Mr. Robot's Co-Producer and Writer - Kor Adana

TL;DR

In this interview, Sam Esmail, creator of the TV show "Mr. Robot," discusses his background in hacking and how it influenced his career as a TV writer.

Transcript

okay so cor how did you how'd you get into hacking well when I was younger I always took things apart I'm the son of an engineer so I always had tools around the house at soldering iron stuff like that take apart TVs and VCRs and just figure out how things worked and I remember my dad had this old 486 66 PC you know it's like the first PC that I st... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔍 Hacking: The person got into hacking at a young age, starting with taking things apart and learning how they work. The movie "Hackers" and "WarGames" were influential in shaping their interest in hacking.
• 💻 Social Engineering: The person's interest in prank calls in middle and high school led them to prank businesses, which helped them develop skills in social engineering. It also served as a precursor to their interest in storytelling and character development.
• 🏫 Education: The person's father encouraged them to pursue a computer engineering degree instead of film school, leading to a rift between them. They studied computer engineering for two years before specializing in network security.
• 🎬 Film Career: The person knew from a young age that they wanted to work in the entertainment industry. They moved to LA and worked as an assistant in the industry while pursuing their passion for writing and directing.
• 🎮 Mr. Robot: The person's technical background and knowledge of hacking and cybersecurity made them a valuable asset for the TV show Mr. Robot. They incorporated real code and technology into the show, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of hacking.
• 💡 Alternate Reality Game (ARG): The show's ARG is an interactive game that leads fans to explore puzzles and hidden clues in the show. The person works closely with the digital team to create puzzles and experiences that mimic the show's storyline.
• 🔒 Cybersecurity: The person places importance on personal cybersecurity, using two-factor authentication, VPNs, and password managers. They are concerned about data breaches and companies not properly securing personal information.
• 💰 Cryptocurrencies: The person believes blockchain technology is exciting and the future. They are supportive of investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but caution about the volatile market and the need to research projects before investing.
• 📚 Technical Chops: The person tries to stay updated on tech blogs, attends conferences, and reads as much as possible. They collaborate with their team to ensure accuracy in the portrayal of technology on the show.
• ✍️ Writing for TV: The person suggests aspiring TV writers to write as much as possible, find their process, and force themselves to write regularly. They recommend looking into internships and making connections in the industry. Moving to LA is also advised for aspiring TV writers.
• 🔒 Personal Hacking: The person is knowledgeable about hacking and has their own precautions in place to protect their personal information, such as using two-factor authentication and VPNs. They also have an alert system set up for their camera and microphone use on their computer.
• 🌐 Getting Started in Hacking: The person recommends watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, and reading books on hacking. They advise focusing on what aspect of hacking interests you the most, such as web application security or perimeter security.
• 📝 Getting Started in TV Writing: The person suggests looking into internships, making yourself indispensable, and getting your work out there. They recommend honing your craft and moving to LA if you want to pursue a career in TV writing.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Sam Esmail's background in hacking contribute to his career as a TV writer?

Sam Esmail's background in hacking provided him with a unique perspective and understanding of technology, which he incorporated into the hit TV show "Mr. Robot." This allowed him to create a more realistic and accurate portrayal of hacking and cyber security in the show.

Q: What sparked Sam Esmail's interest in hacking?

Sam Esmail's interest in hacking was sparked by his curiosity for taking things apart and figuring out how they worked. Growing up in a household with tools and a passion for understanding technology, he started by taking apart TVs, VCRs, and eventually moved on to building his own computers.

Q: How did Sam Esmail's experience with social engineering influence his career in TV writing?

Sam Esmail's experience with social engineering, particularly through prank calls, helped him develop his skills in storytelling and character building. It taught him how to manipulate situations and create engaging narratives, which he later applied to his work as a TV writer.

Q: How did Sam Esmail know it was time to pursue his passion for writing and quit his job in cyber security?

Sam Esmail saved up enough money and gave himself a timeline of three years to pursue his passion for writing. Once he reached a point where he could financially support himself during those three years, he made the leap and switched careers.

Q: How does Sam Esmail incorporate real hacking and cyber security elements into the show "Mr. Robot"?

Sam Esmail and his team make a concerted effort to portray hacking and cyber security accurately on the show. They use real code and real techniques, often consulting with experts in the field to ensure authenticity. However, they also focus on selecting the most visually appealing aspects of an attack to make it engaging for the viewers.

Q: Does Sam Esmail follow the progress of the alternate reality game (ARG) associated with "Mr. Robot"?

Yes, Sam Esmail closely follows the progress of the ARG and actively participates in it. He enjoys watching fans figure out the puzzles and interacting with them through the clues and hints that are scattered throughout the show.

Q: How does Sam Esmail stay updated on the latest hacking techniques and technology?

Sam Esmail relies on reading tech blogs, watching YouTube videos, attending conferences, and collaborating with experts in the field to stay updated on the latest hacking techniques and technology. He believes in continuous learning and keeping up with the ever-evolving world of technology.

Q: Is Sam Esmail concerned about the security of his personal information in the digital age?

Yes, Sam Esmail takes precautions to protect his personal information, such as using two-factor authentication, password managers, and VPNs. He remains cautious about data breaches and believes that companies have a responsibility to secure their users' information.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sam Esmail's passion for hacking started at a young age, sparked by his curiosity for taking things apart and figuring out how they worked.

• He transitioned from hacking into building his own computers and eventually got interested in breaking into systems and learning more about computer technology.

• Esmail's interest in hacking and social engineering influenced his storytelling abilities and paved the way for his career in TV writing, leading him to create the hit show "Mr. Robot."