FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMME LAUNCHES FOR UK AND EUROPEAN TV SHOWRUNNERS

A new online training opportunity, designed to teach the essential principles of US TV showrunning, is now available to UK and European television writers, producers and industry professionals.

Running the Show, a collaboration between MediaXchange, John Yorke Story and US Showrunner Jeff Melvoin, provides participants with the skills, insight and techniques they need to navigate the complexities of the showrunner role – a combination of writer and executive producer who runs a show.

The training programme has been devised in response to the increased use of the showrunner model outside the US (see notes, below), from Fleabag to Dr Who and Line of Duty.

Participants will also gain an in-depth understanding of the US showrunner model, which has revolutionised the television industry, and how to apply the lessons to their own work.

As the role evolves across the globe, the training offers writers in the UK, Europe and beyond the opportunity to master the skills successful showrunners need, from maintaining a cohesive creative vision to effectively managing production logistics.

Over nine weeks, working in small groups, participants will also develop strong leadership skills, find out how to build and manage writing teams, and learn how to communicate effectively with execs and studios.

The programme, designed for busy people to fit between other commitments, is delivered online, with lessons released weekly, making it accessible to participants anywhere in the world.

Veteran US Showrunner Jeff Melvoin leads the training, utilising his experience of working on some of the most watched TV shows of all time, including The West Wing, Alias and Psych. He is joined by John Yorke, a renowned expert in storytelling and screenwriting. Yorke, who leads the BBC Writers Academy is the bestselling author of Into the Woods, considered a must-read for anyone who wants to write for television.

“We are excited to offer this unique opportunity to UK and European writers, producers and industry professionals,” says Katrina Wood, CEO of MediaXchange. “The US showrunner model is one of the most successful in the world, and we believe that this programme will provide participants with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the global television industry.”

“I am thrilled to be a part of this programme,” says Jeff Melvoin. “I believe that the principles of US showrunning are essential for anyone who wants to be a successful showrunner, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with participants.”

John Yorke says: “The TV industry is in a state of flux with new roles and opportunities emerging all the time. By embracing US showrunning principles, the course will give the ideal grounding to writers and producers looking to step up to a showrunner role. Learners have a chance to elevate their careers and gain a competitive edge in the global television landscape.”

The programme is now available for registration. For more information, please visit: https://www.johnyorkestory.com/course/running-the-show/

NOTES

About the Showrunner model

A Showrunner is the creative force behind a TV series – a combination of chief writer and executive producer who has ultimate creative vision and creative responsibility for a TV series, reporting only to the production company or studio. It elevates the role of writer to the person who runs the show rather than one who hands over a script.

Showrunners are responsible for running writers’ rooms, hiring and firing cast and crew, developing plot lines, writing scripts, overseeing production budgets and mediating with networks.

The showrunner model has been used in the US for decades, but has only recently been adopted by other countries. Doctor Who rebooted under Showrunner Russell T Davies in 2005, and more recent UK Showrunners include Jed Mercurio (Line of Duty), Sally Wainwright (Last Tango in Halifax, Happy Valley), Armando Iannucci (The Day Today, The Thick of It, Veep), Steven Moffatt (Sherlock) Julian Fellows (Downton Abbey), Emma Frost (The White Queen) and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag).

About MediaXchange

MediaXchange is a leading international specialist for creative vision and business development. The company has over 30 years of experience in the television industry, and has worked with some of the most successful TV shows of all time.

About John Yorke Story

John Yorke Story is a leading provider of CPD online storytelling training. The company's courses are designed to teach the essential skills and knowledge that writers need to succeed in the television industry.

About Jeff Melvoin

Jeff Melvoin is a veteran showrunner who has worked on some of the most successful TV shows of all time, including The West Wing, Alias and Psych. Melvoin is also the founder of the WGA West Showrunner program.

Media Contact

For more information, please contact:

Christina Bunce christina@johnyorkestory.com

MORE INFO

Summary: Revolutionising Showrunning Education in the UK and Europe with First-of-its-Kind Online Course

• Jeff Melvoin, MediaXchange and John Yorke Story collaborate to introduce the US showrunner model to the UK and Europe through an innovative online learning programme.
• The first-of-its-kind course offers professionals outside the US an unprecedented opportunity to gain insights into the principles and practices that have shaped television drama.
• Participants will have access to the expertise of renowned industry experts, including Jeff Melvoin and John Yorke, as they enhance their storytelling capabilities and leadership skills.
• By embracing US showrunning principles, participating professionals can elevate their careers and gain a competitive edge in the global television landscape.

Key Elements of the Programme:

• Each edition of the course will cater to a dedicated group of 15 participants. This programme is specifically designed for established writers, producers and executives with aspirations to take on lead creative roles and seeking a comprehensive understanding of the writing and producorial process for scripted drama series,
• The curriculum has been developed and will be directed by Jeff Melvoin, a highly experienced showrunner and author of the forthcoming book ‘Running the Show: Television from the Inside’. Melvoin is also founder and chair of the celebrated Showrunner Training Program at the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW).
• The sessions will feature world-renowned guest speakers, including specialists in the writing process and department heads responsible for budgeting, production and editing.
• The programme is delivered via the John Yorke Story Virtual Learning Environment, offering a flexible, structured and interactive online learning experience. Participants will receive regular feedback and support, enabling them to integrate coursework effectively into their weekly schedules.
• Produced in collaboration with MediaXchange, building on their successful bi-annual Showrunner TV Drama Exchange, now in its 24th year in Los Angeles, as well as their live webinar series, Showrunning Forensics. These programs serve as catalysts for sharing skills and creative processes among international drama colleagues.
• Following the inaugural run, the programme will continue with a regular calendar of three editions each year, further supporting the advancement of TV drama professionals.