FUCK the Term "Showrunner," It Means Nothing
Where did this garbage synonym for executive producer come from? It would be like referring to me as a blogsmith. TV culture is so annoying!
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37
uhm... it is a very well-defined and necessary term. perhaps your distaste should be reserved for the practice of handing out "producer" credits to everyone who does anything?
the showrunner is the one in charge of the actual show. as opposed to the creator, if they do not have an active hand in the show anymore, or various executive producers with various levels of influence.
6
Yep. And lots of creators of shows are really just the head writer, and will work on nothing more than the creative aspect of the show, but be completely devoid of the production logistics. Showrunner works on both sides of the aisle, so to speak.
1
Right you are thesporkgirl - but what about those shows that ACTUALLY run producer credits into the second act? I've never seen 'showrunner' in the credits.
One thing tho' 'Producer' at times means the fool who finds the project, the talent and goes cap in hand to the studio - network - production company - NY dowager arts patrons and their dentists for funding — whatever — to try and get the goddam thing made and distributed. It's no fun - unless you're successful and make a shitload of money. (Rare)
HAHA Biddle, fuckin BURN kid
2
Showrunner is in credits all the time. Usually in the end credits, but they are there.
10
Showrunners actually do a WHOLE lot. An exec producer could be just someone at the network who watches cuts once a week and gives notes - they are not involved in the actual production of a show. A showrunner handles all of the departments, helps keep the budget on point along with the line producer, as well as being deeply involved with the creative of the show (writers, story producers, etc.). Most producers or AP's only work on a certain aspect of a show, such as casting, scheduling, locations, etc. The showrunner watches over all of those parts in addition to keeping the show on its creative focus. Sorry, but your criticism is way off base. Being a showrunner is tough work.
So explain how a "showrunner" is different from a line producer? Everything you say the showrunner does is the duty of the line producer.
2
Nope. Line producer does just the budget. They have no creative input. The showrunner also works with the writers, actors, directors to keep the creative on point. In addition, they work with the network execs in development on the notes to each episode. Line producer does everything with the budget, timings and the accounting department. They are there to make sure everything runs on time and in an efficient matter, and nothing else. They don't give creative notes.
1
yup. in my experience (freelance mograph) they also are the main person to look to in the approvals process BEFORE it goes to the EP's/exec's for final feedback.
5
Yeah. ... perhaps you should research the industry before shooting your mouth off about it. This is the epitome of a ignorant rant.
Show runner absolutely means something. They are the people in charge of everyone and everything in production and post production and are the ones making the executive decisions in and outside the writers room. They are the creative force behind the show and it takes many years and a lot of experience to have a studio/network give you show runner status. They have that title because they've earned it.
3
Did you even bother to look? It's a well-known term. Terribly sorry they didn't ask for your input first.
