Jenji Kohan: Masterful Showrunner, Storyteller Takes on Digital Episodic TV

A brief Variety news article from March 15, 2012, presents an interesting combination of  facts on the new project of highly sought after Showrunner and master storyteller Jenji Kohan (The genius behind the smash hit television show Weeds).

Jenji Kohan, from the recent Variety article.

The article mentions several things like Lionsgate, Netflix, episodic digital content, and how she was the ultimate choice, citing her as a "superb showrunner," and her dark sense of humor and "fearless approach to storytelling."  

Jenji is an incredible role model for anyone who wants to become a showrunner and example of someone who is "doing it right." Jenji understands the entertainment industry, picks innovative projects, and ultimately everything she touches turns to gold. This new project is quite a big deal.

However, the Variety article doesn't really fully relay the magnitude of this deal, and all of the exacting planning components that went into it.  It is really a thing of beauty how it all came together.

So let's break it down:

Digital Episodic Content: The area is still ever expanding, but digital episodic content is being embraced by many TV companies that make streaming content available to people. For example, people can watch full episodes of the hugely popular prime time show Fringe directly on Fox TV's website, along with many others. Netflix allows for streaming content, although until recently, has not produced the content itself. People can buy and watch many of their favorite TV episodes right from iTunes or MacTV. Even Amazon has gotten into the digital streaming content game. People will pay for episodic content. All media producers are trying to find ways to cash in on the episodic content cash cow.

Netflix: The streaming content and DVD distribution giant is seeking to redeem itself in the marketplace by putting up its own digital streaming content, and original TV programming. They found a compelling story to do just that, according to this recent Entertainment Weekly article, detailing the 13 episode selection for this series based on the book Orange is the New Black, by Piper Kerman (chronicling the author's stay in a federal prison). Netflix is going for provocative stories. They will need a provocative showrunner who knows how to weave a good story across many episodes and a large story arc.

Lionsgate: The huge production company is also seeking a piece of the digital episodic TV pie, and made the agreement to produce, while Netflix will stream the series Orange is the New Black. Already having a successful relationship with her in the past, Lionsgate knew exactly whom they wanted to be showrunner and storyteller for their new foray into episodic TV with Netflix.  Jenji Kohan was the ultimate choice.

And finally, there has to be...
The Ultimate Showrunner: A great recent industry article by Tim Nargi breaks down the difference between director and showrunner responsibilities in episodic TV. In movies, the director pretty much calls all the shots. But, in TV, it is the showrunner (who is most often also the writer, like Jenji) has final authority on the project. After her experience as the creative producer, writer, and successful showrunner for Weeds (going into its 8th season), Jenji has demonstrated that she can take on highly provocative, often dark content and leave viewers clamoring for more. So that is the first step, getting the right showrunner. The ultimate showrunner has got to be a masterful storyteller.

Speaking of Fringe, watch this fantastic brief video a documentary of the showrunners talking about, well...showrunning.

Lionsgate, Netlfix, and Kerman's story are all in the most capable hands of Jenji Kohan. It's a wonderful hat trick and Jenji's wearing the hat, and holding all the cards. This project has all the makings to be a great series, and is a perfect demonstration of how effective planning and project control, right from the outset, can make all the difference in the world.