Every Showrunner is going to be different but here is the process we go through: Phase 1, before the greenlight we are always reading. I’ve read it’s gotta be 200 scripts for the #wgasolidaritychallenge and the best ones are on my list! We’ve also attended WGA meet the writers https://twitter.com/pedroborgesfilm/status/1260758382140551168

events to get to know underrepresented writers. Those writers send sample, now you’re on our list. So phase one, collect great writers in your mind for your fantasy room. (If you’ve had 20 shows you should still do this but many SR do not and just hire from previous rooms.)

Phase 2, you get greenlit but no one knows. Now the network starts sending you samples. And your own reps do too, trying to get their other clients on your show. More reading, now there’s a spreadsheet.

Phase 2A, exchange of information where you send samples you like to the network and vice versa. No one gets hired without the network liking them too!

Phase 3, everyone finds out you got greenlit and other agencies literally call you and pitch writers. They send samples. Each agency (pre dispute) would send maybe a dozen scripts but surprisingly few agencies did this. Only big 4 plus tv lit boutiques.

That was all making lists, now it’s time to meet in person (or Zoom!). Phase 4 is staffing meetings! If you made it this far you have to meet with the SR and the network (separate meetings) and these happen top down. Who’s your #2?

Co-EPs get hired then mids and finally SE and staff. Now budget comes into play. You had x dollars per ep for staff and you just spent y, do you take it from the music budget or hire 2 staff instead of the 1 sup prod?

Negotiations are done by network BA so thankfully you don’t have to handle that but you have to deal with the quickly diminishing budget. This is Phase 5, making the deals. And this is where the room sometimes winds up looking very different than you planned!

Congratulations, now you’re in the room!

PS if you’re a staff writer your first and primary goal is to get your next job by being on the SR’s list in Phase 1 next time!