Very few people don't operate under constraints. Even an executive producer (= showrunner) who owns their own production company needs to sell their projects to clients though there are presumably more options these days and people supplying money do expect some say in the final product most of the time.
But that's true of Oscar winning directors and senior partners at architectural firms. It's even true of the studio boss if he's had a string of flops.
But that's true of Oscar winning directors and senior partners at architectural firms. It's even true of the studio boss if he's had a string of flops.