Building a pipeline of diverse mid-to senior-level writers with toolkits to be successful Showrunners

The WBD Access Showrunner Program was developed in consultation with veteran showrunners and producers including: Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Janine Sherman Barrois, Doozer (Bill Lawrence), Roberto Aguirre – Sacasa,  Sarah Schecter (Berlanti Productions), Rachel Kaplan, and John Wells.

The program, which launches in April 2022, will give participants valuable first-hand instruction from established showrunners to prepare them for the demands of running a writer’s room and managing a production. For those who need the additional experience, the program will also offer a unique opportunity to shadow a showrunner during pre-production and on set in production.

Program participants will receive instruction centered around the vital leadership development skills needed to catapult their careers. Masterclasses will focus on topics such as: running a writer’s room, conflict resolution, and leading with an equity mindset. Participants will also strengthen skills on: staffing an inclusive room, managing budgets, collaborating with department heads, and, if needed,  be exposed to on-set culture and post production. 

Meet the participants:

• Angela Harvey
• Shannon Houston
• Naomi Iizuka
• Sabrina Jalees
• Taofik Kolade
• Kevin Lau
• Jessica Meyer
• Anna Ouyang Moench
• Lisa Payton
• Janine Salinas Schoenberg
• Jameal Turner
• Tessa Williams
• Jaboukie Young-White