Question 1

What’s the difference between a Producer and a Showrunner?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

On a television show, the Showrunner is often also a Producer. However, shows typically have multiple Producers who each oversee a specific aspect of the production.
Some Producers may be involved in the day-to-day production needs of a television show, while others look after the budgetary or post-production considerations of it.
In short, while a Showrunner is often a Producer on a show, the majority of individuals who are credited as a Producer are not the Showrunner.

Question 2

What’s a Showrunner do?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Showrunner is the person who leads the production of a television show. They may or may not be the creator of the show, but the Showrunner is the person who makes all major hiring, creative, and production-specific decisions.

Question 3

What is a Showrunner salary?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The salary for a Showrunner will depend on a number of factors, including how experienced they are in the position if they are the creator of the show, and where the show is being distributed.
A more veteran Showrunner can negotiate for a higher salary, as can someone who is the creator of the show. In addition, a show that is aired on a network channel typically translates into a higher Showrunner salary than one played on a streamer.
With these considerations in mind, the average salary for a Showrunner is anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 for a single episode. Unlike other professions, Showrunners do not generally earn an annual salary, as television production work is a seasonal job.

Question 4

What is the difference between a Head Writer and a Showrunner?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

As their title implies, the Head Writer on a television show is the most senior person on the writing staff. Similarly, as their title indicates, the Showrunner is the person who leads the production of a television show, much as a Director does in filmmaking. The same person may hold both titles of Head Writer and Showrunner on a series.

Question 5

How much does Netflix pay a Showrunner?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Exact numbers are difficult to come by when it involves what Netflix pays its Showrunners. However, general novice Showrunners can make upwards of $30,000 per episode. Contrast that with someone like Shonda Rhimes, who can make more than $20 million on one of her network shows. Given that Netflix is a streamer – not a network channel – the amount a Showrunner makes on one its shows will likely fall somewhere in between these figures.

Question 6

Who is the highest paid Showrunner in the world?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Several high-profile creatives have made deals with various production companies and studios that provide them lucrative contracts, and Shonda Rhimes is no exception. She is certainly on the high end of the most handsomely paid Showrunners in the world, as she currently has a $150 million contract with Netflix.

Question 7

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Davey Holmes · Accepted Answer

“Work on your voice, that one thing that makes you unique. I just listened to a great interview with John Waters, and he said, ‘Once you’ve learned what you do, there’s nothing wrong with repeating yourself over and over again.’ He’s being a little bit sarcastic, but I know what he means. There are ways to continually explore your sweet spot without boring the world and yourself.”

Question 8

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Davey Holmes · Accepted Answer

“People can be too conscious of notes, and they stop listening to themselves. They over-respond to what the town is looking for, trying to second-guess what’s hot. You have to be excited by something, don’t let yourself be taken outside of your material, outside of your gut. Learn how to relax, be collaborative and patient.”

Question 9

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Davey Holmes · Accepted Answer

“Am I able to delegate?!”

Question 10

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Davey Holmes · Accepted Answer

“Obsessive.”

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