On Wednesday, July 12, more than 130 WGAw showrunners took over the Wilshire Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the inaugural Showrunners’ Dinner.


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WGAW Showrunners' Dinner 2007

On Wednesday, July 12, more than 130 WGAw showrunners took over the Wilshire Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the inaugural Showrunners’ Dinner. The dinner, hosted by the WGAw and pre-eminent showrunners Neal Baer, John Bowman, Steven Bochco, Carlton Cuse, Greg Daniels, Jeff Melvoin, Carol Mendelsohn, Shonda Rhimes, Shawn Ryan and John Wells, was part of the Guild’s new approach to its membership. The event, planned and supported by the WGAw Board of Directors, WGAw President Patric M. Verrone and the Member Services Department, was conceived to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of members who have attained the position of showrunner Arguably the busiest people in Hollywood (or New York, or Chicago... or anywhere else television is written and produced), the showrunners had an opportunity to see old friends, colleagues, former co-workers and people known only by reputation. While they took every opportunity to meet and greet each other, they also listened as Patric Verrone began the evening with his humorous—and inspirational—opening remarks.

After the dinner, Carlton Cuse, Lost showrunner, shared his experiences and success in getting the network to accept that the writing of Lost mobisodes be covered by the WGAw. Recognizing that many showrunners will be, or are already, facing similar issues with the networks, Cuse offered to assist them in negotiating this issue; his proposal was met with applause. Carol Mendelsohn then took the podium to speak about product integration, which is a far cry from the product placement everyone is used to, and something that can sneak up on the busy showrunner focused on getting the shows written and shot. Interim Executive Director David Young talked about the issues currently facing the Guild and how important it is that every member be involved with Guild actions. Many in the audience later remarked that they felt both informedand motivated after hearing Young’s remarks.