What is a writer’s room?

What is a writer’s room? A writer’s room is basically what it sounds like; a space where writers meet to collaborate on a project for television. A writer’s room has a number of writers, producers, and others (like a script supervisor or a PA) who are there to get a script (or scripts) together. 

Depending on the scope of the project, the budget, and the production in general, the number of people in a writer’s room can vary widely. Some may only have two writers, while others may have two dozen. There are also “mini rooms,” which tend to be for smaller scale projects or projects that haven’t been greenlit yet, and those typically contain far fewer writers.

What happens in a writer’s room?

What happens in a writer’s room? How does such a big group of people collaborate on a project like this? Well, first, they need to outline the overall season of television. If it’s a new show, they have to create a show Bible. 

Then they have to break the story. What does that mean? When writers break a story, it means they’re taking the ideas they pitched to the showrunner and turn those ideas into actual storylines. They may break the plot lines down into A plots, B plots, and so on. Then, the group dives into the story and goes scene by scene to figure out what’s going on. People will throw out ideas, the group will discuss, workshop, and select the best idea, and then move on to the next scene or plot beat.

After this is done, individual writers will write a script for their assigned episode based on that exercise. The writer’s room will then need to punch up the script and give notes to the writer. Once the room approves it, the script is sent to the production staff.

How do I get a role in a writer’s room?

Breaking into a writer’s room can be a difficult process. Many people go the route of being a writer’s assistant or a writer’s production assistant. This gives you connections and experience in the realm of writer’s rooms, and if you work hard and do a great job networking and building your portfolio, you may get mentioned when they’re looking to hire (or at the very least have great references when you apply elsewhere.)

Another route is writing spec scripts or pilot episodes and shopping them around. Like with the assistant route, there is no guarantee there, but it allows you to show off your writing chops and connect with producers. 

Here’s a youtube video about the writing process for the writers of Succession. The discussion of the writer’s room starts at 1:30, but the whole video is an interesting glimpse into the life and process of television writers!

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