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which is different from docuseries . Being a showrunner is different than being a producer , which is different from being a director . The opportunity to learn all these different skill sets and how they all work together is so exciting . And it ’ s never a dull moment . You ’ re always learning something new . Every time you get the opportunity to try a new genre , even if you ’ re in the same position , you ’ re still learning a new way to think differently and a new way of producing the content . I love the challenge . It ’ s never a dull moment .
Your work on ESPN ’ s docuseries “ Why Not Us ” and Tubi ’ s “ Gone Before His Time : The Kobe Bryant Story ” has been well-received . What are the challenges of creating compelling content based on real-life events ? Oh , goodness . That ’ s such a loaded question . I ’ ll say my biggest challenge in creating content that is based on real-life events is knowing how to tell the story . We have to tell stories that are real , true , and authentic , but we also want to be respectful of the culture . We want to use cultural context and make sure that we ’ re being respectful . We want to make sure that we ’ re telling the parts of the story that are the most interesting and the most compelling , but without being exploitative . You ’ re making sure that you ’ re dancing that fine line , and that you ’ re being mindful . You ’ re telling a compelling story , but also in a way that ’ s respectful and that celebrates the individuals that you ’ re talking about .
You know , for a second there , I thought you were going to say demure ( laughing ). Oh , because I said mindful . I ’ m a producer , very mindful , very demure , very not exploitive ( laughing ). So that is the thing . It ’ s so easy , especially when you start talking about reality television . Most people want to go for the most salacious content . And for me , it ’ s what is the most compelling , but also respectful .
Absolutely . Now , as a showrunner , you oversee both the creative and the operational aspects of a show . How do you manage these demands and what qualities do you think make a showrunner effective ? Coffee , coffee , and lots of it . I mean , that ’ s the magic . No , I ’ m kidding . Honestly , I think the greatest strength of a good showrunner is the ability to build an effective , strong team . No one person can do it all . So , when you have a good team of people , knowledgeable people , I don ’ t ever want to be the smartest person in the room . I want to make sure that I surround myself with intelligent people , with creative people , with talented people , and with people who are ethical and have integrity .
“ WE HAVE TO TELL STORIES THAT ARE REAL , TRUE , AND AUTHENTIC , BUT WE ALSO WANT TO BE RESPECTFUL OF THE CULTURE .”