Is it appropriate to DM a showrunner to ask if there are crew openings on their show?
Question from a paid subscriber
Let's be clear on terms here. Crew usually refers to people who work on the set. Hair, makeup, wardrobe, camera, gaffers, grips… jobs like that.
The showrunner doesn't hire the crew. They are hired by the department heads. The showrunner hires the department heads, but generally, they come with a team of people they like to work with. For example, the First Assistant Director might hire their favorite Second AD and Set Production Assistant, etc.
The showrunner is in charge of hiring people who work in the office, not on set. The showrunner hires all the writers, and some of the support staff, like Office Production Assistant and Writer’s Assistant. The Showrunner will also hire a Line Producer or UPM and, who will in turn hire the office staff, like Production Coordinators.
Is it appropriate to DM the showrunner? It depends on the showrunner and platform.
In my opinion, you shouldn’t contact a showrunner on Facebook. I think that space is too personal. Twitter (X) and LinkedIn are more appropriate because they’re public facing. Instagram could go either way.
How to apply for a Production Assistant job
I’d write something like this: