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Aaron Sorkin Answers Screenwriting Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED
Academy Award-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin uses the power of Twitter to answer the internet’s burning questions about screenwriting. How do writers’ rooms work? How do you approach second drafts? If Aaron could write for any show, which show would he write for? Aaron Sorkin answers all these questions and much more. The Trial of Chicago…
faunaflage
October 14, 2020 at 11:51 pm
Dear Wired: More of this, please.
WanderL King
October 15, 2020 at 12:15 am
I would love to see an episode of MASH written by Aaron Sorkin. Obviously you have to recast it but still, this should happen.
Brenda Ryan
October 15, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Sign me up!!!
aba beoi
October 15, 2020 at 12:27 am
Also The Newsroom was a masterpiece. I can’t stop re watching it, absolutely brilliant.
Giuliani
October 15, 2020 at 12:29 am
Just found The West WIng for the first time here in 2020. Absolutely the best show ever written and viewed. Amazing. Everything Sorkin does is absolute gold. I don’t know how Studio 60 on the Sunset Stip didn’t run for 10 years. Newsroom either for that matter.
Shamsulazhar
October 15, 2020 at 12:36 am
Best “Tech Support” yet. Good questions. He’s answering the questions very seriously and passionately and the amount of useful insights and tips in his answers is just amazing.
Upuu
October 15, 2020 at 1:31 am
I always want to know what things people think can’t be taught when they talk about talent. Because I really can’t think of anything that you can’t train and expand upon.
Josie Evard
October 15, 2020 at 4:29 am
Probably intuition. Knowing when something doesn’t feel as good as it should. That would come with experience.
Adrian Ghandour
October 15, 2020 at 1:58 am
If y’all haven’t tried his MasterClass, I’d recommend it!
It’s pricy, but if you can come across a deal or just cough up the membership. Keep writing guys, one of you may have the next breaking bad!
Brenda Ryan
October 15, 2020 at 1:37 pm
Masterclass(es) are cheaper, way cheaper and better than a University education, and taught by successful people in the field, not the adage: “Those who can do; Those who can’t Teach.” [No disrespect meant to the many STELLAR EDUCATORS who mold us!]
Paul Moore
October 15, 2020 at 3:33 am
aaron: 1:32 hang a lantern on the things you need to bring to relief
me: okay, this just hurts
Brenda Ryan
October 15, 2020 at 1:33 pm
…Like Ornaments on a Christmas tree, or a Wooden Stencil Carving bringing the image out of the relief.
Pratik Brahma
October 15, 2020 at 3:44 am
This guy is a beast! I loved ‘The Social Network’. The collaboration between him and David Fincher was a match made in heaven. Fincher’s directing style and Sorkin’s writing style complimented each other beautifully.
Cole's World_2K20
October 15, 2020 at 4:27 am
Very helpful.
Nick Hansen
October 15, 2020 at 5:45 am
As far as passion for the craft goes, Aaron Sorkin is the Marty Scorsese of screenwriting.
James Pearce
October 15, 2020 at 6:19 am
It looks like he popped a pimple above his left eye and the blood smeared a lil on the top of his glasses 🙁
Be okay Aaron <3
Allie G.
October 15, 2020 at 7:47 am
Enlightening and helpful, such generous sharing. Thank you!
Ji An
October 15, 2020 at 8:20 am
Oh God, the first seconds already got me hahahaha
Idan Winter
October 15, 2020 at 9:14 am
I’m officially ready for The Trial of The Chicago 7
Mariusz
October 15, 2020 at 9:30 am
More Aaron Sorkin!
MadE
October 15, 2020 at 9:39 am
hmm… “defending” your character is certainly better than judging them (for the ways in which they are different to you), but claiming that having one thing in common with them gives you complete insight into their world only works for non-human characters in fantasy/sci-fi, no? because otherwise you’re disregarding reality by being complacent in your ignorance of what their life is actually like.
empathy is so important, but claiming that you can simply imagine someone else’s motivation in its whole complexity is just a way of choosing the more comfortable and easy path of not listening to others
Onkel Pappkov
October 16, 2020 at 1:07 pm
Part is at 4:46 for reference. I found it a bit convoluted as well.
Tomy
October 15, 2020 at 11:51 am
too much cutting, is the editor scared we’re going to loose interest ?
Onkel Pappkov
October 16, 2020 at 2:22 pm
*lose
Etta James
October 15, 2020 at 12:52 pm
This is genuinely fascinating esp how it works in a writer’s room.
R O
October 15, 2020 at 1:05 pm
So much wisdom!!!
Mardhi Bond
October 15, 2020 at 1:09 pm
Woah. Thank you for the great advice. “The audience could think of them as a villain, but not you”
Tulio Viaro
October 15, 2020 at 2:18 pm
Great talk. Thank you!!
HollywoodCameraWork
October 15, 2020 at 3:33 pm
Story planning app, take a look at Causality Story Sequencer.
Shade23753
October 15, 2020 at 9:02 pm
Great! Now tell us how the script won’t be made UNLESS IT’S FULL OF LEFT WING CRAP.
Ty_ teynium
October 16, 2020 at 12:29 am
Quentin asked a REALLY good question.
your mother
October 16, 2020 at 2:58 am
aaron sorkin is so talented
UserInterface00
October 16, 2020 at 3:03 am
Aaron Sorkin is a national treasure in the writing world. He must be protected at all costs!
swapnil khalashe
October 16, 2020 at 6:13 am
So Quentin had a question about screenwriting!
meghpink meghpink
October 16, 2020 at 7:13 am
2:33
Paul Demay
October 16, 2020 at 12:07 pm
the fact tht he actually started by writing plays actually explains so much
free2
October 16, 2020 at 6:38 pm
Sone of the best screenwriters started as playwrights or novelists.
Paul Demay
October 16, 2020 at 9:23 pm
@free2 yea yea ik, that wasnt negative at all. Just meant that the intense dialogue where they just stare at each other and move a bit, the aaron sorkin trademark imo, actually does feel a lot like a play when you think about it
free2
October 16, 2020 at 11:40 pm
@Paul Demay Didn’t think what you wrote was negative.
free2
October 16, 2020 at 11:41 pm
@Paul Demay But I get ya.
jakmere
October 16, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Just like us to think there’s an app for everything. What can I do to escape that mindset – the one where it’s not a utility that one looks for but a easy way to do everything.
J B
October 16, 2020 at 1:28 pm
Me: I don’t know how I can ace this upcoming calculus exam.
Aaron Sorkin: *hits desk* INTENTION and OBSTACLE
Jake Turner-Clarkson
October 16, 2020 at 1:42 pm
Meanwhile I’ve been working on one story for 5 years 🤦🏻♂️ and have never reached the end of the script
ForYoutube JustForGags
October 16, 2020 at 5:05 pm
Sorkin knows the danger of wearing two (2) AirPods™.
Javier M
October 16, 2020 at 5:07 pm
This was fantastic.
Mike Pettengill
October 16, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Aaron Sorkin for god’s sake. We are not worthy, Thank you for your generosity in doing this video.
Screenwriter Abdullah H. Erakat
October 16, 2020 at 6:13 pm
Like! Like! Like!
Damen RB
October 16, 2020 at 6:49 pm
Perfectly placed Aaron Sorkin master class ad
GrungyAssCinema
October 17, 2020 at 6:53 am
This video is worth so much money
Taylor Salim
October 17, 2020 at 6:53 am
King
Jonathan Boyd
October 17, 2020 at 12:08 pm
Got to love Aaron Sorkin’s passion one of the best
MrDononino
October 17, 2020 at 1:03 pm
I’ve used Twinery.org for planning plot in the past. Can be useful, especially if you wanna consider multiple paths
Nkanyiso Innocent Khwane
October 17, 2020 at 1:17 pm
Excellent
Six-245
October 17, 2020 at 3:12 pm
This made want to be a writer. I mean, I hate writing, but we’ll figure it out…
Danielle Peel
October 17, 2020 at 3:48 pm
As far as marginalized/othered people go: do your research. YouTube what it’s like for those people, simply so your characters are rich and nuanced. Representation is important. Get it right so viewers who “look” like your character can really connect and identify with them.
Cole Fitzmaurice
October 17, 2020 at 4:33 pm
And suckers are paying for his masterclass
Sarthak Sharma
October 17, 2020 at 4:33 pm
13 min video contain more info. Than some 30 day long wrting workshop
Jake Birkel
October 17, 2020 at 5:03 pm
So… this taught me Aaron Sorkin, who wrote my favorite TV show, the West Wing, is a huge fan of my favorite comedy, MASH.
M.A. Fion
October 17, 2020 at 6:34 pm
I’ve got an app… It’s pen and paper. It is made by a 3d printer. The battery doesn’t run out, doesn’t need wifi access, doesn’t need recharging.
Tian Xing
October 17, 2020 at 8:14 pm
I can listen to this man for hours. So much wisdom!
LegendOfJefta
October 17, 2020 at 8:53 pm
Whoever is responsible for making this happen thank you!! (and also can we please get more content like this?)
Interstellar Beat Teller
October 17, 2020 at 8:57 pm
Gold dust
Usman
October 17, 2020 at 9:06 pm
his script for Social Network is one of the greatest pieces of literature in cinema history.
H.D. R
October 17, 2020 at 9:07 pm
Is a HUGE inspiration to screenplay writers.
Dave Remington
October 17, 2020 at 9:10 pm
Sure is.
Willis Ryan
October 17, 2020 at 9:11 pm
If you’re going to be a writer of things substantial, you’ll need a world view or a perspective on things that sets you apart.
Sarah K Watson
October 17, 2020 at 10:02 pm
He is cool as!
Mako
October 17, 2020 at 11:24 pm
Yall should watch his masterclass writing course. It helps. A LOT!!!
Tom Cobb
October 17, 2020 at 11:29 pm
But what do y’all think are the “things that can’t be taught?”
H. Ar.
October 17, 2020 at 11:35 pm
Wire can you do one but with Christopher Nolan?
Robb Morris
October 17, 2020 at 11:48 pm
When the Master speaks, I listen.
LemonBlue
October 18, 2020 at 12:11 am
I get it – but I deeply cringed when you said I had to identify with my villain. D:
Khy Maaren
October 19, 2020 at 12:36 am
Why is that? Also, if it really is so, don’t write villains.
03 AI
October 18, 2020 at 1:32 am
Chicago 7 is the best movie of 2020. Aaron Sorkin did a great job.
Fotis Michael
October 18, 2020 at 2:30 am
Story-planning app = PREWRITE
Check it out.
Pamela Demorest
October 18, 2020 at 3:15 am
I took your Masterclass and loved it, but wanted more. This is more. THANK YOU!
TropicTom
October 18, 2020 at 3:24 am
I’m in a beginning screenwriting class now and this video has good advice. Most of the initial attempts by the class look more like novels so I think his advice about second drafts is very important. Go through and cut out the fat and be mindful of what things can be revealed by the camera or the performer without having to burden your script with too much fat.
EliteRanger02
October 18, 2020 at 5:05 am
Aaron Sorkin: Known as one of the best screenwriters today.
Also Aaron Sorkin: I thought you were gonna be giving me the support. I didn’t know it was the other way around
john doe
October 18, 2020 at 7:00 am
ALL YOU WOKE SJW FILM-MAKERS: TAKE EFFING NOTES ON 10:24!!!!!!
Buzz Lightyear
October 18, 2020 at 9:17 am
“Intention and Obstacle…” he just cribbed Joseph Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand Faces…😉
Mark Parkinson
October 18, 2020 at 11:07 am
The Trail of the Chicago 7 was a really good movie, especially regarding the performances although you could hear Sacha’s British accent peak in his character’s voice sometimes.
Kgato Bos
October 18, 2020 at 12:29 pm
You just made my writing process a little more easier.
Satish Torani
October 18, 2020 at 12:37 pm
Just curious – as a writer do you feel you will never quiet get the grasp of how to be a good writer..it always feels like an always an unknown task you have to deal with..
Arikta Sengupta
October 18, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Absolutely, I just feel like I’m writing absolute garbage and it’ll never improve. Is this anxiety ever gonna leave ?
MayumiSaegusa- ShibaXX
October 18, 2020 at 1:42 pm
more sorkin content!! this was so educational!!
Geoffrey Linehan
October 18, 2020 at 1:48 pm
I agree with Larry Gelbart 100 per cent.
Muhammad Amjad
October 18, 2020 at 5:11 pm
If you guys haven’t seen his new movie “Trial of the Chicago 7”, please do so it’s a brilliant exercise in directing and writing. The film is absolutely stellar in it’s portrayal of the event, and has a massive emotional impact on the viewer several times during it’s runtime.
Richard Belcher
October 18, 2020 at 6:19 pm
Why are all of your characters able to cram 10 GRE words into 2 seconds of screen time? And do you expect your audience to follow that nonsense?
Temple Asylum
October 18, 2020 at 6:52 pm
Anyone claiming that nobody ever starts a sentence with “Dammit” hasn’t met me or my family and is full of bull. Don’t listen to this B.S.er.
Sijo Rejigeorge
October 18, 2020 at 8:29 pm
The deeper you go the deeper screenwriting gets.
Maria de Miguel
October 18, 2020 at 9:37 pm
I kinda love he called Mark Zuckerberg a villain. lol
Khy Maaren
October 19, 2020 at 12:39 am
Because he was, as far as the movie is concerned. Which is what he was talking about.
xlrouge
October 18, 2020 at 10:16 pm
Wonderful!!!
DanteDarcangelo
October 19, 2020 at 12:17 am
Sorry Aaron, but not all humans can empathize.
Big Daddy
October 19, 2020 at 2:17 am
I’m just a Jedi in training listening to my master.
Tzvi Friedman
October 19, 2020 at 2:25 am
Typical Hollywood formulaic bs
Kenil Monpara
October 19, 2020 at 3:54 am
do this questions with charlie Kaufman too
Me
October 19, 2020 at 4:02 am
Off a very quick glance I thought this was Jürgen Klopp
Jack Scholtz
October 19, 2020 at 5:43 am
I really love how he took the time to fully actualize his answers and articulate them in detail.
Gert Tobing
October 19, 2020 at 7:59 am
I really love how he tried to explain things slowly and proper.
He’s like a professor.
Adrian Daniel Botnariu
October 19, 2020 at 8:00 am
Loved it! Thinking of taking his masterclass
Fluff Dude
October 19, 2020 at 11:13 am
Goddammit the movie is soooo good
TheKeithvidz
October 19, 2020 at 11:21 am
I am an aspiring story and screenplay writer living far south of America – you are known to me and I think even better of you answering queries Mr. Sorkin.
Kalem Babar
October 19, 2020 at 11:25 am
Just finished The Trial of the Chicago 7 and I am blown away. Best movie of 2020.
Syed Samiuddin
October 19, 2020 at 12:48 pm
This was absolutely wonderful and educative. Thank you so much for making it.
Owen Muratore
October 19, 2020 at 1:05 pm
Guys this is basically a free version of his masterclass
Paul Venetian
October 19, 2020 at 2:04 pm
this is great thank you
Prewrite
October 19, 2020 at 2:06 pm
Answer to the first question is us – Prewrite.
Jose Virella Velazquez
October 19, 2020 at 3:53 pm
LOVED the Trial of the Chicago 7
Alek Searcy
October 19, 2020 at 3:59 pm
More more more more
Jose Virella Velazquez
October 19, 2020 at 4:01 pm
“Write about any world you want. You’re making the world” Wow
TV Watch
October 19, 2020 at 5:23 pm
We need another 3 seasons of The Newsroom.
Mike Rehfuss
October 19, 2020 at 5:36 pm
Studio 60 was a great show.
ann harding
October 19, 2020 at 5:55 pm
This discussion is a great treat for hard-working writers. The high energy personality and integrity displayed without ego posturing is first class, and refreshing in these times. TY!
John Ta
October 19, 2020 at 5:57 pm
Intention and Obstacle!! watch this interview multiple times as you’re writing and different things will resonate
Lori kislack
October 19, 2020 at 7:45 pm
MASH is my fav show of all time and when the question came up about what show he could go back in time and write for…my first thought before he said it was MASH
jerry bennett, jr
October 19, 2020 at 11:21 pm
Is writing suppose to be emotionally draining? When you caught yourself yelling into the camera – that’s me. “The Newsroom,” one of the best shows ever. I never know what to say to artists who take me on a journey so, just thank you.
Hopingover Leavesinfall
October 20, 2020 at 12:14 am
Sorkin is like the good teacher that the students still make fun of.
Ian Lopes
October 20, 2020 at 2:34 am
Oscar for directing and screenwriting next year. 7 of chicago was amazing.
Omar A.
October 20, 2020 at 3:01 am
I’m writing a pilot and I think my idea is far greater than my talent 😕
Alan Kilkenny
October 20, 2020 at 3:33 am
When u mentioned score , I immediately taught of interstellar I feel the score in that adds so much to the scenes
Dflex of OHIO
October 20, 2020 at 9:16 am
Awesome info! Thanks this helped me figure out what to focus on when writing.
James Fullelove
October 20, 2020 at 10:11 am
INTENTION AND OBSTACLE
Adam James Bullivant
October 20, 2020 at 12:55 pm
I have seen so many of these I was just waiting for “they want to get to Philadelphia”. Never get’s old. Love me some Sorkin wisdom.
Yoda Dravidan
October 20, 2020 at 1:16 pm
Christopher Nolan looks slightly like Sorkin.
Elena in Movieland
October 20, 2020 at 1:56 pm
I love him!!!!!!!!!!!
Roberto Lopez Flores
October 20, 2020 at 2:07 pm
13:17 Genio !!
Diskretna Burzoazija
October 20, 2020 at 2:10 pm
Love you Aron
Stay Fractalesque
October 20, 2020 at 2:42 pm
what a legend.. one of those rare individuals that you could say have a gift.. but as you know, even he doesn’t believe so, he’s more about perseverance it seems
Peshur
October 20, 2020 at 2:42 pm
Wired please stop with the zoom in pull out jump cuts. You’re embarrassing yourself.
Prince
October 20, 2020 at 2:52 pm
geez you don’t need to cut this much
Bill Bird
October 20, 2020 at 3:32 pm
On Empathy; I can think of one exception to Aaron’s take on how humans have the capacity for empathy. We all know who that is.
zombieowen
October 20, 2020 at 4:42 pm
An episode of MASH written by Aaron Sorkin would be amazing.
Pendragonthegreat
October 20, 2020 at 4:47 pm
I would love for Aaron to write an episode of The Good Wife
Nathaniel Yaakov
October 20, 2020 at 5:57 pm
He talks like a Sorkin character.
Alec Lynch
October 20, 2020 at 7:35 pm
wow… always thought he wrote exceptional but strangely mannered dialogue only to discover he straight up talks like an Aaron Sorkin character
Raunak Xrestha
October 20, 2020 at 8:19 pm
Is that “Quentin” Quentin Tarantino? Maybe he is asking questions to Aaron sorkin to get advise.
Kim Jaspers
October 21, 2020 at 1:43 am
Thank you very much.
Jack Hudkins
October 21, 2020 at 2:47 am
GREAT advice…..much thanks!
JAV X.X.X LOVE
October 21, 2020 at 3:34 am
Poor dog I liked my own commet how sad.
Quynh Tran
October 21, 2020 at 6:52 am
This is so awesome! This popped up in my suggested. I recently published a creative notebook for Screenwriters after having a dream about it. It’s to help jot down ideas and brainstorm. Although it’s not an app but if you prefer handwriting it can be very helpful. 🙂 I hope it helps someone, anyone!
Jesper Sichlau
October 21, 2020 at 1:14 pm
Did he just reveal that Mark Zuckerberg is the villain in The Social Network?
Ivan Sosa
October 21, 2020 at 2:02 pm
This is indeed a mini masterclass. It’s gold. Very much appreciated.
Ron Zacharias
October 21, 2020 at 2:17 pm
this was so valuable
Pravesh Alva
October 21, 2020 at 3:02 pm
Man, I miss Aaron Sorkin’s Masterclass.
Jackie Kreutzer
October 21, 2020 at 3:27 pm
I see the clapperboard in the background for the Trial of the Chicago 7. What a great movie! One of the best I’ve seen on Netflix in a while. Great performances all around (Sacha Baron Cohen was a standout) and of course impeccable storytelling by Mr. Sorkin!
Barbara Godin
October 21, 2020 at 3:38 pm
I use “Manuskript”, but I’m a Linux user and I like free stuff. Depending on your computer try searching for “alternative to Manuskript” on the Goog.
Cover Song Thrift Shop
October 21, 2020 at 4:12 pm
Dang, 13 minutes ago I had no intention of writing a screenplay but I’m now LEFT WITH NO CHOICE
Crassus
October 21, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Aaron Sorkin seems to be constantly agitated. Imagine him and Tarantino having a conversation about scripts, they’d go at it for 12 hours straight and then collapse
pilanceboil
October 21, 2020 at 5:01 pm
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with us!
Rick Govic
October 21, 2020 at 6:12 pm
Sorkin genius, nothing is ever good enough. Do more, try harder. . than better.
Melancholiac
October 21, 2020 at 7:01 pm
Intention and Obstacle. Like it.
Klaus Gartenstiel
October 21, 2020 at 9:41 pm
thank you, that was really good.
The Wandering Aristotle
October 21, 2020 at 10:02 pm
Educational. Transcribed the whole video.
Senior
October 21, 2020 at 11:10 pm
👍
Satyam Twanabasu
October 21, 2020 at 11:20 pm
My advice : just re-watch his movies, you end up learning something new in every watch.
ams914
October 22, 2020 at 12:33 am
Sorkin is ABSOLUTELY WRONG that you shouldn’t use stereotypes (specifically for purposes of comedy/satire/critique). Your writing should be LIMITLESS. “Sensitivity” should never be a factor if that means you’re creativity is stifled. There is no out of bounds in art. — Rando in comment section.
Kevin H.
October 23, 2020 at 3:01 am
Well that’s his opinion, which is what this video is. I would personally agree with him because using stereotypes is typically hacky and lame, but that’s just my opinion.
Patrick Hanks
October 22, 2020 at 8:14 am
This is like being given gold, but for free
D Wan
October 22, 2020 at 9:56 am
dammit! How could this have happened?
Tuck Kamin
October 22, 2020 at 1:52 pm
Very smart and practical steps.
Stewart Smith
October 22, 2020 at 3:05 pm
I think a key question for Aaron Sorkin is how to not to make all the characters sound the same!
Matt Lerner
October 22, 2020 at 4:36 pm
Hot take: Sorkin isnt that great a writer, and the only reason why his monologs seem good to anyone is because the drama around them is satisfying. The content of his writing seldom makes sense
Kevin H.
October 23, 2020 at 2:58 am
Just amend that last line to “seldom makes sense to me”
Matt Lerner
October 23, 2020 at 3:50 am
@Kevin H. so presumably you were baffled by trumps rise to power
Kevin H.
October 23, 2020 at 2:36 pm
@Matt Lerner no but I’m baffled as to why people have constantly connect everything to anything political lol
Matt Lerner
October 23, 2020 at 5:13 pm
@Kevin H. …you do realize that we’re talking about Aaron sorkin, right?
Kevin H.
October 23, 2020 at 5:20 pm
@Matt Lerner yes. You said his writing seldom made sense and I said it doesn’t make sense to you maybe.
KajianTemp
October 22, 2020 at 5:19 pm
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to yell at you…I’m just really passionate about this.”
townsittingman
October 22, 2020 at 6:23 pm
how do you smoke crack in a hotel for a month
Kevin H.
October 23, 2020 at 2:55 am
How don’t you?
vishvanath bhatt
October 22, 2020 at 6:41 pm
all events happen in court which r shown in movie even climax r real though not as it is shown. Hoffman n Rubin wear actually wear black robes. The event shown in climax is actually happened in mid of trial when they put USA n Vietnam flag together in court and Hayden start reading the name of soldiers martyr in war since trial started. I think it’s best movie ever even better than shawshank redemption because it tells democracy is not perfect we have to continually make it better. Movie is above all super hero they r fictional, war movies show misery what we should not be doing but glamorise it. But this movie show we r born in democracy n it’s given rights to raise children freely and give them future. USA is not bi party system democracy third party candidates never wins as president. It’s mocking of democracy. Considering USA creators of democracy and has done very good for right of ppl it is inspiration for all democracy. We to Just make it our democracy better. We have educate our ppl and make their life better and free.
Henry Kavanagh
October 22, 2020 at 8:58 pm
“I don’t read the script, script reads me” – Kirk Lazarus
Mxyzptlk
October 22, 2020 at 10:38 pm
I love Aaron Sorkin.
SheeP-DawG
October 23, 2020 at 2:08 am
Nobody:
My Anxiety: 12:32
Gabriel Idusogie
October 23, 2020 at 3:58 am
This is amazing. Would love to see this with Paul Thomas Anderson. Thanks Mr Sorkin
Herr Frankenstein
October 23, 2020 at 2:44 pm
Much appreciated… Thanks
jin choung
October 23, 2020 at 2:50 pm
wow. thanks aaron. crazy internet allows us to pick the brains of the kings of the hill.
Jorge Leandro Sicilia
October 23, 2020 at 9:29 pm
I love this guy
Hunmili Engtipi
October 24, 2020 at 1:10 am
Can we get Martin Scorsese here?
Blender Dumbass
October 24, 2020 at 3:44 am
1. Story Planning App.
LOL My own
BLENDER ORGANIZER.
It’s Story Editor.
But if you are willing to wait I’m redesigning the whole UI now and it probably gonna be even cooler.
Anastacia
October 24, 2020 at 7:40 am
Kisses.
Erazem Martinjak
October 24, 2020 at 8:10 am
He would do an amaaaazing job writing an episode of Mad Men
Rote Pixel
October 24, 2020 at 2:13 pm
I love Aaron Sorkin. Great, mature, no crap stories. Seldom in this industry.
Tara Charnow
October 24, 2020 at 8:53 pm
This is just fantastic. 😀
melissa siebert
October 25, 2020 at 3:36 pm
Great questions, great answers…thank you!
Jim M
October 25, 2020 at 7:31 pm
Is that a scar on his neck?
Paul Schrum
October 26, 2020 at 1:13 am
This is like if Shakespeare gave a master class. (Okay, so I am a fan.)
Amanda T
October 26, 2020 at 2:38 am
In everything I’ve seen him in, he is so modest and genuine, despite being a once-in-a-generation writer who could, understandably, have a huge ego if he wanted to. Love him
Chanda Walker
October 26, 2020 at 3:39 am
Ty ty
Chanda Walker
October 26, 2020 at 3:40 am
Thanks Aron
Erayser
October 26, 2020 at 5:57 am
I love the Chicago 7 clipboard in the background…
Rangga A Sastrowardoyo
October 26, 2020 at 3:04 pm
I recognize those triple “do nots”.
Van Film
October 26, 2020 at 9:02 pm
Wait but is there actually an app to help plan? I’m currently writing a script and if I had an app my first draft wouldn’t have been so chaotic😂😂
Ankit Saksena
October 27, 2020 at 4:28 pm
Genius
Briana Thomas
October 27, 2020 at 6:30 pm
I am such a huge fan of this man. I am currently working on a script for a college screenwriting class. I come back to the brilliant advice in this and his Masterclass. THANK YOU, Aaron!!
WestNileSnipes
October 28, 2020 at 1:38 am
I feel like I’m back in school. This is great.
Nathan U.
October 28, 2020 at 3:22 am
Anyone else got an ad of Aaron’s MasterClass?
Juan Ok
October 28, 2020 at 4:32 am
thats pretty much how you write software
Jacob Staten
October 28, 2020 at 4:50 pm
2:33 I tell people this until I’m blue in the face even outside of writing.
dan
October 28, 2020 at 9:05 pm
i want 20hrs of this
許竣傑
October 29, 2020 at 3:47 am
Thank for sharing these great ideas.
Javier DiFrancisco
October 29, 2020 at 1:28 pm
“The audience can think of the character as a villain but not you.” Probably the best writing advice i ever heard and beautifully stated. Glad i was fortunate to have met this man randomly in ny outside of a play we were both attending. One of my favorite writers
spim randsley
October 29, 2020 at 3:33 pm
It’s hard to take in the fact that Sorkin is an actual mortal human. A guy who writes like him… how could he not be a supernatural being?
Corporate Robot Slave
October 30, 2020 at 4:43 am
Dammit Aaron I know a lotta ppl who start sentences with Dammit.
Zuma Dogg
October 30, 2020 at 5:07 am
Key to writing like Aaron Sorkin=defined characters: Should be able to tell which character’s line it is; without seeing the name.
Phang Kuan Hoong
October 30, 2020 at 1:17 pm
Newsroom and West Wing are absolutely TERRIBLE shows.
baby boo
October 31, 2020 at 9:36 am
This is absolutely useless as once u write the script noone is gonna read it anyway unleas u have a terrific agent or some tv o movie company contacted u in the first place
claudia
October 31, 2020 at 9:36 am
This is absolutely useless as once u write the script noone is gonna read it anyway unleas u have a terrific agent or some tv o movie company contacted u in the first place
Edpit agency
October 31, 2020 at 1:16 pm
Супер!
Andy Pierce
October 31, 2020 at 2:30 pm
Um I would literally give NBC all of my money if Aaron Sorkin wrote an episode of the office! I can just imagine Michale Scott walking down the hallway with Dwight Schrute talking about something funny in a west wing sort of way!
John Wu
November 1, 2020 at 2:08 am
now i’m curioius what an aaron sorkin episode of the office would look like. i wanna watch it even if he thinks it’ll be less good or less funny, i don’t care
Max Bogner
November 1, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Huge pearls of wisdom! Gonna wear ’em around my neck! (hey, I can wear pearls too! 🙂 Thank you, Mr. Sorkin!
Matt Aultman
November 2, 2020 at 4:04 am
Another answer to the question: “If you are writing a marginalized character who’s identity you do not share… can you imagine your way into that character through their joy and not their imagined trauma?
Life is Beautiful
Spongebob – Dichotomy between Spongebob and Squidward
I’ll even say Community – Dichotomy between Abed and Jeff
Each of these movies/TV shows represent characters who are marginalized by society for their childlike but yet happy expression on life (Guido, Spongebob, Abed) by others (The Holocaust, Squidward, Jeff) however, each of these characters show how through the pursuit of constant happiness and joy can they fight and even help those that marginalized them. Of these three movies though, the best example of this is by far Life is Beautiful. All time favorite movie!!!
Adrian Wollaston
November 2, 2020 at 8:28 pm
Forget all that!!
All you need for the quintessential American screenplay these days is zombies or insanely pretty vampires/werewolves who kiss a lot – nobody over thirty. Combine that with a lot of teen angst.
Unlike British shows you have to make sure there are no fat people or average looking people unless they are going to be killed early in the story. And definitely nobody with a heavy foreign accent or people of colour in the lead role.
You also have to make sure that, just like on shows such as Arrow, most of the lead characters speak in a whisper that’s so inaudible you have to turn the TV up so loud the action sequences blow your eardrums out.
James
November 3, 2020 at 3:06 am
Often when I read comments it feels like redundant dialogue.
Script Sleuth
November 3, 2020 at 11:09 am
This video is screenwriting gold.
nick davis
November 4, 2020 at 3:32 am
what movies has he scripted?
O F
November 4, 2020 at 11:14 am
Love the tortoise Shuron glasses.
Edgar Bleikur
November 5, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Thank you for sharing!
TheCrusaderRabbits
November 6, 2020 at 12:35 am
He is going to get cancelled by the wokists.
Kimmarie Cooper
November 7, 2020 at 2:08 am
So good.
Benjamin Gentile
November 7, 2020 at 2:25 pm
“I’m a playwrite that fakes his way through movies and tv shows by adding just enough visuals stuff so that you don’t realize what you’re really watching is a play.” well, that explains Molly’s Game. Reminds me of a Hitchcock quote, “most movies are just photos of people talking, there is no cinema to them.”
Laura Maue
November 7, 2020 at 3:02 pm
“You want to be able to make that person’s case to God why they should be allowed into Heaven.”
This one stuck with me. Very specific and helpful.
slopcrusher
November 9, 2020 at 4:42 pm
My problem is staying dedicated to a script once I start writing. I just come up with things as I’m writing and want to go with that. Usually I end up writing it down in my “ future ideas” folder
JudyCZ
November 10, 2020 at 7:26 am
Of course I got a Masterclass with Aaron Sorkin ad before this video. 😁 Not complaining…
Stuart
November 11, 2020 at 10:51 am
I know this is a serious advice forum but I love the jacket he’s wearing 🙂
crypt
November 11, 2020 at 8:35 pm
His masterclass ad came up while I was watching this video
Freedom Of Nomad
November 12, 2020 at 11:05 pm
Jurgen Klopp should shave more often, he looks more presentable.
David Levi
November 13, 2020 at 11:44 am
As a writer, I can tell you, the “app” you need for story planning is called a pack of Post-it notes.
MG11
November 13, 2020 at 8:42 pm
F you man
BonFire
November 14, 2020 at 11:24 pm
Aaron-don’t be offended but this format is more educational that the Master Class I took with you. You are much more relaxed and less jumpy despite people below calling you “constantly agitated” lol. Do more of these-even though you still seem a bit self-conscious and uncomfortable-you’re getting better at teaching. You are one of our generations greatest-keep sharing and inspiring others.
RaymondKym Suttle
November 16, 2020 at 2:16 am
It always annoys me to hear Sorkin Male that categorical statement that “No one in real life ever starts a sentence with the word dammit” – firstly, he didn’t know my father or me. I OFTEN exclaim dammit, sometimes seriously but sometimes in jest. Also, making a blanket statement like that doesn’t factor in factors such as geography & period. British & colonials use words that Americans don’t. So writing things like damnit as a sentence is entirely accurate, convincing & good writing depending on the character.
Musicman II
November 16, 2020 at 6:35 pm
he could almost pull off another Ernest movie. lol! Similar to Jim Varney