The official companion to the TV show of the same name, Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show takes an inside look at the world of TV from the people in charge, with contributions from people like Joss Whedon (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Damon Lindelof (of Lost), Terence Winter (of Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos) and Bill Prady (of The Big Bang Theory).
Many fascinating aspects are explored in the book and it’s so easily digestible that you can just dip in and out as you like – making it the perfect reference book to keep on your shelves.
It raises many important questions too. How is the industry changing now that shows are being streamed via channels such as Netflix? What are the negative sides to being a showrunner? How does it feel when you start running out of great ideas and the bosses want to keep a show going? Why are women so under-represented (yes, there are female showrunners on hand to tackle that one!)?
The answers are surprising and really interesting. Read about how Whedon coped with being showrunner for more than one show at a time, or how Lindelof wanted to end Lost when others wanted to keep it going.
Though those interested in TV are clearly the target audience, Showrunners is not just interesting to that demographic. It’s a fascinating and insightful look into the world of writing and will easily be helpful and valuable to anyone aspiring to write, be it novelist or scriptwriter.
It’s like having a whole room full of fantastic mentors – who seem only too happy to share their wealth of experience – all to yourself.
[usr=5] Showrunners: The Art of Running a TV Show is available to buy now from Titan Books.
