Book SummaryWhat's Next, by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of What's Next

The creation and production of the television series "The West Wing."

The fundamental concept gave rise to the series.

Aaron Sorkin's motivation for developing The West Wing stemmed from his respect for public servants combined with his interest in exploring topics not previously covered in his movie, The American President.

The genesis of The West Wing can be traced back to unused ideas from his earlier work on the film The American President, as explained by Fitzgerald and McCormack. While working on "The American President," Sorkin gained significant knowledge about the inner workings of the West Wing from experts, but he was unable to incorporate as many of their firsthand experiences into the film as he had intended. This left him with a desire to explore the stories of those behind-the-scenes figures, working tirelessly in service to their country. He imagined a series focusing on the dedicated personnel of the White House, those who usually remain behind the scenes as opposed to well-known entities like the President and his close advisors.

Aaron Sorkin was inspired to create "The West Wing" out of a deep admiration for the often unsung commitment and passion of those serving in public office. He sought to create a program that would entertain while simultaneously inspiring viewers to understand and value the significance of participating in community affairs. The authors emphasize that from its inception, the show was intrinsically designed with a dedication to assisting others, affecting every aspect of its development.

The book initially focuses on the intricate operations within the Presidential residence and the experiences of top-level aides.

The creation of "The West Wing" was designed to showcase the dedication and intensive labor of senior White House staff who operate behind the scenes to formulate policies and manage crises. He was captivated by the internal workings of the presidential residence, which are frequently hidden from public view. The initiative placed a strong focus on the thorough examination of the complexities within leadership, underscoring the challenges faced by those responsible for shaping the nation's future.

The author stresses that Sorkin's depiction was rooted in actual occurrences and presented a hopeful view on the responsibilities of citizenship. He sought to portray politicians differently, not as the typical schemers or bunglers, but as a diverse collective committed to their nation's well-being. The defining characteristic of The West Wing was the collaborative efforts of a dedicated and proficient group.

The events and distinct characters involved in the administration of the White House, including the period of the Clinton presidency and the Monica Lewinsky affair, had a significant impact.

The authors elaborate on how the political atmosphere of the late 1990s, particularly the events surrounding the Clinton administration and the Monica Lewinsky scandal, influenced the timing of "The West Wing's" production and the subject matter it delved into. The executives at NBC were initially reluctant to greenlight a political series, fearing that the public might not be sufficiently engaged in political issues and due to the divisive climate stemming from the Clinton impeachment. The authors elucidate that the portrayal of the White House by the network as a subject of mockery introduced additional layers of difficulty in creating a show that paid tribute to the virtues of public service.

Despite initial reservations, NBC opted to proceed with the creation of "The West Wing," though delaying its premiere by a year. The delay, although unexpected, gave Sorkin and his team the chance to enhance their vision for the show, transforming it into a beacon of optimism and encouragement for viewers yearning for a break from the typically skeptical tone of real-world political conversation.

The Characters and Casting Process

Aaron Sorkin has gained recognition for his unique approach to casting, which involves selecting outstanding actors and having them audition by performing script excerpts with other cast members.

Fitzgerald and McCormack delve into the distinctive approach Aaron Sorkin employed for assembling the cast of "The West Wing." Sorkin placed a higher value on the natural talent and collaborative spirit of performers rather than their celebrity status or previous acting credits when selecting his ensemble. He concentrated on choosing exceptional athletes who were skilled not only in mastering the intricate playbook but also in working together harmoniously as a team.

Sorkin didn't just observe; he was deeply engaged, participating alongside the actors throughout the audition stages. This hands-on approach provided Sorkin and director Tommy Schlamme with a more accurate sense of the actors' skills and chemistry, particularly as it related to their ability to master the distinctive rhythm and cadence of Sorkin's dialogue.

The meticulous selection of actors was focused on finding individuals who could not only convey the show's quick-paced conversations but also genuinely embody the characters' intelligence and passion.

The book details the challenges faced by casting directors John Levey and Kevin Scott in their search for actors who could adeptly handle the unique, rapid dialogue synonymous with the television series "The West Wing." The intricacy of Sorkin's writing demanded a distinct clarity in delivery, a skill that surpassed the abilities of certain performers, even those seasoned in the craft. Talent scouts would turn away individuals who failed to embody the character's proactive essence and synchronize with their established tempo.

The book delves into how a performer ideally embodies their role, taking a close look at the process Allison Janney went through during her audition. The character of C.J. Cregg became memorable due to Janney's exceptional comedic timing, coupled...

What's Next Summary The actors from "The West Wing" emphasized the significance of civic responsibilities.

The emphasis of the production was on the ensemble's collaborative effort rather than highlighting specific performers.

Aaron Sorkin underscores the significance of collaborative efforts and nurturing a mindset that prioritizes the group.

Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack emphasize how crucial it was for Aaron Sorkin to select a group of actors for "The West Wing" who embodied the spirit of collaboration found in the real White House, as well as the core of public service commitment. The approach fostered a sense of unity among the group members, ensuring that each person was equally appreciated and focusing on the shared narrative instead of singling out star performers.

The authors emphasize Sorkin's method for choosing outstanding performers, pointing out his direct involvement in auditions and his eagerness to engage collaboratively with the performers during script run-throughs. He was committed to selecting actors based on their abilities rather than their fame, and he aimed to foster a sense of cooperation among the group, which resulted in a stable atmosphere of mutual respect and teamwork that was evident throughout the series' entire seven-season...

What's Next Summary The cast and crew truly exemplified a commitment to activism and service.

Their unwavering dedication to principles of social equity and the initiatives they support.

The involvement of the cast in political campaigns, along with their support for charitable causes through advocacy and financial contributions.

Fitzgerald and McCormack depict in their book how members of "The West Wing" cast actively engaged in a range of projects that held personal and shared significance to them. The authors highlight that their dedication to helping others was not limited to merely associating their names with various groups or using it to gain attention on social platforms; they genuinely invested time and resources into initiatives that mirrored the principles they advocated for in their television roles.

The book details Bradley Whitford's active involvement in organizing events and raising money for autism research, as well as his friendship with political activist Ady Barkan. Whitford served as one of the executive producers for the documentary "Not Going Quietly," showcasing Barkan's struggle with ALS and his fervent advocacy for Medicare for All. Fitzgerald and McCormack also emphasize Dulé Hill's unwavering commitment to the performing arts and...

What's Next Summary The lasting significance and cultural pertinence of the television series "The West Wing."

The influence it wields extends to political spheres, the media sector, and the entertainment industry.

The inspiration derived from the television show "The West Wing" spurred a multitude of people in the realms of politics and media to pursue vocations dedicated to public service.

The publication authored by Fitzgerald and McCormack explores the influence of "The West Wing" in motivating numerous people to engage in public service, journalism, and political activism. Individuals ranging from university attendees to experienced political enthusiasts have cited the motivation they gained from observing the characters engage in fervent discussions, handle crises in both their personal and professional lives, and collaborate to implement policies and address issues for the benefit of their nation.

The initiative nurtured a more profound comprehension and appreciation for the responsibilities and privileges associated with serving in the government. The underlying ethic of civic responsibility and service, along with the intellectual gymnastics of those dense stretches of dialogue and the witty, snarky comebacks, truly resonated with these individuals, far surpassing...