Showrunners - Training Gaps Analysis - Cultural Human Resources ...

IV. Training Needs
PRODUCTION CASE STUDIES
Showrunners Training Gap Analysis
To understand the role of the Showrunner in Canadian television series production, and to get a
cross section of views on Showrunner competencies and training needs, 9 series were chosen as
case studies, 6 English language and 3 French language. Multiple interviews were conducted for
each case study (see Appendix B1 and B2 for List of Interviewees) focusing on the senior
creative team. Three other English language series were also discussed in interviews but did not
constitute case studies.
English Interviews (see Appendix B1)
The following provides a profile of the background of the English language interviewees.
Case studies: 6
Total interviews: 28
Case study interviews: 17; Covering 24 positions (some interviewees had roles on more than one
series).
Other industry professionals interviewed: 11
Profession of interviewees
Showrunners: 7
Producers: 14
Writers: 4
Other: 3
Background of interviewees:
More than 10 years in the industry: 19
6 to 10 years: 6
No answer: 3
Experience of interviewees in current role:
More than 10 years in the industry: 11
6 to 10 years: 5
2 to 5 years: 5
Less than 2 years: 4
No answer: 3
Education of interviewees:
All of the interviewees had at least undergraduate university education, and many had a graduate
level degree. Three reported on professional development experience at the Canadian Film Centre
(CFC), two at the National Screen Institute (NSI), one at the Banff CanWest Showrunner
program 2008.
The series used as case studies were:
FLASHPOINT
Produced by Pink Sky Entertainment and Avamar Entertainment
Broadcaster CTV and CBS
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Deborah Carver and Benoit Dubois, January 2009