Thoughts After the Show-runner Panel

After reflecting on the animation show-runner panel, I really appreciated the candidness and humbleness of each of the speakers. Mike Mayfield from Mr. Pickles! , Chris Savino from The Loud House, and Brandon Vietti from Young Justice all painted an earnest picture of what being a show-runner truly entails.  Often it means long boring meetings about budgets and schedules. But it also means  “putting on different hats” and having a say in each part of the production pipeline. Because of this, every day is different for this job. Show-runners experience gut busting laughter in the writer’s room as well as reviewing storyboards made by amazing artists. According to Chris Savino, it takes a certain personality to become a show-runner, you have to be obsessed with making the show as close to its original idea as possible.

Along with gaining a better understanding of what being showrunner is like, each of the speakers gave invaluable advice about the industry.

All the speakers expressed there are three essential characteristics in order for someone to be hireable- they are good at art, are kind and a team player, and are punctual with deadlines. They all expressed that they would rather help a not as good kind artist become better than work with a rude good artist. Furthermore, reputation is important because animation is a tight knit community and finding work relies on personal connections made with other professionals. Also bad reputations like being rude or turning work in late can stick for years. Chris Savino expressed he had to overcome his reputation of being someone who complains years after he worked on Ren and Stimpy.

All the speakers voiced that they did not think that they would have their current job. They all took career changing opportunities instead of being fixated on what they thought they wanted. They advised to immersed in current jobs and create the best work and relationships possible. The journey is unpredictable and as long as you do your job well and are genuine you will be fine. The panelists also suggested to specialize in what you want to do and not appear desperate. Desperation often comes from fear and hinders achieving ones goals. Also Chris Savino stated to stop comparing oneself to others. There’s a difference between what we think  we need to achieve and what our actual calling.

Lastly, it’s important to remember why we make animation. As Chris Savino said “entertainment isn’t frivolous”. The art we create can mean so much to people. It can bond families and help people through tough times.

I’m glad that I went to this. I feel more confident about my future in the animation industry and it helped me learn to enjoy and soak up the journey instead of only focusing on the end goal.  I’m excited to integrate their advice into my life and who knows maybe I’ll be in their same position one day.

Leave a Reply