Head writer

Definition

The head writer is the individual responsible for overseeing the writing team and ensuring the overall vision and direction of a television show's narrative. This role includes crafting story arcs, developing characters, and coordinating with other writers to maintain a consistent tone and style throughout the series. The head writer acts as a key figure in the writers' room, facilitating collaboration and guiding discussions to create cohesive storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The head writer often has final say on story decisions and character developments, playing a pivotal role in shaping the show's identity.
2. This position requires strong leadership skills, as the head writer must guide a team of writers while also fostering a collaborative environment.
3. In many cases, the head writer is responsible for creating episode outlines and synopses before individual scripts are assigned to other writers.
4. The head writer's vision is crucial in maintaining continuity across seasons, ensuring that character growth and plot development are consistent.
5. Head writers can vary in style; some may prefer an open forum for brainstorming, while others might take a more directive approach to writing.

Review Questions

• How does the role of the head writer contribute to the dynamics of a writers' room?
  • The head writer plays a central role in shaping the dynamics of a writers' room by guiding discussions and facilitating collaboration among team members. They set the tone for creative brainstorming, ensuring that all writers feel comfortable sharing their ideas while also keeping the team's focus aligned with the show's vision. This balance of leadership and collaboration is essential for developing strong narratives and maintaining consistency throughout the series.
• Discuss how the responsibilities of a head writer differ from those of a showrunner in television production.
  • While both roles are crucial in television production, the head writer primarily focuses on the creative aspects of writing, including character development and story arcs. In contrast, the showrunner takes on broader responsibilities that encompass not only writing but also overseeing production, budgeting, and managing staff. The showrunner often integrates their role as head writer into their duties but must also ensure that the overall vision of the show aligns with network expectations and logistical considerations.
• Evaluate the impact of having a single head writer versus multiple co-head writers on a television show's storytelling consistency.
  • Having a single head writer can create a strong sense of consistency in storytelling, as they maintain control over character arcs and thematic elements throughout a series. This unified vision helps prevent conflicting narratives or styles that could arise from multiple voices. However, employing multiple co-head writers can introduce diverse perspectives and ideas that enrich storytelling. The challenge lies in balancing this diversity while ensuring coherence in plotlines and character development. The effectiveness of either approach depends on how well these writers collaborate and communicate their creative intentions.

Related terms

showrunner: The showrunner is the executive producer who is primarily responsible for the creative direction and overall management of a television series, often serving as the head writer as well.

writers' room: A collaborative workspace where a team of writers brainstorms, develops scripts, and discusses story ideas for a television show, often led by the head writer.

script coordinator: The script coordinator assists in organizing and maintaining scripts, tracking revisions, and ensuring that all team members have access to the most current draft of the script.