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The Art of Television Writing: How Showrunners and Writers Create Beloved Characters and Engaging Storylines
TV has captivated audiences for decades with its rich characters and engaging storylines. But what goes into the process of creating a successful TV show? In this blog, we'll delve into the art of television writing and explore the role of showrunners and writers in bringing beloved characters and compelling narratives to life.
The Role of Showrunners and Writers
In the world of TV, the showrunner is the person who is ultimately responsible for the creative vision and execution of a show. They oversee all aspects of the production, from writing and casting to budget and scheduling. Showrunners often collaborate with a team of writers to develop and write the show's episodes, and they work closely with the cast, crew, and studio to bring the show to life.
While showrunners are the driving force behind a TV show, they often rely on a team of writers to help bring their vision to fruition. Writers are responsible for crafting the show's characters, storylines, and dialogue, and they work closely with the showrunner to ensure that the show stays true to its creative vision.
The collaborative nature of television writing means that showrunners and writers often rely on each other to bring their best ideas to the table. Successful showrunner/writer partnerships, such as those between Shonda Rhimes and Krista Vernoff or Aaron Sorkin and David Kelley, have resulted in some of the most beloved and enduring TV shows of all time.
Character Development
Great TV shows are often defined by their compelling and relatable characters. Showrunners and writers work to create characters that audiences will love (or love to hate), and they use a variety of techniques to bring these characters to life.
Establishing a character's backstory is a crucial component of character development since it may offer a character depth and complexity, even if it is just hinted at or slowly disclosed over the course of a series. A character's past can also make them seem more real and accessible to viewers.
Another important aspect of character development is giving characters unique traits, quirks, and flaws that make them stand out. This can include physical characteristics, mannerisms, or personality traits that help define a character and make them memorable
Developing a character's relationships with other characters can also be key to their development. Whether it's a romantic relationship, a friendship, or a rivalry, the way a character interacts with others can reveal important aspects of their personality and help drive the plot of a TV show. Finally, writers and showrunners must also consider how a character will evolve over the course of a series. Building character arcs that show a character growing and changing over time can help keep a show feeling fresh and engaging.
Plot and Structure
A strong plot and structure are crucial to keeping a TV show engaging and compelling. Showrunners and writers must balance the need to maintain continuity and build tension with the need to keep things fresh and unexpected. One technique for building tension and suspense is the use of cliffhangers, which leave audiences on the edge of their seats and eager to tune in to the next episode. Showrunners and writers must be careful not to overuse this technique, however, as it can become predictable and lose its impact.
Subplots can also be used to add depth and complexity to a TV show's main storylines. By giving supporting characters their own storylines and character arcs, showrunners and writers can create a sense of a fully realized world and keep things interesting for audiences.
Dialogue and Voice
The words that characters speak on a TV show are just as important as the actions they take. Showrunners and writers must be careful to craft authentic and engaging dialogue that feels true to the characters and advances the plot.
One key aspect of writing great TV dialogue is finding the right voice for a show. This can include the characters' tone, language, and slang, as well as the show's overall tone and style. By establishing a distinct voice for a TV show, showrunners and writers can help make it stand out from the crowd.
World-Building and Setting
The setting of a TV show can be just as important as the characters and plot. Showrunners and writers must consider the time and place in which a show is set, and how that will shape the tone, atmosphere, and themes of the show. Historical and cultural context can also be important in shaping a TV show's setting. Whether it's the advertising industry of the 1960s in Mad Men or the drug trade of Baltimore in The Wire, the setting can help define the characters and storylines of a TV show. By building a rich and immersive world for a TV show, showrunners and writers can help create a sense of place that draws audiences in and keeps them engaged.
The Business of Television Writing
While the creative aspects of television writing are crucial, there are also practical considerations involved in the development and production of a TV show. Showrunners and writers often work with agents, managers, and studios to pitch, develop, and produce their ideas.
The TV writing process can vary depending on the format of the show (e.g. network, cable, streaming), but it typically follows a similar path. Showrunners and writers will start by pitching their ideas to agents, managers, and studios, who can help them secure a deal and develop their idea into a full-fledged TV show.
Once a deal is in place, the showrunner and writing team will work on creating a pilot episode, which is essentially a sample episode that is used to sell the show to networks or streaming platforms. If the pilot is picked up, the showrunner and writers will then work on developing the rest of the season's episodes, taking into account feedback from the network or studio.
The business of television writing can be competitive, and it can be tough for aspiring writers to break into the industry. However, the opportunities for writers are constantly expanding with the growth of streaming platforms, which have made it easier for new voices to be heard.
Conclusion
TV writing is a challenging and rewarding profession that calls for a blend of originality, technical skill, and financial acumen. To develop lovable characters and compelling plotlines that attract audiences and have a long-lasting influence on popular culture, showrunners and writers must collaborate. Great TV writing has always been a driving force in the entertainment industry, from the early days of TV to the era of streaming, and it will continue to be a significant component of the medium for years to come.
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