The Incredible Power of the Writers' Room: How Breaking Bad and Other Shows Redefined Storytelling
Unlocking the Power of TV Writers' Rooms: How Breaking Bad and Other Shows Revolutionized Storytelling with an Inside Look into Walter White's Dark Intentions
Summary
Writers' rooms play a crucial role in shaping TV shows, convincing showrunners to make important changes for the better.
Writers in the room recommended or modified specific moments and storylines in renowned shows such as Breaking Bad and Mad Men.
The composition and size of writers' rooms differ, where writers often divide tasks, making the number of writers crucial for productive collaboration and creativity.
TV writers discuss the impact of writers' rooms on iconic shows like Breaking Bad as negotiations between the WGA and the AMPTP focus on this issue. The WGA is pushing for a minimum staffing requirement for writers' rooms, while the AMPTP suggests that showrunners should have the freedom to determine the size based on budget. Television writers have taken to social media to emphasize the crucial role of writers' rooms in transforming shows like Breaking Bad.
Rachel Palmer, a writer for And Just Like That... and 2 Broke Girls, revealed that Breaking Bad creator and showrunner Vince Gilligan initially intended for Walt to actively kill Jane instead of passively witnessing her death. However, this plan was altered due to the influence of the writers' room.
Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the mastermind behind BoJack Horseman, took to Twitter to explain that the ongoing 'Hollywoo' joke within the animated comedy series was made possible thanks to the collaborative environment of the writers' room.
Sierra Ornelas, creator of Rutherford Falls, highlights the influence of the women in the Mad Men writers' room in persuading creator Matthew Weiner to make a significant change prior to Betty and Don reuniting.
Emma Fraser, a culture writer, tweeted about the impact of the Barry writers' room on co-creator and star Bill Hader. They helped him recognize the troubling nature of the lead character's actions towards Sally, even as early as season 1, ultimately shaping their relationship.
Several individuals mentioned specific moments from shows like Succession and Halt and Catch Fire, highlighting instances where writers incorporated foreshadowing or made changes to the character's trajectory. This includes scenarios such as Cam's pregnancy or Tom Wambgans' betrayal.
Jeff Topolski, who contributed to Brooklyn Nine-Nine, explains the importance of the specific number of writers in a room. Topolski highlights how the workload is often divided among the writers, each with their assigned tasks. One group focuses on the story development, while another group works on revisions. Furthermore, Topolski mentions that the showrunner may not always be present, as they are occupied with post-production responsibilities. Hence, the process does not always involve writers gathering around a single table and performing identical tasks.
Why Having A TV Writers' Room Is Important
In addition to the practical reasons stated by Topolski, having writers' rooms also brings about creative benefits. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The X-Files specifically hired writers with distinct styles. This was made possible by having longer episode counts, allowing certain writers to specialize in comedic episodes while others excelled in crafting romance and relationships.
Furthermore, this variety served to train and showcase creators who have now garnered large followings. Notable horror director James Wong and Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind Breaking Bad, both began their careers on The X-Files. On Buffy, Marti Noxon, Jane Espenson, and Drew Goddard contributed their talents and have since worked on renowned projects. Additionally, Mike White, now celebrated for White Lotus, was a member of the writing room for Dawson's Creek.
To ensure the continued success of television, especially in its episodic format rather than as fragmented movies, it is essential for writers to refine their voices and collaborate with diverse partners who can push their boundaries and bring something unique to the table. This approach, which fosters a collaborative framework, has been instrumental in the creation of beloved shows like Breaking Bad and many others, demonstrating that they are not solely the product of one individual's efforts.
