How to Survive and Thrive as a Showrunner's Assistant 🧰
How to Survive and Thrive as a Showrunner’s Assistant.
Being a support staff in television is a wonderful opportunity to learn so much about the industry and people who work in it. I learned a ton through the WGA’s Writers Support Staff Training Program. Below are lessons that I needed to learn first-hand because culture and operational principles are truly specific to the show. But I hope they’re also general enough to help you on your journey of starting out as a support staff in television, specifically as a showrunner’s assistant. Please only take what you need. I’ll keep adding to them as I think of more.
First six months is a storming period. Things might be rough between you and your boss, and most likely it’s not your fault. It’s a trust building phase of the relationship. Trust that it will pass.
Build camaraderie with support staff. They are your sanity and, if they’re experienced, they’ll become your mentor & sounding boards. They’ll often guide you to safe harbor.
Create a birthdays calendar for writers & support staff. It’s important to remember, and if you can, send something (even a text).
Being an assistant is a day job, not a career. Detach emotionally while also doing your best each day.
Corollary to #4, but “To succeed, you must do your job and do the job you want.” (Ed Saxon’s quote)
If you have a sense of humor, use it. It’s probably the fastest way to build trust.
Double check things to make sure everything’s set up & correct. Ask clarifying questions when uncertain. Remove uncertainty as much as possible for both yourself and everyone else.
Do something that brings joy to your boss. Hang a poster in their office that’s been leaning against the wall. Something that makes their life slightly easier.
In the first few months, be an observer rather than a participant. Learn your role within the larger lay of the land. Learn the culture of the room, of the show, of your boss. Learn which writers are good at what. Simply absorb.
They hired writers to do the job. They want you to do yours, and it’s - unfortunately - not writing / pitching / offering ideas. You are a (not always wanted) guest in the room. Learn the hierarchy, accept and respect the status-quo even if it drives you slightly crazy.
Everyone talks. Spread good gossip (praise others). Avoid bad gossip.
Invest in therapy. Health insurance should cover a good chunk.
Learn about the history of the studio system. Learn what it used to be, and what it is now. It’ll help you understand why it’s the way it is.
Go on runs to move through your emotions. You’ll often be in fight or flight and you need physical activity to move you through the state.
Consolidate your questions and updates for the boss. Send a consolidated list once in the morning, and if needed, once in the late afternoon.
You are not responsible for other people’s emotions. Don’t take people’s mood personally. It’s probably caused by something way above your pay grade.
Have compassion for others and for yourself.
Anything else I should add?