Showrunner Rules from Jeffrey Lieber: Numbers 261–270
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: 261–270:
Showrunner Rule #261: Write for the episode you dream of. Rewrite for the budget and circumstances you’re faced with.
Showrunner Rule #262: When they hand out ear plugs, things are about to go BOOM. #WeJustHandedOutEarPlugs
Showrunner Rule #263: When forced to cut for time, look at action scenes. Few secs won’t be missed & shorter cuts makes for > energy anyway.
Showrunner Rule #264: On net shows “hiatus” is a misnomer. W/ super short turn around & decisions that MUST be made, its more a ‘half-atus”.
Showrunner Rule #265: The sight of “second lunch” is like a oasis in the desert… and a sign you’re miles from the promise land.
Showrunner Rule #266: Lots of depts promoting your show, some of which may not know what’s up in writers room. Watch/read EVERYTHING.
Showrunner Rule #267: Be there for last catered meal of season. They serve the best food… so you’ll remember & rehire for next year. :)
Showrunner Rule #268: Be loving to rare executive who forgives when you speak out loud that voice that should stay locked in your head.
Showrunner Rule #269: At end of episode pitch, you should be able to easily identify 3 scenes that will comprise the “trailer”.
Showrunner Rule #270: Goal is to deliver the show at budget # — one cent. Over is bad. Under is bad. Don’t use, you lose it going forward.
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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