How to Be a Showrunner Part 2: Climbing the Writers Room Ranks
A few weeks ago I wrote a post all about what a Showrunner actually does. Now let’s talk about how most writers get to the point of being considered for a Showrunner gig: most of the time, they learn the skills by rising up through the writers room ranks.
Beyond anomalies (which you can hope for but should never expect), becoming an effective Showrunner requires a number of years of experience and proving you’re not only a great writer, but that you can handle leadership, manage a writers room and deal with studios, networks, cast, crew and budgets… the list is a long one.
For you aspiring Showrunners out there, here’s a general breakdown of the steps you'll need to take to earn your “wings” as a potential Showrunner, by rising up through the ranks.
1. “Pre” writers room
Almost every path to Showrunning starts with being able to write blazing hot scripts. After you’ve mastered that, you can focus on getting staffed. (For tips on how to get hired for a writers room check out my post on: How to Get Your Foot in the Writers Room Door. ).
2. The mini room route
Some creators are moving up the ranks quickly because of mini-rooms (the “mini” can mean fewer writers, a shorter time frame, a smaller order or all three). A mini room offers flexibility and reduced costs for studios and networks, as well as increased opportunities for less experienced writers to get their foot in the door. Five years ago mini rooms were pretty rare, but they are becoming the norm.
3. First-Time Creator route
With 500+ scripted series a year, broadcasters are hungry for fresh voices and unique perspectives. Which means more than ever in the history of television, they are buying shows from first-time creators. When a first-time creator doesn’t have much (or any) production or post-production experience, they are put with an experienced Showrunner. The hope is that the creator will have, learn - or develop - strong leadership and management skills and will either Co-Showrun, or in very rare cases, Showrun in Season 2.
The challenge here is that you’re being thrown in the proverbial deep-end. But, if all goes well, you might just find yourself with the title of Showrunner faster than you expected... but it’s an incredibly challenging job so just be careful what you wish for.
3. The “traditional” writers room route
Here's a general breakdown of the traditional writers room “ranks” (from the bottom to the top). Yes, there are exceptions to every rule, and there’s no single path to becoming a Showrunner, but this will give you a good overview of the ladder you need to climb within a writers room to hopefully one day get a chance at the title of Showrunner.
Step #1: Writers' PAs
A writer’s PA is a lot like a PA on set. They don’t write, they don’t take notes. What they do is a lot of running around and doing what no one else wants (or has the time) to do. Answer phones, get coffee, order lunch, organize the writers' room after everyone’s gone, as well as handle any and all basic tasks that don't involve writing. Did I mention getting lunch? Food is a big attraction in the writers room and the Writers PA is the one who’s responsible for that.
The gig can feel like a thankless job but becoming a Writers PA is a very solid way to get your foot in the door. Remember, as you move up, people love hiring people they know and starting as a PA is a great way to start those relationships.
Step #2: Writers' Assistants
Assistants are there to take notes and organize ideas as the writers on staff break story on a series. They might also be asked to do any necessary research as well as proofread scripts along the way. It’s a fast-paced, demanding job, but puts you at the heart of the action.
Step #3: Staff Writer
It’s a staff writer’s job to pitch, and help develop and break story alongside the other staff writers under the direction of the “higher-ups”. You are a contributor to the whole, just like all the other writers in the room.
As you can see, each step up comes with more “prestige” but more responsibility. Beyond staff writer, the “rungs” to climb are: Story Editor, Executive Story Editor, Co-Producer, Producer, Supervising Producer, Co-Executive Producer, Executive Producer and finally, the top of the ladder: Executive Producer/Showrunner.
If you haven’t read Part 1 of my Showrunner post and are curious what a Showrunner does, click here. And if you’re newly staffed and are curious how to make a good impression, a fantastic Showrunner I know, Rashad Raisani, created a list he calls “Rules for the Room” to help writers navigate their first (and second) Writers Room, read it here.
Good luck in your journey towards Showrunning. One day, when you’re eligible, I hope to see you in my WGA Showrunner Training program. Until then, keep writing!
What questions do you have about being a Showrunner? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!