This was my final week at The Today Show. I am sad to leave, but I have strong hopes of returning this summer as a NBC page. I turned in my application, and I have informed the producers of my sincere ambition to become apart of this terrific program. Therefore, I am hoping (and praying) that it will all work out right in time for graduation.
I can't say how grateful I am to have had this experience. I learned so much, and I have been thoroughly inspired by so many people to pursue my own career in broadcasting. I've narrowed down my career options to two main objectives: to become an on-air personality, as well as a producer. I love both sides of television broadcasting, in front and behind the cameras, and I don't think I would have come to that conclusion if it weren't for all the time I had spent here. I will truly miss everyone I worked with over the past eight weeks, and I hope to maintain positive relations with each of them. All the early mornings and long hours were well worth it after all, and I don't think there's anything else I would have liked to do with my time but to spend it at The Today Show. So until my return to NBC I'll be working to broaden my experience, and maybe one day I'll be sitting on set interviewing Eli Manning about his recent superbowl win.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
WEEK 7 (1/28 – 2/1)
My thoughts (and worries) for what is next continue into this week. I have taken some steps to determine what will be next, including making the decision to apply for several different early-career and internship possibilities. I have contacted NBC’s Philadelphia Bureau to see if any internship opportunities for spring are still available there. Although, on such late notice I am not sure I will be able to get involved this upcoming semester. My supervisor gave me some good contact names, so perhaps that will help.
I’ve also decided to apply for the NBC Page Program. Being a page is basically the entry-level job program, which has been in existence for many years at NBC. Willard Scott, one of the on-air personalities at The Today Show (‘Willard Scott Birthdays’), even began here as a page. Many of the people I have met during my time here have also been pages. In fact, I am happy to say that some of the most recent page-graduates have offered to help me with my application process. I hope to apply by the end of this week, or early next week. I also intend on applying to a couple other early-career programs that are offered at NBC.
All this preparation for the next step has also reminded me of how important my relationships are with these people, and how I’d like to keep those relations intact. I intend on regularly e-mailing these contacts throughout my final semester at Delaware, in hopes I will stay fresh in everyone’s minds when it comes time for the job search.
I’ve also decided to apply for the NBC Page Program. Being a page is basically the entry-level job program, which has been in existence for many years at NBC. Willard Scott, one of the on-air personalities at The Today Show (‘Willard Scott Birthdays’), even began here as a page. Many of the people I have met during my time here have also been pages. In fact, I am happy to say that some of the most recent page-graduates have offered to help me with my application process. I hope to apply by the end of this week, or early next week. I also intend on applying to a couple other early-career programs that are offered at NBC.
All this preparation for the next step has also reminded me of how important my relationships are with these people, and how I’d like to keep those relations intact. I intend on regularly e-mailing these contacts throughout my final semester at Delaware, in hopes I will stay fresh in everyone’s minds when it comes time for the job search.
WEEK 6 (1/21 – 1/25)
Now only two weeks remain, and I am starting to wonder – what’s next? This internship has certainly helped to narrow down what I want to do career-wise. This makes me very happy considering I will begin to look for jobs soon, and now I know what to look for.
Working at The Today Show, you get to see a lot of the production process. I worked closely with many of the producers, assisting them in various tasks that all contribute to the creation of a segment. This has opened my eyes to a different side of broadcasting, and it’s definitely something I can appreciate and see myself doing. I really enjoy the creativity of production. You start from scratch, beginning with a story idea, and you proceed through the steps of creation, all the way to completion of an on-air segment. To watch the segment finally go on-air, and to then (hopefully) receive commendation and have the segment to show for it must be very fulfilling. I know I feel proud when I have merely participated in some of the miniscule tasks necessary to create such a compilation. So I can only imagine how it may feel for the producers.
However, it is still my passion to be an on-air personality or talent. I am struggling to choose between the two career paths, so I’ve decided to not pick one but to instead aim for both.
Working at The Today Show, you get to see a lot of the production process. I worked closely with many of the producers, assisting them in various tasks that all contribute to the creation of a segment. This has opened my eyes to a different side of broadcasting, and it’s definitely something I can appreciate and see myself doing. I really enjoy the creativity of production. You start from scratch, beginning with a story idea, and you proceed through the steps of creation, all the way to completion of an on-air segment. To watch the segment finally go on-air, and to then (hopefully) receive commendation and have the segment to show for it must be very fulfilling. I know I feel proud when I have merely participated in some of the miniscule tasks necessary to create such a compilation. So I can only imagine how it may feel for the producers.
However, it is still my passion to be an on-air personality or talent. I am struggling to choose between the two career paths, so I’ve decided to not pick one but to instead aim for both.
WEEK 5 (1/14 –1/18)
More interns filtered in this week. Not as many as I had anticipated, but there is now a grand total of eight Today Show interns. This week ran the same as usual – mail, phones, errands, and so on; but the highlight of my week was on Friday morning. Friday frequently is my favorite day at the Today Show, but this Friday was even more significant because the producer I normally assist that day was away on vacation. The producer’s absence gave me a lot of extra responsibility, which I was excited and willing to take on. Since the substitute producer was unfamiliar with the “Ambush Makeover” segment, she was dependent on me to guide her. The segment’s normal producer forewarned me that I would have to keep on my toes this Friday; since I was most familiar with the piece’s components: the general format, on-air hit times, wardrobe/makeup areas, required b-roll and edit cues/hit times, audio, etc.
The segment turned out to be terrific. In fact, it may have been the best “Ambush Makeover” segment I’ve seen so far. We had some excellent on-camera revelation reactions from family and friends of the women getting the makeover, and even a few joyful tears. When the producer returned the following week and watched the segment herself she was very pleased.
The segment turned out to be terrific. In fact, it may have been the best “Ambush Makeover” segment I’ve seen so far. We had some excellent on-camera revelation reactions from family and friends of the women getting the makeover, and even a few joyful tears. When the producer returned the following week and watched the segment herself she was very pleased.
Friday, January 11, 2008
WEEK 4 (1/7-1/11)
This week some of the fall interns began to filter in. I’m glad to have them, and I’m even more excited that I will get to train them. I showed them what the past interns had shown me, although I may have tweaked it a bit by including some tips I’ve picked up on my own in the past few weeks. Personally, I think I’ve done a stellar job at giving the newbies a run down of the intern know-how. At any rate, I tried to be as helpful and thorough as possible because I know how it is to feel completely unacquainted with what’s going on around you. After all, I still encounter that feeling every now and again.
So by Friday we’ve acquired a total of three new interns. They’re all girls, and they’re all from other cities far away. I like them all a lot, but their arrival has brought an interesting thought to my attention: the concept of competition now exists. I have only been here a short while longer then each of them, so once they have learned the basics they will become fair competition for impressing any of our superiors. I like a little competition so I’m not necessarily upset, but I can sense that everyone is definitely conscious of the idea. So, I’ve decided to step it up a little bit, and really try to fulfill my role as the oldest and most experienced intern – even if it is by only three weeks. : )
So by Friday we’ve acquired a total of three new interns. They’re all girls, and they’re all from other cities far away. I like them all a lot, but their arrival has brought an interesting thought to my attention: the concept of competition now exists. I have only been here a short while longer then each of them, so once they have learned the basics they will become fair competition for impressing any of our superiors. I like a little competition so I’m not necessarily upset, but I can sense that everyone is definitely conscious of the idea. So, I’ve decided to step it up a little bit, and really try to fulfill my role as the oldest and most experienced intern – even if it is by only three weeks. : )
WEEK 3 (12/31-1/4)
Week three actually began on Wednesday, since my supervisor was nice enough to give me off New Years Eve and New Years Day. I suppose he may have felt bad that I came in on Christmas Eve for a half-day; which I volunteered for anyways, but it all worked out nicely.
Unfortunately, because I am the only present intern, I was unable to participate in the ‘Ambush Makeover’ segment this week. I had to remain in the newsroom to answer phones, receive mail or package deliveries, and set up for the day. I was a little upset; but when I saw how upset the producer was that she would be without my assistance this week, I felt a lot better. I guess I’m not doing too bad of a job, after all.
This week was fairly uneventful, and shorter as I’ve mentioned. I learned a couple new things, and I completed a ton of dubs for various people. Friday was the most hectic day, with phones ringing off the hook. Viewers called in with tons of questions and comments about the show, which they must have been too busy to act on during the holidays.
I can also say, for the first time in my life, that I will be glad to see the Rockefeller Center tree come down next week. After a long days work, being unable to move to the subway quickly due to immense crowding of tourists - is in no way enjoyable.
Unfortunately, because I am the only present intern, I was unable to participate in the ‘Ambush Makeover’ segment this week. I had to remain in the newsroom to answer phones, receive mail or package deliveries, and set up for the day. I was a little upset; but when I saw how upset the producer was that she would be without my assistance this week, I felt a lot better. I guess I’m not doing too bad of a job, after all.
This week was fairly uneventful, and shorter as I’ve mentioned. I learned a couple new things, and I completed a ton of dubs for various people. Friday was the most hectic day, with phones ringing off the hook. Viewers called in with tons of questions and comments about the show, which they must have been too busy to act on during the holidays.
I can also say, for the first time in my life, that I will be glad to see the Rockefeller Center tree come down next week. After a long days work, being unable to move to the subway quickly due to immense crowding of tourists - is in no way enjoyable.
WEEK 2 (12/24-12/28)
This week the interns count is down to two, including myself and one other. The last remaining intern will complete her term at NBC next Monday, leaving me, the lone intern for The Today Show. Knowing this, I am working doubly hard to soak up all the information I can. Thereby, allowing myself to become as prepared as possible for a full take-over of all intern responsibilities. Intern tasks include the upkeep of: mail, phones, faxes, deliveries, office supplies, and other office maintenance. I am also responsible for completing dub requests, which may be issued by any of the eighty plus producers. The same goes for logging tapes, ingesting, etc.
I received my first segment assignment this week, as well. This particular segment airs every Friday during the ten o’clock hour, and is titled ‘Ambush Makeover’. NBC sent a car across the river to my house in Jersey, so I could safely arrive at Rockefeller Plaza around 6:30 AM. My job is to assist the producer in getting the segment on air, basically helping out wherever help is needed. It usually takes place in the plaza, where around 7AM we begin by choosing two women who appear most deserving of a fabulous makeover. Louis Licari is in charge of hair, and as I’ve heard, he is the ‘Color King’ of New York City; and he is teamed up with US Weekly’s Jill Martin, the clothing stylist. After the women have been selected from the crowd, it is my job to get to know them a little bit: where they’re from, why they’re here, what they do, etc. This gives Hoda Kotb some talking points for on-air.
From this point, I assist in escorting the selected women to wherever they need to be throughout their makeover process. I may do some runs for the wardrobe staff if they need any extra items from local retailers, help the producer prepare Hoda’s cue cards, and transport the women and their belongings to the studio for air. Then, of course, I watch the segment live.
Afterwards, I assist the producer with any additional help she may need wrapping up; such as getting the contestants’ contact information so I can mail them DVD copies of the segment.
Although helping with a segment may be stressful, and involves a lot of running around, it is definitely my favorite portion of the internship thus far. I hope to work on a variety of different stories during my time spent here. Being in close proximity to the show’s hosts and correspondents isn’t such a bad idea either, considering the potential of obtaining the ultimate contact.
I received my first segment assignment this week, as well. This particular segment airs every Friday during the ten o’clock hour, and is titled ‘Ambush Makeover’. NBC sent a car across the river to my house in Jersey, so I could safely arrive at Rockefeller Plaza around 6:30 AM. My job is to assist the producer in getting the segment on air, basically helping out wherever help is needed. It usually takes place in the plaza, where around 7AM we begin by choosing two women who appear most deserving of a fabulous makeover. Louis Licari is in charge of hair, and as I’ve heard, he is the ‘Color King’ of New York City; and he is teamed up with US Weekly’s Jill Martin, the clothing stylist. After the women have been selected from the crowd, it is my job to get to know them a little bit: where they’re from, why they’re here, what they do, etc. This gives Hoda Kotb some talking points for on-air.
From this point, I assist in escorting the selected women to wherever they need to be throughout their makeover process. I may do some runs for the wardrobe staff if they need any extra items from local retailers, help the producer prepare Hoda’s cue cards, and transport the women and their belongings to the studio for air. Then, of course, I watch the segment live.
Afterwards, I assist the producer with any additional help she may need wrapping up; such as getting the contestants’ contact information so I can mail them DVD copies of the segment.
Although helping with a segment may be stressful, and involves a lot of running around, it is definitely my favorite portion of the internship thus far. I hope to work on a variety of different stories during my time spent here. Being in close proximity to the show’s hosts and correspondents isn’t such a bad idea either, considering the potential of obtaining the ultimate contact.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
WEEK 1 (12/17-12/21)
My first week interning at NBC’s The Today Show could not have gone better. Only several of their fall interns remain at work, and they were nice enough to show me the ropes before departing. I learned how to dub and log tapes ‘the NBC way’. I met dozens of The Today Show producers and researchers who work tirelessly everyday to get this award winning show on-air. I was introduced to my supervisor as well, who happens to be exceptionally kind and patient.
Overall, the first week was a bit overwhelming but always simultaneously exciting. The constant star traffic and ever-changing agenda certainly does keep one on their toes. My first few days include: desperately attempting to memorize eighty (or so) producers’ names; sorting mail into unmarked mailboxes; and getting completely lost in the halls of Rockefeller Plaza. I don’t know if I’ll ever completely understand the exact layout of the building, but I’m making my best attempt.
Anyhow, I’m determined to be successful at NBC. I have fervently studied the life-saving, all-inclusive packet of ‘Today Show 101’ on my train ride to and from work, and hopefully I’ll be up to speed on the general know-how of being a Today Show intern by week two.
Overall, the first week was a bit overwhelming but always simultaneously exciting. The constant star traffic and ever-changing agenda certainly does keep one on their toes. My first few days include: desperately attempting to memorize eighty (or so) producers’ names; sorting mail into unmarked mailboxes; and getting completely lost in the halls of Rockefeller Plaza. I don’t know if I’ll ever completely understand the exact layout of the building, but I’m making my best attempt.
Anyhow, I’m determined to be successful at NBC. I have fervently studied the life-saving, all-inclusive packet of ‘Today Show 101’ on my train ride to and from work, and hopefully I’ll be up to speed on the general know-how of being a Today Show intern by week two.
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