Who runs this show anyway? A very Australian answer

New styles of television demand new models of creation. The emerging role of showrunner is changing the way writers work.
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Image: This is not the usual cast promo shot from the ABC. But then, Glitch is a supernatural fantasy for adults and required very tight control over its storyworld.

Who owns the creative power over a modern Australian television series?  That question points to an industry in flux. 

The traditional long form serial has almost collapsed, to be replaced by a shorter formats from two part mini-series to 13 episodes series.  Australian audiences are now watching the best of the best from all over the world, when they feel like it and in huge overwhelming lumps. And locally commissioned series are competing in an international market with more opportunities but for lower prices.

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David Tiley was the Editor of Screenhub from 2005 until he became Content Lead for Film in 2021 with a special interest in policy. He is a writer in screen media with a long career in educational programs, documentary, and government funding, with a side order in script editing. He values curiosity, humour and objectivity in support of Australian visions and the art of storytelling.