When I became a showrunner for the first time, I expected the job to be more-or-less like that of an episode writer – only with more power. I was in for a big surprise. Leading the writers’ room is not just about writing, and outside the room a whole new range of disciplines awaits. Being a showrunner is a highly complex job. This course wants to equip European showrunners with the skills needed not just to create their series, but to properly run their show.

The European Showrunner Programme is a much needed initiative addressing a pressing issue which will benefit both individual writers and the European series industry significantly.

There is a big demand of showrunners, but training courses are still hard to find. The new European Showrunner Programme is an answer to the continuing boom in the series market and the shortage of skilled workers. We are pleased to be able to support the training programme as a partner and are looking forward to the results.

The ifs’ European Showrunner Programme stands for everything that Netflix hopes to accomplish with its investments in educational and training programs in Europe. Giving writers a deeper understanding of producing is essential in their path to becoming real showrunners. This will not only make them better producers, but, ultimately, also better writers, and will lead to the creation of yet even greater shows in the future.