How to become a showrunner

Is becoming a showrunner right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do showrunners do?

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How to become a Showrunner

Becoming a showrunner takes years of experience in the television industry, particularly in writing and production. It typically involves climbing the ranks within a writers' room and developing strong leadership and creative skills. Here's a general path to follow:

  • Start as a Television Writer: Most showrunners begin as staff writers on television shows. Gaining experience writing episodes, collaborating with a team, and understanding the structure of a series is essential.
  • Pursue Relevant Education: While not mandatory, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Production, Radio and Television, Screenwriting, Creative Writing, or Communications can provide valuable training in storytelling, media production, and industry dynamics. Some professionals also benefit from master’s programs in screenwriting or film production, which offer advanced instruction and networking opportunities.
  • Build Experience and Credits: As you gain experience, you can move up to roles like story editor, executive story editor, co-producer, and eventually co-executive producer. Each step brings more responsibility and greater creative input.
  • Create or Develop a Show: Many showrunners are either the original creators of a series or are hired to lead the creative development of one. Having a strong portfolio of original scripts and a clear creative vision is key.
  • Develop Production Skills: Showrunners oversee both the writing and production of a show. Learning how to manage budgets, schedules, casting, and post-production is crucial.
  • Earn Industry Trust: Studios and networks look for professionals with proven leadership, storytelling talent, and the ability to guide a show from script to screen. Building relationships, a solid reputation, and a track record of success helps earn this opportunity.

Screenwriting Programs

  • UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting: Offered by UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television, this non-degree program focuses on writing for film and television. It includes workshops, industry-standard script formatting, and feedback from experienced instructors.
  • NYU Tisch Dramatic Writing MFA: This graduate program offers a strong foundation in screenwriting, television writing, and playwriting. Students develop original work and benefit from faculty with industry experience.
  • USC School of Cinematic Arts – Writing for Screen and Television (BFA/MFA): These undergraduate and graduate programs offer hands-on training in screenwriting and television writing. USC’s strong industry ties make it a standout for career advancement.
  • AFI Conservatory – Screenwriting Discipline: The American Film Institute’s two-year conservatory program immerses writers in the art and craft of screenwriting with mentorship from working professionals and opportunities for collaboration with directors and producers.
  • Emerson College MFA in Writing for Film and Television: This program focuses on screenwriting, episodic writing, and media production. Emerson offers both in-person and hybrid formats with access to experienced faculty and internship opportunities.

Fellowships and Workshops

  • Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop: A highly competitive, hands-on workshop for aspiring television writers. Participants gain feedback from professionals and have opportunities to be staffed on Warner Bros. shows.
  • NBCUniversal Writers on the Verge: Designed for writers ready to break into staff positions, this program includes writing instruction, industry mentorship, and pitching practice.
  • Sundance Institute Episodic Lab: Focused on emerging television writers, this lab provides mentorship, feedback, and industry connections to help writers develop original pilots.
  • CBS Writers Mentoring Program: Participants receive professional guidance, attend workshops, and gain exposure to showrunners and executives. It’s aimed at supporting underrepresented voices in television.
  • The Black List x WGAW TV Lab: A script development program for television writers who submit original pilots. Selected writers receive mentorship and opportunities to connect with agents and producers.