Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show

Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show

By Des Doyle

  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release Date: 2014-10-30
  • Advisory Rating: NR
  • Runtime: 1h 28min
  • Director: Des Doyle
  • Production Company: Black Sheep Films
  • Production Country: Ireland, United States of America
  • iTunes Price: USD 5.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: USD 3.99
6.2/10
6.2
From 44 Ratings

Description

“Showrunners” is the first ever feature length documentary film to explore the fascinating world of US television showrunners and the creative forces aligned around them. These are the people responsible for creating, writing and overseeing every element of production on one of the United States' biggest exports – television drama and comedy series. Often described as the most complex job in the entertainment business, a showrunner is the chief writer / producer on a TV series and, in most instances, the show’s creator. Battling daily between art and commerce, showrunners manage every aspect of a TV show’s development and production: creative, financial and logistical. Featuring interviews with the showrunners behind Lost, Boardwalk Empire, Bing Bang Theory, The Good Wife, Sons of Anarchy, Spartacus, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Battlestar Galactica, Person of Interest and Firefly.

Reviews

  • A Wonderful Behind-the-Scenes film!

    5
    By Dahlia119
    Showrunners is the ultimate peek at what it really takes to run a weekly show. From juggling the production details to negotiating the politics of TV, this film is amazing. Any aspiring showrunners should see this film first to get an insider's view of how things really work!
  • How To Be A Showrunner

    4
    By Semnick01
    A great, great documentary about showrunners!!!… It gives a real good sense of what is like to be in a showrunner business, how to deal with the pressure, the deadline, the success or failure of a TV show. A must-see for who is considering in getting into this business!
  • Such an interesting movie filled with insight!

    5
    By JennyC10VA
    This movie easily held my interest with so much valid content and insight into what it takes to write, run, and produce a television show. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who has watched a television show, ever!
  • Great Movie!

    5
    By TheB-Man2001
    Somehow this Irish wildman Ryan McGuffey has made a great film. The documentary is informative but more importantly greatly entertaining. A must watch for T.V. fans and also for anyone who has ever seen a T.V. Awesome movie all around.
  • It’s okay

    3
    By David Barr Kirtley
    This is a well-made documentary that interviews many prominent showrunners. I thought it was okay, but I started to bored about halfway through and had to force myself to finish it. Nothing terribly exciting happens and you never spend too much time with any particular character. If you want to watch a bunch of short interview segments arranged into broad themes, that’s what you get here, but I was looking for something more.
  • Amusing and honest look behind the scenes

    5
    By overgaardcom
    The was soul food and if I could get one more episode, I would download it in a heartbeat. It just makes you create and follow your dreams. Very well done!
  • Solid Documentary

    4
    By Roughridersv
    This was a solid Documentary…sort of a overview of the responsibilities and worries of being a show runner. I would say this would have been outstanding if Shonda Rhimes was included in this.
  • I helped make this movie, but I'm still surprised it's awesome!

    5
    By JimmyNguyenLA
    Full disclosure, I executive produced the film. But you have no idea how surprised I was when I finally saw the movie. We shot hundreds of hours of footage and director Des Doyle turned it all into a beautiful and entertaining film about the creative process of making television shows. I'm so happy to have been a part of this project and am proud to have my name on it.
  • Great behind the scenes look

    5
    By PlanBProduktionz
    Great look at the problems the people in charge of TV shows face. Big and small. There hasn't been anything like this. This doc assembles the great Showrunners of today to talk about their jobs and what it means to be one. Everyone has seen at least one of these shows and these are the people responsible for them. Great watch.
  • Wait . . . What??

    3
    By Jaymann100
    What??!!! No Vince Gilligan . . .Oh maybe just a doc on him. Other showrunners would have to watch that doc.

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