Tag Archives: showrunners

New documentary explores “the art of running a TV show”

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If you watch a ton of television like I do, you must be at least a little interested in how it’s all made. Well, a new documentary is here to satiate your curiosity. It’s called Showrunners and it explores the creative teams and decisions that go into the making of a formidable TV program. The docu features exclusive interviews with some of the most successful producers, writers, and creators around including J.J. Abrams (Lost), Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time), Hart Hanson (Bones), Mike Kelley (Revenge), Robert and Michelle King (The Good Wife), Damon Lindelof (The Leftovers), Jonathan Nolan (Person of Interest), Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman (Fringe), Bill Prady (The Big Bang Theory), Joss Whedon (Firefly), and many more.

Director Des Doyle’s Showrunners promises to be an intriguing and informative look behind the scenes at what it’s like to build television drama and comedy, from a percolating idea to production to premiere. Learn more about the doc here, or head over to iTunes today to stream and watch.

Documentary trailer: Showrunners

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Are you an aspiring writer, producer, or director? If so, you’re not going to want to miss this upcoming documentary titled Showrunners. The feature length documentary film takes you behind the scenes and into the minds of TV’s most popular showrunners. It features in-depth interviews with showrunners, actors, network execs, casting directors, and many others with intention to explore the making of modern American television.

According to the official Facebook fan page participants include Damon Lindelof (Lost), David Shore (House), Jeff Pinkner & J.H. Wyman (Fringe), David Eick (Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome), Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Caprica), Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy), Robert & Michelle King (The Good Wife), Dean Devlin (Leverage), Steven S. DeKnight (Spartacus Vengeance), Mark Schwahn (One Tree Hill), Janet Tamaro (Rizzoli & Isles), Pam Davis – writer (House), James Duff (The Closer), Mike Royce (Men of a Certain Age), Matthew Carnahan (House of Lies), Russell T. Davies (Torchwood), Anthony LaPaglia – actor (Without a Trace), Jamie Tarses (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Mad Love), Michael Wright – Senior VP TNT/TBS, and Ben Silverman – creator/producer (Ugly Betty, The Tudors).

Directed by Irish filmmaker Des Doyle, Showrunners releases next year. Enjoy the nearly three-and-a-half minute trailer that sits above.

David S. Goyer steps down from FlashForward

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Just before ABC’s FlashForward went on its lengthy hiatus in December, a number of production-related changes came to light.  Namely, co-creator and co-showrunner Marc Guggenheim (Eli Stone) dropped out to focus on other projects.  Today brings news that fellow co-creator and head showrunner David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight) is also stepping down from his top position.  A new showrunner has yet to be announced.  There’s no need to fret, FlashForward fans.  Goyer will remain behind the scenes in some form, and he assures that the show will be put into “great hands:” “As my feature projects have started ramping up again, I felt I was being pulled in too many directions. I’m proud of the show and excited about the relaunch. It’s in great hands.”  I am excited about the relaunch, too.  During its first run of episodes, FlashForward proved to have much potential and this reshuffling of showrunners might just add a pinch of freshness the show needs to step things up to whole new and exciting level it certainly can achieve.

FlashForward returns March 18 on ABC.

[Via IGN]