The show runner is the television producer who commands a show's moment-to-moment, day-to-day details. The show runner hires and supervises the staff, decides what will be included in each show, co-ordinates the casting of each segment, makes sure that a show adheres to its budget, and oversees a production's flow of activities in conjunction with other producers, staff members, technical crews, and post-production personnel. The only book to deal with the subject, this lively, wide-ranging, informative book covers all aspects of show running variety and talk shows for television. Filled with examples from actual television shows, it covers: making, pitching, and selling a pilot show; production development; a show runner's duties and weekly schedule; working with other members of a production's staff and crew; producing a season of shows. Along the way, it also defines the roles played by the many producers whose credits we see on the screen (line producer, field producer, executive producer, etc.) and their interactions with the all-important show runner. Additionally, the book covers show running as a career, discussing the hard realities and many pleasures of the job, including selling oneself, finding work, negotiating for a percentage of a show's profits, and more.
STEVE CLEMENTS BIO
For 40 plus years, Steve Clements has taught, trained, written for, directed and produced in all aspects of performance from corporate communications to speeches and events, national network broadcasts, video, and boardroom and courtroom presentations, as well as a multitude of experiences across his years as a Hollywood producer.
Now, working with executives in many Fortune 500 companies as oral communications consultant and media trainer, Steve distills his focus into a basic philosophy: Find the best you and practice it until it is second nature. Then utilize it for guaranteed success in every communications challenge.
Steve began honing this philosophy while teaching Television and Speech on college and secondary levels in New York City. In the evenings, he performed as a stand-up comic at the legendary Improv and Catch a Rising Star, and appeared Off-Broadway with the prestigious Roundabout Theatre Company. These experiences were the segue to his becoming a situation comedy writer in Los Angeles for WELCOME BACK, KOTTER and THREE'S COMPANY, and a writer for the classic talk/variety series DINAH!, starring Dinah Shore.
Soon he became co-creator of a ground-breaking show for women, HOUR MAGAZINE. Before going on air, he spent a year training Gary Collins as the talk show's host. During its eight years in national syndication, with Steve as Supervising Producer, HOUR MAGAZINE was recognized by the American Medical Association as well as the American Bar Association, and received six Emmy nominations and two Gold Awards from the International Film and Television Festival of New York.
Steve continued training throughout, preparing dozen of experts to greet national audiences including: talk show hosts Bob Goen {ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT} and Pat Sajak {WHEEL OF FORTUNE}; world renowned cardiologist and, subsequently, best selling author Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld; chef and entrepreneur Wolfgang Puck; "hair stylist to the stars" Jose Eber; fitness guru Richard Simmons and others.
When Disney called, Steve took on his next challenge--executive producing the 1990s MICKEY MOUSE CLUB. Steve's modernizing of Disney's iconic 1950s version earned him three CableAce nominations and helped The Disney Channel double in growth. This now equally well-known hit gave rise to celebrities such as Keri Russell, JC Chasez ('N Sync), Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
Steve's credits also include producing the exercise/entertainment magazine show, BODY BY JAKE, for the Samuel Goldwyn Company, and training fitness expert Jake Steinfeld as a television host. In association with FOX, Steve created and became Executive Producer of the pilot for THE BERTICE BERRY SHOW, the fastest selling show in the history of television syndication.
Throughout, Steve occupied the hot seat himself, serving as spokesperson for Disney, Westinghouse, FOX and other corporations while managing staffs ranging from 4 to 150; handling budgets from $11,000 to $1,000,000 a week; and preparing leaders, professionals and celebrities to talk to their various publics. He recounts these and other experiences from his 3,000 national television broadcasts in his trade/text book, published by Silman-James Press, entitled Show Runner: Producing Variety and Talk Shows for Television.
Today Steve is co-owner of Executive Speak/Write, an oral and written communications skills improvement firm based out of Atlanta, GA. The company provides one-on-one and group training programs for executives in oral and media presentations, enabling them to become their best and most comfortable "you." In the academic world, he is Distinguished Professor of Communications at Augusta State University (University System of Georgia) heading the Television/Cinema track, and teaching undergraduates and MBA candidates.
At the same time, Steve sits on the board of directors for the Atlanta Film Festival, the Southeast's premier showcase for independent film, and on the Program Committee for the World Trade Center Atlanta. He also serves as an accredited trial witness in the field of Video/Communications for TASA (Technical Advisory for Attorneys) and Expert Resources, Inc.
But wait. There's more. As co-owner of DIAMOND EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTIONS, Steve has established a new quality benchmark for the production of videos for the educational market. He has produced more than 30 titles for national and international distribution and well as written, produced and directed the NFLPA-MARCH TO VICTORY. This video, which traces the history of the National Football League Players Association, is given to every player entering the NFL.
Steve's unique background enables him to train leaders and developing professionals in successful oral presentation, media performance, and executive presence techniques; speak as an accredited expert trial witness, multi-degreed theatre, film and television historian and producer; and talk as an honored professor and keynote speaker.
