A show is the container for everything in a production — its date, duration, running order, crew, cast, assets and overlays. Here's how to create one and what it holds.
In Show Runner, a show is where everything lives. It's a single broadcast or event with a date, and it becomes the container for the running order, crew, cast, upload slots, overlays, safety documents and tasks that make up the production. Creating one is the first thing you do — this guide covers how, and what a show holds. It's part of getting started with Show Runner.
What a show is
A show represents one production — an episode, a match, a service, an event. It carries:
- A name and a broadcast date.
- An optional target duration — how long the show should run — which can be set to match your running order automatically.
- A default call time, a starting point for crew calls.
Everything else attaches to it.
Create a show
- Create a new show and give it a name.
- Set the broadcast date — the day it airs or takes place.
- Optionally set a target duration, or have it track the running order's total as you build it.
- Save. The show is now the home for everything below.
What a show holds
Once created, a show is the container for the whole production:
- The running order (one or more) — the timed rundown.
- The crew — roles and call times.
- The cast — on-screen people and their lower thirds.
- Upload slots for collecting assets from contributors.
- Overlays and overlay channels.
- Health & safety documents and tasks.
Retention and lifecycle
A show has a lifecycle. By default, assets collected against it are retained until the show's lifecycle expires — typically a set period after the broadcast date — after which they're automatically cleaned up, keeping storage and data under control. Permanent retention is available on higher plans.
The production pack
When a show is assembled, you can export a production pack — a shareable bundle that can include the running order, crew, cast, assets, documents, safety sign-off and tasks. It's the single document you hand to the team, and you choose which sections to include.
FAQ
What's the first thing to set up on a show?
The name and broadcast date, then the running order. That's enough to get value straight away; crew, cast, assets and overlays can be added as you go.
Can a show have more than one running order?
Yes — a show can hold multiple running orders, which is useful when a production has distinct segments or versions. You choose which one features in the production pack.
What happens to my assets after the show?
By default they're retained until the show's lifecycle expires (a set period after the broadcast date) and then cleaned up automatically. Higher plans offer permanent retention.
Next, give the show its backbone: build a running order. Or start for free.