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January 22, 2007
How to Respond to Critics
Ken Levine responds to criticisms of him by Aaron Sorkin. Levine talked to the LA Times about the unrealistic "Studio 60," and Sorkin responded by saying Levine wasn't a "real" comedy writer.
Levine's response is a gem of graciousness.
I do have empathy for Sorkin. It’s not easy creating in a negative environment. I’ve been there. Everything you do is second guessed, the cast starts looking at you like you killed their puppy, your budget gets cut, you're pre-empted for a RUGRATS prime time special, and your health deteriorates faster than that guy who ate nothing but McDonalds for a month. When a show is going well your hair comes out in clumps, so you can imagine when it’s not. But I think he makes it harder on himself by being so defensive. There's no witch hunt. No one is attacking him personally.Perhaps Sorkin should do his homework in the future, though. Ken Levine has written for MASH, Cheers, Frasier, The Simpsons, Everybody Loves Raymond, Becker and Dharma and Greg. If he's not a "real comedy writer," then I'd like to see who Sorkin thinks qualifies as one.
If Sorkin wants to respond to critics with insults, fine. But I'd like to see him write something nearly as funny as this.
Posted by slublog at January 22, 2007 08:07 PM
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