Ep 6. Drama Showrunners
- September 13, 2020
- 40 min
Close Up with the Hollywood Reporter season 6 episode 6, titled "Drama Showrunners," delves into the minds of the creators behind some of the most successful and critically acclaimed television dramas. The episode features showrunners Liz Tigelaar ("Little Fires Everywhere"), Courtney Kemp ("Power"), Joe Weisberg ("The Americans"), Tanya Saracho ("Vida"), and Peter Morgan ("The Crown").
The episode begins with each showrunner reflecting on their unique approach to creating compelling and authentic characters and storylines. Tigelaar discusses her desire to focus on stories that center around female experiences and perspectives, while Kemp talks about infusing her own personal journey and struggles into her show "Power."
Weisberg shares his love of espionage and his experience working in government, leading him to create "The Americans," a show set during the Cold War. Saracho discusses her desire to highlight the Latinx experience and bring underrepresented stories to the forefront with her show "Vida." Morgan, who has previously written biographical works, talks about the challenges of writing a show about real people in "The Crown."
Throughout the episode, the showrunners discuss the challenges they face in balancing their creative visions with the demands of network executives and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They also discuss how they handle difficult and controversial plotlines and character choices and how they navigate the ever-changing landscape of television.
Viewers will get a unique behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of some of the most successful drama showrunners in Hollywood. "Drama Showrunners" is a must-watch for any aspiring television writer or creators looking to delve deeper into the world of television drama.