Writers' Room Jobs Explained
Your first job as a writer on a TV show is a super exciting opportunity. While each writers' room is different and will operate with its own set of rules, most rooms have the same job titles and structure. For example, the room usually brainstorms episode ideas together as a group, then a script is assigned to one person or a writing team for the actual writing. Whether you’ve been in a room before as a writers' assistant, or this is your first time, understanding everyone’s responsibilities and expectations is crucial to being a helpful member of the team. So let's break it down:
Staff Writer
This is the entry-level position of the room. As a staff writer, you may or may not be assigned a script and receive a writing credit. Still, you're a very important and vital part of the room and you'll be pitching and brainstorming with the rest of the writers.
Story Editor/Executive Story Editor
As a Story Editor or Executive Story Editor, you'll have slightly more experience than staff writers. Maybe you've been on the show longer than them, or you came from another job where you served as a staff writer. You know how to operate in a room now, you'll pitch confidently, and expectations are slightly higher.
Co-Producer
As a Co-Producer, you're a mid-level writer and will receive more responsibilities than story editors. This might include mentoring lower level writers.
Producer
At this level, you're an experienced writer and most likely will have more responsibilities beyond writing, like being tasked to physically be on set to produce episodes.
Supervising Producer
As a Supervising Producer, sometimes called the "number three," you're now an upper level writer that could be tasked with running the room if the showrunners and co-executive producers are unavailable or not in the room.
Co-Executive Producer
Often called the “number two,” Co-Executive Producers are the showrunner's right hand person and is responsible for running the room if the showrunner is busy with other tasks.
Showrunner
A showrunner runs the show! They have the final say in everything, from casting to script assignments. Usually the showrunner is also the creator of the show, and they most likely wrote the original pilot script.
Be a vital part of the room by understanding your responsibilities and expectations.
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