Showrunner Rules from Jeffrey Lieber: Numbers 221–230

Jeff Lieber is a screenwriter and TV writer. His movie credits include Tuck Everlasting and he is currently an executive producer of the CBS series “NCIS: New Orleans”. On Twitter (@JeffLieber), he has run a series of tweets called Showrunner Rules. For background on Jeff and this Twitter series, go here.

Today: Numbers 221–230:

Showrunner Rule #221 (1of2) Page 42 is darkest moment in drama script. You’re miles away from “layup” cold open scenes and…

Showrunner Rule #221 (2of2) …plot which you and room never REALLY figured out, has just come home roost. #LuvTheGuyOnPage42 :)

Showrunner Rule #222: Best feeling in the wide world, filling that plot on page 42 with something you discover on page 51. #TheGuyOnPage51

Showrunner Rule #223: Every meeting to discuss promotion robs time from writing show to promote. But no promo, no show-mo. So go, yo?

Showrunner Rule #224: When you have 3 clues to get you to the same plot move, cut 2. TV is the most efficient art form since the haiku.

Showrunner Rule #225: Make peace with casting Game-O-Chicken. Actor WILL appear on the day, though your introduction may come AFTER action.

Showrunner Rule #226: Lead character is defined by X, which is why she does A, B, and C differently than any other character on television.

Showrunner Rule #226 Addendum: Please return to rule #226 as all iconic television is defined by that rule and that rule alone.

Showrunner Rule #227 (1 of 2): Demand staff ASK FOR HELP. Nothing worse than “me do” writer who insists on writing every word…

Showrunner Rule #227 (2 of 2): …then turns in shatty draft a day late. Job as producer is to PRODUCE & that may mean assists from others.

Showrunner Rule #228: When shooting outside LA, pick cool locations, ’cause given the amount of work, its ONLY way to see your host city.

Showrunner Rule #229: Never forget that nothing really matters until the close up. Scenes that SUX in the wide, can sing in coverage.

Showrunner Rule #229A: If you happen to be an actor who is “saving it” for the close, WARN ME. It’ll save everyone 4 hours of sheer panic.

Showrunner Rule #230: A staff is essentially a tribe. Choose well and survive the barren winter. Choose badly and starve before the thaw.

Here is Jeff’s bio:

One day in 1986, after blowing up a glass beaker in a lab in high school, Jeffrey Lieber’s science teacher, Dr. Nagoi, turned to him and said, “Jeffrey… you be an actor… you be a writer… maybe have a family… but please, dear God, don’t be a chemist.” And it was those words that launched a journey that has ended up with Mr. Lieber becoming a screenwriter, showrunner, blogger, father and husband (Credits? Go here). Every day, while pursuing his passions, Mr. Lieber takes a moment to stop and thank Dr. Nagoi for his sage advice.

You can follow Jeff on Twitter (@JeffLieber).

For all of the Showrunner Rules, go here.

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