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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…

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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 7 premieres on Netflix October 16:

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Aaron Sorkin Answers Screenwriting Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED

234 Comments

  1. faunaflage

    October 14, 2020 at 11:51 pm

    Dear Wired: More of this, please.

  2. 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!!!

  3. aba beoi

    October 15, 2020 at 12:27 am

    Also The Newsroom was a masterpiece. I can’t stop re watching it, absolutely brilliant.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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!]

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Cole's World_2K20

    October 15, 2020 at 4:27 am

    Very helpful.

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. Allie G.

    October 15, 2020 at 7:47 am

    Enlightening and helpful, such generous sharing. Thank you!

  14. Ji An

    October 15, 2020 at 8:20 am

    Oh God, the first seconds already got me hahahaha

  15. Idan Winter

    October 15, 2020 at 9:14 am

    I’m officially ready for The Trial of The Chicago 7

  16. Mariusz

    October 15, 2020 at 9:30 am

    More Aaron Sorkin!

  17. 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.

  18. 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

  19. Etta James

    October 15, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    This is genuinely fascinating esp how it works in a writer’s room.

  20. R O

    October 15, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    So much wisdom!!!

  21. 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”

  22. Tulio Viaro

    October 15, 2020 at 2:18 pm

    Great talk. Thank you!!

  23. HollywoodCameraWork

    October 15, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    Story planning app, take a look at Causality Story Sequencer.

  24. 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.

  25. Ty_ teynium

    October 16, 2020 at 12:29 am

    Quentin asked a REALLY good question.

  26. your mother

    October 16, 2020 at 2:58 am

    aaron sorkin is so talented

  27. 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!

  28. swapnil khalashe

    October 16, 2020 at 6:13 am

    So Quentin had a question about screenwriting!

  29. meghpink meghpink

    October 16, 2020 at 7:13 am

    2:33

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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

  33. 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

  34. ForYoutube JustForGags

    October 16, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    Sorkin knows the danger of wearing two (2) AirPods™.

  35. Javier M

    October 16, 2020 at 5:07 pm

    This was fantastic.

  36. 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.

  37. Screenwriter Abdullah H. Erakat

    October 16, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    Like! Like! Like!

  38. Damen RB

    October 16, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Perfectly placed Aaron Sorkin master class ad

  39. GrungyAssCinema

    October 17, 2020 at 6:53 am

    This video is worth so much money

  40. Taylor Salim

    October 17, 2020 at 6:53 am

    King

  41. Jonathan Boyd

    October 17, 2020 at 12:08 pm

    Got to love Aaron Sorkin’s passion one of the best

  42. 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

  43. Nkanyiso Innocent Khwane

    October 17, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Excellent

  44. 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…

  45. 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.

  46. Cole Fitzmaurice

    October 17, 2020 at 4:33 pm

    And suckers are paying for his masterclass

  47. Sarthak Sharma

    October 17, 2020 at 4:33 pm

    13 min video contain more info. Than some 30 day long wrting workshop

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. Tian Xing

    October 17, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    I can listen to this man for hours. So much wisdom!

  51. 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?)

  52. Interstellar Beat Teller

    October 17, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    Gold dust

  53. Usman

    October 17, 2020 at 9:06 pm

    his script for Social Network is one of the greatest pieces of literature in cinema history.

  54. 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.

  55. 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.

  56. Sarah K Watson

    October 17, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    He is cool as!

  57. Mako

    October 17, 2020 at 11:24 pm

    Yall should watch his masterclass writing course. It helps. A LOT!!!

  58. Tom Cobb

    October 17, 2020 at 11:29 pm

    But what do y’all think are the “things that can’t be taught?”

  59. H. Ar.

    October 17, 2020 at 11:35 pm

    Wire can you do one but with Christopher Nolan?

  60. Robb Morris

    October 17, 2020 at 11:48 pm

    When the Master speaks, I listen.

  61. 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.

  62. 03 AI

    October 18, 2020 at 1:32 am

    Chicago 7 is the best movie of 2020. Aaron Sorkin did a great job.

  63. Fotis Michael

    October 18, 2020 at 2:30 am

    Story-planning app = PREWRITE

    Check it out.

  64. Pamela Demorest

    October 18, 2020 at 3:15 am

    I took your Masterclass and loved it, but wanted more. This is more. THANK YOU!

  65. 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.

  66. 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

  67. john doe

    October 18, 2020 at 7:00 am

    ALL YOU WOKE SJW FILM-MAKERS: TAKE EFFING NOTES ON 10:24!!!!!!

  68. Buzz Lightyear

    October 18, 2020 at 9:17 am

    “Intention and Obstacle…” he just cribbed Joseph Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand Faces…😉

  69. 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.

  70. Kgato Bos

    October 18, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    You just made my writing process a little more easier.

  71. 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 ?

  72. MayumiSaegusa- ShibaXX

    October 18, 2020 at 1:42 pm

    more sorkin content!! this was so educational!!

  73. Geoffrey Linehan

    October 18, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    I agree with Larry Gelbart 100 per cent.

  74. 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.

  75. 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?

  76. 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.

  77. Sijo Rejigeorge

    October 18, 2020 at 8:29 pm

    The deeper you go the deeper screenwriting gets.

  78. 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.

  79. xlrouge

    October 18, 2020 at 10:16 pm

    Wonderful!!!

  80. DanteDarcangelo

    October 19, 2020 at 12:17 am

    Sorry Aaron, but not all humans can empathize.

  81. Big Daddy

    October 19, 2020 at 2:17 am

    I’m just a Jedi in training listening to my master.

  82. Tzvi Friedman

    October 19, 2020 at 2:25 am

    Typical Hollywood formulaic bs

  83. Kenil Monpara

    October 19, 2020 at 3:54 am

    do this questions with charlie Kaufman too

  84. Me

    October 19, 2020 at 4:02 am

    Off a very quick glance I thought this was Jürgen Klopp

  85. 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.

  86. 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.

  87. Adrian Daniel Botnariu

    October 19, 2020 at 8:00 am

    Loved it! Thinking of taking his masterclass

  88. Fluff Dude

    October 19, 2020 at 11:13 am

    Goddammit the movie is soooo good

  89. 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.

  90. 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.

  91. Syed Samiuddin

    October 19, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    This was absolutely wonderful and educative. Thank you so much for making it.

  92. Owen Muratore

    October 19, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    Guys this is basically a free version of his masterclass

  93. Paul Venetian

    October 19, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    this is great thank you

  94. Prewrite

    October 19, 2020 at 2:06 pm

    Answer to the first question is us – Prewrite.

  95. Jose Virella Velazquez

    October 19, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    LOVED the Trial of the Chicago 7

  96. Alek Searcy

    October 19, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    More more more more

  97. Jose Virella Velazquez

    October 19, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    “Write about any world you want. You’re making the world” Wow

  98. TV Watch

    October 19, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    We need another 3 seasons of The Newsroom.

  99. Mike Rehfuss

    October 19, 2020 at 5:36 pm

    Studio 60 was a great show.

  100. 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!

  101. 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

  102. 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

  103. 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.

  104. Hopingover Leavesinfall

    October 20, 2020 at 12:14 am

    Sorkin is like the good teacher that the students still make fun of.

  105. Ian Lopes

    October 20, 2020 at 2:34 am

    Oscar for directing and screenwriting next year. 7 of chicago was amazing.

  106. 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 😕

  107. 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

  108. Dflex of OHIO

    October 20, 2020 at 9:16 am

    Awesome info! Thanks this helped me figure out what to focus on when writing.

  109. James Fullelove

    October 20, 2020 at 10:11 am

    INTENTION AND OBSTACLE

  110. 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.

  111. Yoda Dravidan

    October 20, 2020 at 1:16 pm

    Christopher Nolan looks slightly like Sorkin.

  112. Elena in Movieland

    October 20, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    I love him!!!!!!!!!!!

  113. Roberto Lopez Flores

    October 20, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    13:17 Genio !!

  114. Diskretna Burzoazija

    October 20, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    Love you Aron

  115. 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

  116. Peshur

    October 20, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    Wired please stop with the zoom in pull out jump cuts. You’re embarrassing yourself.

  117. Prince

    October 20, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    geez you don’t need to cut this much

  118. 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.

  119. zombieowen

    October 20, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    An episode of MASH written by Aaron Sorkin would be amazing.

  120. Pendragonthegreat

    October 20, 2020 at 4:47 pm

    I would love for Aaron to write an episode of The Good Wife

  121. Nathaniel Yaakov

    October 20, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    He talks like a Sorkin character.

  122. 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

  123. 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.

  124. Kim Jaspers

    October 21, 2020 at 1:43 am

    Thank you very much.

  125. Jack Hudkins

    October 21, 2020 at 2:47 am

    GREAT advice…..much thanks!

  126. JAV X.X.X LOVE

    October 21, 2020 at 3:34 am

    Poor dog I liked my own commet how sad.

  127. 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!

  128. Jesper Sichlau

    October 21, 2020 at 1:14 pm

    Did he just reveal that Mark Zuckerberg is the villain in The Social Network?

  129. Ivan Sosa

    October 21, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    This is indeed a mini masterclass. It’s gold. Very much appreciated.

  130. Ron Zacharias

    October 21, 2020 at 2:17 pm

    this was so valuable

  131. Pravesh Alva

    October 21, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    Man, I miss Aaron Sorkin’s Masterclass.

  132. 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!

  133. 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.

  134. 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

  135. 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

  136. pilanceboil

    October 21, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge with us!

  137. Rick Govic

    October 21, 2020 at 6:12 pm

    Sorkin genius, nothing is ever good enough. Do more, try harder. . than better.

  138. Melancholiac

    October 21, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    Intention and Obstacle. Like it.

  139. Klaus Gartenstiel

    October 21, 2020 at 9:41 pm

    thank you, that was really good.

  140. The Wandering Aristotle

    October 21, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    Educational. Transcribed the whole video.

  141. Senior

    October 21, 2020 at 11:10 pm

    👍

  142. 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.

  143. 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.

  144. Patrick Hanks

    October 22, 2020 at 8:14 am

    This is like being given gold, but for free

  145. D Wan

    October 22, 2020 at 9:56 am

    dammit! How could this have happened?

  146. Tuck Kamin

    October 22, 2020 at 1:52 pm

    Very smart and practical steps.

  147. 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!

  148. 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.

  149. 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.”

  150. 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?

  151. 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.

  152. Henry Kavanagh

    October 22, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    “I don’t read the script, script reads me” – Kirk Lazarus

  153. Mxyzptlk

    October 22, 2020 at 10:38 pm

    I love Aaron Sorkin.

  154. SheeP-DawG

    October 23, 2020 at 2:08 am

    Nobody:
    My Anxiety: 12:32

  155. Gabriel Idusogie

    October 23, 2020 at 3:58 am

    This is amazing. Would love to see this with Paul Thomas Anderson. Thanks Mr Sorkin

  156. Herr Frankenstein

    October 23, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    Much appreciated… Thanks

  157. 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.

  158. Jorge Leandro Sicilia

    October 23, 2020 at 9:29 pm

    I love this guy

  159. Hunmili Engtipi

    October 24, 2020 at 1:10 am

    Can we get Martin Scorsese here?

  160. 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.

  161. Anastacia

    October 24, 2020 at 7:40 am

    Kisses.

  162. Erazem Martinjak

    October 24, 2020 at 8:10 am

    He would do an amaaaazing job writing an episode of Mad Men

  163. Rote Pixel

    October 24, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    I love Aaron Sorkin. Great, mature, no crap stories. Seldom in this industry.

  164. Tara Charnow

    October 24, 2020 at 8:53 pm

    This is just fantastic. 😀

  165. melissa siebert

    October 25, 2020 at 3:36 pm

    Great questions, great answers…thank you!

  166. Jim M

    October 25, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    Is that a scar on his neck?

  167. Paul Schrum

    October 26, 2020 at 1:13 am

    This is like if Shakespeare gave a master class. (Okay, so I am a fan.)

  168. 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

  169. Chanda Walker

    October 26, 2020 at 3:39 am

    Ty ty

  170. Chanda Walker

    October 26, 2020 at 3:40 am

    Thanks Aron

  171. Erayser

    October 26, 2020 at 5:57 am

    I love the Chicago 7 clipboard in the background…

  172. Rangga A Sastrowardoyo

    October 26, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    I recognize those triple “do nots”.

  173. 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😂😂

  174. Ankit Saksena

    October 27, 2020 at 4:28 pm

    Genius

  175. 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!!

  176. WestNileSnipes

    October 28, 2020 at 1:38 am

    I feel like I’m back in school. This is great.

  177. Nathan U.

    October 28, 2020 at 3:22 am

    Anyone else got an ad of Aaron’s MasterClass?

  178. Juan Ok

    October 28, 2020 at 4:32 am

    thats pretty much how you write software

  179. 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.

  180. dan

    October 28, 2020 at 9:05 pm

    i want 20hrs of this

  181. 許竣傑

    October 29, 2020 at 3:47 am

    Thank for sharing these great ideas.

  182. 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

  183. 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?

  184. Corporate Robot Slave

    October 30, 2020 at 4:43 am

    Dammit Aaron I know a lotta ppl who start sentences with Dammit.

  185. 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.

  186. Phang Kuan Hoong

    October 30, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    Newsroom and West Wing are absolutely TERRIBLE shows.

  187. 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

  188. 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

  189. Edpit agency

    October 31, 2020 at 1:16 pm

    Супер!

  190. 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!

  191. 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

  192. 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!

  193. 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!!!

  194. 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.

  195. James

    November 3, 2020 at 3:06 am

    Often when I read comments it feels like redundant dialogue.

  196. Script Sleuth

    November 3, 2020 at 11:09 am

    This video is screenwriting gold.

  197. nick davis

    November 4, 2020 at 3:32 am

    what movies has he scripted?

  198. O F

    November 4, 2020 at 11:14 am

    Love the tortoise Shuron glasses.

  199. Edgar Bleikur

    November 5, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    Thank you for sharing!

  200. TheCrusaderRabbits

    November 6, 2020 at 12:35 am

    He is going to get cancelled by the wokists.

  201. Kimmarie Cooper

    November 7, 2020 at 2:08 am

    So good.

  202. 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.”

  203. 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.

  204. 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

  205. JudyCZ

    November 10, 2020 at 7:26 am

    Of course I got a Masterclass with Aaron Sorkin ad before this video. 😁 Not complaining…

  206. Stuart

    November 11, 2020 at 10:51 am

    I know this is a serious advice forum but I love the jacket he’s wearing 🙂

  207. crypt

    November 11, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    His masterclass ad came up while I was watching this video

  208. Freedom Of Nomad

    November 12, 2020 at 11:05 pm

    Jurgen Klopp should shave more often, he looks more presentable.

  209. 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.

  210. MG11

    November 13, 2020 at 8:42 pm

    F you man

  211. 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.

  212. 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.

  213. Musicman II

    November 16, 2020 at 6:35 pm

    he could almost pull off another Ernest movie. lol! Similar to Jim Varney

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