You may have heard someone referred to as a showrunner for your favorite program. However, not everyone understands what that means in the real world. Today, we want to cover this topic so you can better understand what this individual does and why they are so important to creating a program.

What is a Showrunner?

This term is typically used for someone who helps create a television program, not for feature film productions. The showrunner plays a crucial role in both the creative aspects and the management of the show.

An alternative term for a showrunner is “executive producer.” They are essentially the heart and soul of the production, making it possible to get a television show off the ground.

What are a Showrunner’s Responsibilities?

What responsibilities does a showrunner have? They are quite in-depth and vital to creating any television program. Some of those responsibilities include:

• Shaping the Narrative: Have you ever been dazzled by the storytelling in your favorite television show? The twists and turns you love come from the showrunner. They help shape the narrative and keep it engaging episode after episode and season after season.
• Character Development: It’s one thing to be introduced to a character, but learning more about them over time is essential. This “character development” refers to how characters should evolve throughout the series, a responsibility that falls to showrunners.
• Thematic Elements: The best television shows have overarching themes. Showrunners are responsible for developing these themes and ensuring they resonate throughout the series.

These are just some of the responsibilities that showrunners handle.

How Do You Become a Showrunner?

The work of a showrunner can be challenging but highly rewarding. If you’ve considered becoming a showrunner, it’s worth pursuing. Formal training and education are essential, as are industry connections to get your foot in the door and launch your career.

Think about the types of television shows you might want to help produce and identify the concrete steps you can take to make progress toward those goals.

Interested in Pursuing a Career as a Showrunner?

At BeOnAir, we help educate students to become the creative professionals they aspire to be. We have assisted many showrunners in sharpening their skills to take a real shot at their careers. Do you want to make a career from your creative talents? Contact us for more information about getting started with BeOnAir.