Collaboration : Breaking Bad

One of the joys of making art lies in the collaborative process. Sure it can be frustrating and arduous, but when you are creating with like-minded souls, working towards a common goal, it is a deeply fulfilling experience. I recently attended a workshop led by Robert McKee. His subject was long form television with a particular focus on the five season Breaking Bad. We studied the story arc of the 62 episodes, analyzed the 16 character dimensions of Walter White and also learned about creator Vince Gilligan. He was the show runner in charge of six other writers in the writer’s room and together they created one of the finest series in American television history. Hearing actors Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn and Aaron Paul talk with Vince Gilligan about the experience of working together reminded me that the beauty of the collaborative process exists in long form TV as well. The lead writer is instrumental in finding and casting actors, discusses character traits with actors and then develops storylines based on what the actor brings to filming. Unlike film, the role of the creator/lead writer is central to long form television as illustrated by their executive producer title. Not only are they in the sandpit collaborating, they are the ones handing out the toys.