Page 121 - Harvard Business Review (November-December, 2017)

MELISSA JAMES GIBSON
IS A CO-SHOWRUNNER
FOR THE NETFLIX SERIES
HOUSE OF CARDS.

CARLA HAS BUILT a brand and a business vested interest in keeping her happy and COMMENTS FROM THE
around her three hit shows, so I engaged, and there’s no reason why Dope, HBR.ORG COMMUNITY
understand her reluctance to disrupt the 911, and Forty Stories can’t keep going while “
status quo. She has a responsibility to she takes a few months to write a pilot. She Proceed with Caution
keep her hits—and the C3 enterprise— has given the network so much; the least it Carla’s three series are
running smoothly. But she is also a highly can do is let her scratch this itch. One thing not only making RBN good
ambitious artist, and if that creative self is is clear: Carla needs time to stare at a wall money but also they are
pushing her to try something new, I think and dream a little. enhancing the reputation of
she needs to pay attention. What’s best If the network stonewalls, she might C3. And any major change
for her might not be best for her company, need to get really brave and break her in the way they are run
and vice versa. But if her brand doesn’t contract. But I suspect that they’ll be able could have an impact on
evolve with her, it will lose its relevance. to find a compromise. After all, Carla will that. So in my view, ceding
Creators of popular TV series have always be emotionally invested in the control is not advisable. To
successfully handed the reins to new shows she developed from the germs avoid a possible slump, the
showrunners and transitioned to other of ideas. After a constructive break, she ongoing shows still need
projects without the shows’ suffering may well choose to reinvolve herself to Carla’s urgent attention.
declines in viewership or accolades. Veep, some degree—deferring most decisions Delegating and handing
on HBO, went through a handoff last year to the new showrunners and weighing over the reins gradually,
and continues to get Emmy nominations. in when necessary. as she appears to be doing
The Walking Dead, on AMC, and The In the end, Carla is craving a change. She already, is the way to go.
West Wing, which ran on NBC from has mastered the realm of network drama Later, when she has greater
1999 to 2006, also survived changes in and is now drawn to the world of cable/ confidence in the abilities
creative leadership. And along with Frank streaming, an arena in which there are of Melanie and Keston, she
Pugliese, I was lucky enough to take over fewer restrictions and greater opportunities can move on to her new
the showrunning of House of Cards when to push the artistic envelope. At times, idea without spreading
Beau Willimon moved on. she’ll no doubt feel destabilized—all eyes her creative resources too
But changes at the top work only will be on her in a sometimes unforgiving thin. Carla may have plans
when everyone involved understands industry—but she’s talented and smart and to go big with different
that new leadership will inevitably will figure it out. networks, but she needs
precipitate an evolution in content. Even though so many decisions in to ensure that bridges
Melanie’s and Keston’s decisions will entertainment are driven by fear, Carla’s are not burned with her
never exactly mirror Carla’s. But different fearlessness has always served her well. current one should the new
isn’t necessarily wrong. It’s possible If she doesn’t make the leap now, I think venture fail to pan out. Any
that Carla and especially Michael are she’ll regret it. In an era of peak TV, her decision that threatens
underestimating the abilities of her idea could lose currency within a year or her relationship with RBN
protégés. Even if they’re not unicorns like two; the moment for it might pass, or a requires careful thought.
her, they are certainly rare breeds—hired peer might develop a similar show. So she Rachit Malhotra,
and promoted because she sensed they needs to trust her gut. She’s not the same management consultant,
had their own “magic.” artist or person that she was when she first KPMG
No manager can know with 100% developed Dope. There’s a reason she can’t
certainty if and when an employee is stop thinking about the new project: In
ready for a top job. However, Carla seems her heart, she knows it will leave her much
to think that Melanie is, with Keston close more exhilarated and artistically satisfied
behind. So why wait? Given Carla’s desire than limiting herself to territory she’s
to explore new territory, now seems like already conquered. Carla’s instincts are her
a good time to give them a chance, just as most valuable asset.
Michael took a chance on her.
And Carla has the clout to make this HBR Reprint R1706N
happen. Although RBN might prefer that Reprint Case only R1706X
she stay in a more hands-on role, it has a Reprint Commentary only R1706Z

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