Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision as a showrunner. How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

As a showrunner, I had to make a difficult decision when there was a disagreement between two key members of our writing team. One writer wanted to take the story in a more traditional direction, while another wanted to explore a more experimental approach. I handled this situation by facilitating a discussion between the two writers, allowing them to express their viewpoints and concerns. I actively listened to both sides and encouraged open dialogue. After considering all perspectives, I made a decision to go with the more experimental approach, as it aligned better with the overall vision of the show. I communicated this decision to the team clearly and provided reasoning behind it. Throughout the process, I ensured that everyone felt heard and valued, and I actively supported the implementation of the chosen approach.

A more solid answer

As a showrunner, I faced a difficult decision when our main actor unexpectedly dropped out of the show due to personal reasons. This left us with a major setback, as we had already started production and invested a significant amount of time and money. I handled the situation by quickly assessing the impact of the actor's departure on the show's storyline, budget, and schedule. I collaborated with the production team to explore different options, such as recasting or rewriting the character. After careful consideration, I made the decision to rewrite the character in order to maintain the integrity of the story and minimize budgetary and scheduling disruptions. I worked closely with the writing team to develop a new arc for the character that still served the overall narrative. This decision required strong leadership and communication skills, as I had to communicate the changes to the cast and crew, ensuring their understanding and support. Despite the challenges, we successfully completed the season on time and received positive feedback from both the network and viewers.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing a more comprehensive example of a difficult decision made as a showrunner. It demonstrates strong leadership, decision-making, collaboration, and writing skills. It also addresses the financial and organizational aspects of the role by considering the impact on the budget and schedule. The answer includes specific details about the show, the decision-making process, and the outcome. However, it could further improve by providing more specific examples of financial acumen and attention to detail.

An exceptional answer

As a showrunner, I encountered a challenging decision when a major network executive expressed concerns about the show's ratings and suggested making significant changes to attract a wider audience. This decision put me in a difficult position, as I deeply believed in the show's unique storytelling approach and audience niche. To handle this situation, I conducted extensive research on the current television landscape, analyzing market trends and audience preferences. I also collaborated with the writing team to evaluate the show's strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the unique elements that set it apart. Armed with this information, I scheduled a meeting with the network executive to present a compelling case for maintaining the show's creative integrity. During the meeting, I confidently articulated the show's vision, emphasizing its potential for critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase. I also proposed targeted marketing strategies and audience engagement initiatives to improve viewership within the existing niche. The executive was initially hesitant but impressed by my passion, preparation, and understanding of the market. Ultimately, they agreed to give the show another season with an increased marketing budget. This decision showcased my exceptional leadership, negotiation, and strategic thinking abilities, resulting in a successful continuation of the show.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a highly detailed and well-developed example of a difficult decision made as a showrunner. It addresses multiple evaluation areas, including leadership, decision-making, collaboration, writing and storytelling, financial acumen, and organizational skills. The answer demonstrates a deep understanding of the television industry, market analysis, and strategic thinking. It also showcases effective communication, negotiation, and persuasion skills. The answer is supported by specific examples, such as conducting research, proposing targeted strategies, and successfully convincing a network executive. The exceptional answer exceeds the basic and solid answers by providing a more comprehensive and impressive response.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on difficult decisions you have made as a showrunner and identify the key evaluation areas that were involved in those decisions.
Think about specific examples that demonstrate your leadership, decision-making, collaboration, and writing abilities.
Consider how you handled challenging situations with limited resources or tight schedules, showcasing your financial acumen and organizational skills.
Research industry trends and market preferences to anticipate potential obstacles and develop strategies to maintain the show's creative integrity.
Practice articulating your vision and passion for the show to effectively communicate and persuade network executives or stakeholders.

What interviewers are evaluating

Leadership
Decision-making
Collaboration
Writing and storytelling