Veteran showrunner Wynn Kern discussed the shifting technology of television production – and the vision required to manage it – during her presentation to Communication, Media, and Art (CMA) students at Mount Saint Mary College on Thursday, March 5.
Kern, a New York-based creative producer and showrunner with more than a decade of experience, shared firsthand accounts of the production process for some of the most influential programs in recent television history. With production roles on hit series such as The Good Wife and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Kern offered students a rare look into the evolution of modern television and the intricacies of showrunning.
During the session, part of the ongoing CMA Speaker Series, Kern explained that the “magic” of television is actually the result of rigorous, unseen coordination.
“A creative producer bridges the gap between creativity and execution,” Kern said. “So that means talking to the writers about what they need, and then going to the actual scenic designers and wardrobe people and top masters, and trying to create what world these writers have brought up. And then making sure it’s all within budget. And you're basically a project manager and a team leader.”
For Kern, the path from intern to executive assistant, and eventually producer, was defined by a willingness to “prove you are competent” through the mundane tasks of production. She shared stories of shoveling snow at the Colbert studios and blowing up 200 balloons by hand for a last-minute segment, experiences she credits with building the resilience needed for a long-term career. She urged students to embrace the technical foundations being taught in the Mount’s digital studio, as they are the direct precursors to professional leadership roles.
“I’ve always kind of been like a jack of all trades, master of none kind of person. And essentially, that’s what producing is,” Kern noted. “It’s seeing the big picture and knowing just a little bit about everything to make it come together instead of being an expert at one thing. I love dealing with people... so that’s a big part of it too. If you’re a people person and you enjoy interacting with others, then producing is a great way to go.”
In addition to her network success, Kern is a resident of the Hudson Valley, where she balances her creative career with her role as a small business owner. Alongside her husband, she co-owns FilmxForever, a business that captures weddings on nostalgic Super 8 film. It’s a testament to her belief that there is still a powerful place for classic, hands-on storytelling in a digital world.
The event underscored the Mount’s CMA program’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning, blending professional theory with real-world execution. By engaging with professionals like Kern, students gain a clearer understanding of the Mount to media pipeline, which empowers them to master the tools and strategies shaping the modern media landscape.