Watch The Newsroom: Cast and Creators Live at PALEYFEST
- 2013
- 1 hr 27 min
The Newsroom: Cast and Creators Live at PALEYFEST is not a movie but a special event that brings together the stars and creators of the hit television show The Newsroom at the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles. The show ran on HBO from 2012 to 2014 and was created by Aaron Sorkin, who also wrote The Social Network and A Few Good Men.
The Newsroom follows the exploits of a fictional cable news network called ACN as they report on real-life events such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Tea Party movement, and the 2012 presidential campaign. Jeff Daniels stars as Will McAvoy, the abrasive and acerbic anchor of the network's flagship show who finds himself in the middle of a political firestorm when he declares that America is not the greatest country in the world during a public speaking engagement.
Emily Mortimer co-stars as MacKenzie McHale, Will's ex-girlfriend and the new executive producer of his show. Together with a team of talented journalists played by the likes of Sam Waterston, Alison Pill, and John Gallagher Jr., they strive to create a news program that informs and engages their audience while fighting against corporate interference, personal insecurities, and romantic entanglements.
The PALEYFEST event features a panel with the show's main cast and creators, including Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, Alan Poul, and Aaron Sorkin himself. They discuss the making of the show, its themes and messages, and its impact on the media landscape. The event also includes a screening of one of the show's most iconic episodes, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
The Newsroom: Cast and Creators Live at PALEYFEST is a must-see for fans of the show and for anyone interested in the inner workings of the media. The panelists offer fascinating insights into the writing process, the challenges of creating a TV show that deals with current events, and the importance of journalism in the age of social media and fake news.
Jeff Daniels, in particular, shines during the event, showcasing his wit and intelligence as he talks about his approach to playing Will McAvoy. Emily Mortimer also stands out as she discusses the complexities of her character, MacKenzie McHale, and the challenges of being a female producer in a male-dominated industry.
Aaron Sorkin, as always, is a masterful orator, using his trademark rapid-fire dialogue to explain the show's philosophy and to defend some of its more controversial moments. He also shares some behind-the-scenes anecdotes and reveals some secrets about the show's writing process.
The episode that is screened at the event is an iconic one, known as "Red Team III." It deals with the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing and shows the ACN team struggling to report the news accurately while also dealing with their own personal demons. The episode features some of the show's most powerful moments, including a monologue by Jeff Daniels that has become one of his most famous scenes.
Overall, The Newsroom: Cast and Creators Live at PALEYFEST is a fascinating look at one of the most critically acclaimed TV shows of the past decade. It offers a glimpse into the minds of the people who created it and who brought it to life, as well as a chance to relive some of its most memorable moments. If you're a fan of the show or just a curious observer, this event is not to be missed.