTHING (casting, writing, editing, etc.)
By the way, what is a “writer” exactly? I don’t see any relevant links here that would explain that person’s job description, either.
Sounds like indie filmmaking, only in a more structured environment.