Vetran showrunners are in hot demand to help guide untested TV show creators

The Hollywood Reporter

"As a crush of fresh (and green) voices turns to television, execs are scrambling to find proven writer-producers to keep big-ticket investments on track," according to The Hollywood Reporter. These veteran showrunners don't get the glory of the big-name creators. They are the "guy behind the guy," but they're earning a lot of making making sure shows are kept on track. They include NewsRadio creator Paul Simms, who has helped Donald Glover run Atlanta after helping guide Girls and The Flight of the Conchords. "Showrunners don't just fall out of the sky, they're grown," says CBS TV Studios president David Stapf. "There are so many shows now that the talent pool is thinner and people are getting opportunities maybe before they should be."