Showrunner Sessions is our ongoing event series where we go one-on-one with a showrunner (or showrunning team) to find out, “What exactly does a showrunner do?” Find out what they look for in a writing staff, the lessons they’ve learned on the job, and their approaches to running the room.

For this session, we enter the Zoom room with The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Head Writer and Executive Producer Malcolm Spellman. Hear how he approached crafting the Marvel Studios/Disney+ series, from how he shaped his writers room to how they addressed issues such as race and trauma within the larger story. Moderated by Derek Haas (Chicago franchise, Wanted).

Panel starts at 4:00pm Pacific time.

Space is limited so RSVP now. After signing up, you’ll receive information on how to access the Zoom panel.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at events@wgfoundation.org.

For anyone who was unable to RSVP for the panel, we will record and post it at a later date.

---

About the Panelist

MALCOLM SPELLMAN (Head Writer/Executive Producer/Created for Television By) is a screenwriter, producer, showrunner and co-owner of Blackball Universe, a record label and multimedia collective. Spellman continues to break down barriers with his ability to write and connect with audiences across all genres. 

Currently, Spellman serves as executive producer for FX’s “Hip Hop Uncovered,” a six- part documentary series that takes a deep dive into the paradox of America's criminalization of the genre and its fascination with the street culture that created it and still exists within it. The series debuted on FX on February 12. 

Spellman’s previous credits include the hit show “Empire” for which he worked as both a writer and producer for the first three seasons, and Apple TV’s “Truth Be Told” starring Octavia Spencer in which he served as an executive producer. 

Spellman and his wife Nichelle Tramble Spellman currently head their production company The 51, which develops and produces television and feature films that highlight cultural specificity with universal appeal; popcorn with perspective; scope with swag. Through their company, both showrunners produce projects they care deeply about, while building a community of emerging, diverse and talented voices who have something to say. 

On the music side, Spellman currently runs Blackball Universe, an indie record label in Oakland whose artist, Fantastic Negrito, won the 2017 and 2019 Grammy® Awards for best contemporary blues album and is currently nominated for a third Grammy. Spellman also has various music-driven documentaries in development. 

Spellman resides in Los Angeles, Calif.