MasterClass

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  • MasterClass
  • Documentary

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7
7x1
Introduction
Episode overview
Meet Aaron. He's an Oscar winner, a TV hitmaker, and the writer of some of the smartest dramas ever to hit the screen. And now, he's your instructor.
7x2
Intention & Obstacle
Episode overview
Every great story is born from intentions and obstacles. Learn how to build the "drive shaft" that will set your script in motion.
7x3
Story Ideas
Episode overview
How do you know if your idea is good enough to turn into a script? Aaron walks you through the steps every writer should take to test an idea—and decide whether it will work best in TV or film.
7x4
Developing Characters: Part 1
Episode overview
Aaron shares some of the decisions he made to develop some of his most unforgettable characters—like The Social Network's Mark Zuckerberg and The West Wing's Toby and Leo.
7x5
Developing Characters: Part 2
Episode overview
Your characters don't have to be like you—or even likeable. Drawing on examples from A Few Good Men and Steve Jobs, Aaron explains why he always empathizes with his characters even if he disagrees with them.
7x6
Research
Episode overview
Good research is the key to a great script. Bad research is a waste of time. How can you tell the difference? Aaron shares lessons from Malice and The Social Network to help you gather the information you really need.
7x7
Incorporating Research
Episode overview
You have pages of research—now what? Avoid clunky exposition and learn how to seamlessly weave research into your story.
7x8
The Audience
Episode overview
Aaron knows that the audience isn't just watching his work. They're participating in it, too. Learn how to write stories that will keep them engaged and entertained.
7x9
Rules of Story
Episode overview
The rules of great drama aren't new. Here, Aaron explains how most of them were laid out more than 2,000 years ago by Aristotle in his Poetics, and how to use those lessons to become a diagnostician for your own story ideas.
7x10
Film Story Arc
Episode overview
Page numbers don't sound exciting, but they're a great tool for tracking the act-structure and pacing of your story.
7x11
Writing Habits
Episode overview
Even Aaron gets writer's block. Learn how he gets unstuck and what writing tools he uses to make sure he's ready when inspiration strikes.
7x12
Group Workshop: Untitled by JJ Braider
Episode overview
While workshopping J.J.'s script, Aaron shares his tips on writing action scenes that move as fast on the page as they will on the screen.
7x13
Group Workshop: E is for Edie by Jeanie Bergen
Episode overview
The offbeat characters in Jeanie's script are a hit with Aaron, who warns about the dangers of getting feedback from close-minded studio execs. (Warning: explicit content).
7x14
Group Workshop: Chronic by Roland Zaleski
Episode overview
Discussing Roland's script, Aaron reveals a simple trick that writers can use to justify improbable events in their stories.
7x15
Group Workshop: The Merc by Evelyn Yves
Episode overview
Evelyn's TV pilot kicks off a conversation about opening scenes and the importance of showing your audience something they've never seen before.
7x16
Group Workshop: From Here to Alli by Corey Wright
Episode overview
After workshopping Corey's script and learning about his background, Aaron discusses the importance of having confidence as a writer, and shares his own origin story, starting with his days as a struggling New York actor.
7x17
Writing Scenes: Part 1
Episode overview
A great story is more than just a collection of great scenes. Learn how to give your script momentum from one beat to the next.
7x18
Writing Scenes: Part 2
Episode overview
Your script only has one opening scene. Make it memorable by introducing your theme, grabbing the audience, and setting up your characters' intentions and obstacles.
7x19
Scene Case Study: Steve Jobs
Episode overview
In a study of a scene from Steve Jobs, Aaron explains how high stakes, strong intentions & obstacles, and competing tactics make for an exciting scene to write.
7x20
Scene Case Study: The West Wing
Episode overview
Aaron analyzes a classic scene from The West Wing: the scathing confrontation between President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and Governor Robert Ritchie (James Brolin).
7x21
Writing Captivating Dialogue
Episode overview
If you want to write Aaron Sorkin-worthy dialogue, learn from the master himself on how to make music with your words and put them to the test by performing your own scenes out loud.
7x22
Dialogue Case Study: The West Wing
Episode overview
Aaron does a deep dive into the musical nuances of dialogue in the Bartlet–Ritchie scene.
7x23
Rewrites: First Draft
Episode overview
Rewrites aren't a sign of a bad script; they're a sign of a good writer. Hear how Aaron reworks and strengthens his screenplays during the rewriting process.
7x24
Rewrites: Notes
Episode overview
Rewrites aren't a sign of a bad script; they're a sign of a good writer. Hear how Aaron reworks and strengthens his screenplays with help from trusted advisors.
7x25
The West Wing Writers' Room: Part 1
Episode overview
Aaron creates a virtual writers’ room to “break” part of the Season 5 premiere—an episode he's never seen.
7x26
The West Wing Writers' Room: Part 2
Episode overview
Aaron discusses what is needed in the teaser of the show and how to reverse engineer a plot.
7x27
The West Wing Writers' Room: Part 3
Episode overview
Aaron and the students continue to work together to break episode 501 of The West Wing.
7x28
The West Wing Writers' Room: Part 4
Episode overview
How can research drive the plot forward? Aaron and the students discuss the limitations of the 25th Amendment as a plot point.
7x29
The West Wing Writers' Room: Part 5
Episode overview
Take Aaron's advice: When you have great characters, use them. Learn how to keep your protagonists active.
7x30
The West Wing Writers' Room: Part 6
Episode overview
Who's got a bad idea? Aaron and the students run through various plot ideas as the writers' room continues.
7x31
The West Wing Writers' Room: Part 7
Episode overview
As Aaron says, "You don't have to assault the audience with plot." The writers discuss the value of pacing—plus the limits of reality within fiction.
7x32
The West Wing Writers' Room: Part 8
Episode overview
Aaron and the students wrap up the virtual writers' room and discuss lessons learned.
7x33
Group Workshop: Pitch Session
Episode overview
You've got a screenplay—now it's time to pitch. Learn what questions Hollywood's decision makers will ask you during a pitch and how to effectively answer them.
7x34
Group Workshop: Aaron Pitches Mission to Mars
Episode overview
Aaron turns the tables on his writers and pitches them his idea for a brand-new TV series called Mission to Mars.
7x35
Closing Thoughts
Episode overview
In the final lesson, Aaron offers his parting wisdom and leaves you with one more assignment that will last the rest of your life.

Characters