The University of Blog

There is nothing quite like waking up at 5 a.m. I got used to waking up early last week, but each time the alarm goes off before 5:30, it feels like death. I go through the motions to get up. I wash my face, throw on some clothes and get in the right mindset. This morning I went to the gym to cycle. Once I was through the motions and finished my workout, I realized that it was probably worth it getting up that early. There is something about getting up before the sun even shows its face that is awful but so hardcore. I’m in the elite crowd of early risers. And it is not just about fitness that motivates me to go out, but the desire to try something different. Pushing your comfort zone is important to have new experiences. And while I realize that I don’t want to necessarily be an early riser in my life, I do realize that working out in the morning puts me in a good mindset for the rest of the day.

Last week was one of the most rewarding weeks of my internship. The days were long, but I was involved in something that I cared a lot about. Since the cameramen are all freelancers, it gave them an opportunity to work as part of a huge team. I spoke with the field producers, audio producers and the supervising producer to gain a more complete picture of how the show works – at least the production of it.

It was really cool to see these chefs make competition cakes as well as sugar creations. Watching their impressive skill was inspirational. I don’t have nearly the skills that these competitors do, but it is enjoyable to watch and admire. After the last day of shooting, I celebrated at Keegan Gerhard’s restaurant dBar again. I tried the chocolate cake and fell in love.

This weekend after the shoot, I took a day and relaxed by first going for a run though Cherry Creek. I then checked out the pool for the first time and went to see the movie UP. It was so well done. I’m normally not one for animated films, but I enjoyed the unique concept and the characters. Today, I went to Boulder and walked around downtown for a bit and had lunch with a friend from Lawrence. I then attended Pride Fest in civic park. One thing that I can count on living in a big city is that there will always be a festival going on over the weekend. Pride fest was certainly filled with enthusiastic people celebrating in a variety of ways. Fun to see for sure.

2 days of shooting done. 2 full days left.

I’ve learned that the job of a production assistant includes doing whatever they need me to do. We remove tripods from the floor when the cameramen don’t need them any more. We take care of the crew and provide water and snacks. We run and get batteries and new tapes as they are needed. I’ve ALSO learned that there is the potential to get really tired after each shoot (Tuesday’s shoot lasted from 5:30 a.m.-11 p.m.).Tip: wear good shoes because you WILL be on your feet all day.

Today, I sat in on one of the interviews, which I will get to see more of tomorrow. It was cool to see how the episode producer got the contestants to say what they needed. My goal is to learn as much as I can about the entire process of what goes into the production of a television show. Being in the studio is probably the best part. We met Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson, who was a guest judge for our Simpson’s Cake competition. The judges were so sweet. Kerry Vincent was nice to everyone and had great stores to share. The host Keegan was so down to earth. After the shoot, we checked out his restaurant D Bar in uptown Denver. The delicious desserts will bring me back for sure.

When you move to a new city, there is a desire to do everything. Or maybe that’s just me.

I need to storm Colorado. I’ve made lists, collected brochures and scoured websites for great things to do, see and participate in. Saying yes to “everything” led me to agree to be a member of Rough Cuts, the High Noon softball team. I hadn’t played softball since the fourth grade team when I returned the ball to the pitcher by rolling it. Needless to say, the coach didn’t really want me to continue too far into softball. This time, I had to put forth some effort since I would have to face these people at work. Of course, everyone pretends that it’s all fun and games but it is all for the Ws (that means wins for those less familiar with the lingo). So far — 3 Ls.

I’m looking forward to family and friends to visit so I can do more. I want to visit the breweries in Ft. Collins, the Great Sand Dunes, take a train to Pike’s Peak, cross the suspension bridge at Royal Gorge and see other magical Colorado places. There are also a ton of outdoorsy activities that I would like to do including fly-fishing, camping and white water rafting. I hope that is in the cards because I feel like I’m running out of time. Colorado offers everything that I could ask for. I’m in a destination city, and I need to take full advantage of that.

with work friends
Being in a new city brings all types of new challenges. I’m not sure where to go out at night. Going out at night also requires someone to hang out with, which I’m slowly finding. Luckily, last weekend some girls at work invited me to go out downtown, and we had a great time. I want to fill up my weekends with fun activities including a group potluck or a neighborhood fair. Finding these activities are not challenging. Finding the people who also want to explore and maximize a summer in Denver is more challenging.

The American College of Sports Medicine ranked Denver third on a list of America’s fittest cities. This comes as no surprise. As I ran around the Boulder Reservoir or through the Cherry Creek Reservoir this week, I saw tons of people walking, biking or swimming. I felt very much a part of Denver culture as I was enjoying one of the rare sunny days today. I know that white water rafting, rock climbing and kayaking are other activities that are very Colorado and very fun. I’d love to have a chance to do them while I’m here. And when you see the majestic Rockies in the background, it just motivates you to outside as often as possible. However, when you get lost in woods (as I did today), it becomes a bit less fun.

The REI Denver flagship store only proves the fit nature of this city even further. While there, I was in awe and then had a strong urge to do everything outdoorsy. Twice a year, REI holds a used gear sale, where the crowds queue for hours just to get a chance for some deals on gear. Everyone in Denver has the proper gear for any occasion … even activities like running or biking requires a coordinating outfit.

Copies. Copies. More Copies.
Next week we have four shoots for Food Network Challenge. I’m really excited to be a production assistant for these shoots. The days are long. They start at 6 a.m. and might go on for 16 hours. Doing this four days in one week makes the week a bit long, but I can’t wait to help out. Running batteries, assisting with tapes, and being on the set beats tape labeling, making copies and doing office errands. As long as I’m learning, I can stand the office work, but I would much rather spend time on set.

Last week, I helped out on set for Disaster House, a new show for the DIY network. There I learned a great deal about the duties of a production assistant. This will help me next week so I can look for ways that I can fit in the crew. In preparation for next week, I made show binders for the producers and some crewmembers. I shipped a few out and handed the rest out to the High Noon staff. It meant making about a thousand copies to prepare these binders and show programs, but at least I’m contributing. When I see a binder in a producer or judge’s hands, I will know that I did that.

A view from Red Rocks
It’s started. A summer in Denver. After getting back from London, there were a lot of adjustments. No more underground.  No more tea time. And seeing my friends for the first time in a few months was bizarre. Great, but it took some adjustment to get used to being in U.S. mode. So, what is better medicine for reverse cultural shock than a new experience? Like, for example, exploring a new city?

Fast forward one month to one week ago. I make the move to Denver for an internship at High Noon Entertainment. It is a television production company that produces a whole host of shows including House Hunters, My First Place, Tough Love, Carter Can and the show that I’ll be working on: Food Network Challenge. It is a competitive cooking show that results mostly in extreme cake challenges. I could not be more excited.

My first week allowed me to get oriented to the building and the staff. They have so many people involved in all aspects of television production that it will take a bit of time to feel at home. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, though, so it won’t take too long. I think that I will even go on a filming of Disaster House this week, and several episodes of Challenge will film later this month. It has started a bit slow, but I know that there will be other opportunities as I get more comfortable there. It is really exciting to learn the entire television production process. So far I have sat in on two editing sessions, and I’m excited to help out in any way I can.

My drive to work is short but magnificent. I get to see the Rockies and that is something that a Kansas girl gets excited about over and over. Colorado offers many opportunities for outdoor activities. This weekend was great. I played softball and went to a Rockies game on Saturday. Then on Sunday, I went to heated yoga with my roommate and then on a bike ride through the Cherry Creek Reservoir.  It was a great weekend full of fun and excitement and I hope that my weekends continue to be just as busy.

At 9 a.m. on my way to work each morning, my pace quickens. I join the busy shuffle as soon as I get off at Victoria. My posture is a bit straighter, and I take some powerful strides as everyone around me rushes to get to work on time. After entering the doors of the crystal palace then my floor, I then grab a sparkling water from the magic fridge and get started for the day. Today, I realised that it would be my last day of this.  Sure, I will have another job with other great people and perks, but there is nothing like joining the ranks of the London professionals. Back to Lawrence, wherever for the summer and then come August, I’ll be a student again. This will be the weirdest transition of all.

Yesterday, I stood on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich. I saw where time started and laid out in the lush grass. Greenwich was amazing. We took the ferry there and got another view of London from the Thames. Before we got on the ferry, we were waiting under the London Bridge, and I had this moment where I just thought that it would be my last view of the London Bridge for a long time to come.

Last night, I went to a club called Shunt, which is the most unique experience that I’ve ever had and was the perfect culmination of the London underground arts scene. And it doesn’t get more underground than this.  The club is in an abandoned underground station. There was a maze of tunnels with a different form of art going on in each one. We followed a lit corridor which led to a bar with seats in darkened corners around the space. What an experience. In each space, something different was going on.  As I was witnessing a mock séance, I turned to the guy next to me and asked “do you come here often?”

Only in London.

It’s that time. That time where I realize that I’m actually leaving. 5 days exactly. Since my last blog post, I’ve travelled to Paris and Barcelona. Both were great cities. In Paris, we nibbled on baguettes saw famous art in free museums, walked down the Champs de Ellesse and saw the Eiffel Tower at night. We drank champagne in the park at night and even made our way to Disneyland Paris (free with AirFrance tickets). I could live on wine, baguettes and cheese for  the rest of my life – if I have the background of the Eiffel tower as my backdrop.

 At the Arc de Triumph

In Spain, as well as in France, life moves more slowly. The pace is In Barcelona was certainly that way. Dinner is usually around 10. People don’t go out and party until 1 or 2 a.m. It would take forever for me to get used to it. While there, I learned how to cook Paella, ate churros and chocolate and danced in a nightclub.  The sun decided to show its face on the day that we left. No matter, we still saw some stunning Gaudi including the Sagrada Famila and Park Guell.

Barcelona on our one sunny day

The countdown has already started for when I go stateside. My leaving drinks for MSN are tonight and my last day is this Thursday.  I’ve already started packing using the effective onebag.com method of bundling. And now that the sun is showing itself in London, everyone seems happier and London seems brighter. I enjoyed laying out under the London Eye to catch some rays and hope do check out some more of London’s beautiful parks. I went to the Sunday Up market for the last time. My Ethiopian wrap was delicious as I pondered where I could ever find this type of cuisine back home.  

The pace here is so fast. I love the fact that I can find something going on any day … and it most likely it will be enjoyable. Checking out the scene in Shoreditch for example is one of my favourite late night weekend activities, and I have met some really interesting people there. The Indian curries near there on Brick lane are amazing.  

With the MSN crew

The crew at MSN has been fabulous. Last week I met Ashley Tisdale and Katie Price and Peter Andre (famous Brit couple) during a couple of interviews. I have really developed my editing and filming skills and now it is no problem to film something on the spot. My knowledge of the business has grown exponentially, and I know that I will stay in contact with these people. I have learned so much just by watching, doing and listening, but I will miss the people most of all. But… no tears: I’m going to  try and enjoy my last few days here as much as I can and know that I’m determined that I’ll be back.

It’s weird. Less than four weeks left. This weekend: Paris. Next weekend: Barcelona. Third weekend: London. Fourth weekend: leave April 26.

Noo….

I don’t want to leave. My last few weeks need to be to the max! I have yet to go to Abbey Road. I would like to go to Greenwich. Visit Tate Modern again. Meet Hugh Grant. The list goes on…

The experience at MSN has been priceless and hands down the best experience of my undergraduate career. I feel like I am a member of staff rather than an intern. I will miss my coworkers and the ability I have to contribute to brainstorming and development of our video offerings. I’ll keep in touch when I leave. Who knows, when I graduate, I could be working in London. I wouldn’t mind that at all. PS: check out my Henry the Hoover Review as well as this Bat For Lashes interview I filmed and edited.

The fact that I’m living in the center of the world is amazing. The G20 Summit is going on right now with world leaders discussing the status of the economy as well as the environment. This brought in a whole host of protestors. They stormed RBS, broke the window and everything. The photos and videos of the protests were not pleasant. I’m glad I didn’t end up going, but it was seriously cool being so close to all of it. I was out of harms way, but felt close to the issue since I was in the same city.

The tea culture is almost better than the pub culture. I have at least three teas a day. Each day we have several tea rounds at MSN complete with biscuits. Today, I had high tea for the first time. We went to the Orangery, which was located in Kensington Gardens. I had English Breakfast Tea with a scone and clotted cream and then tried both the chocolate fudge cake as well as the orangery cake. Both were divine. I felt like a British person, except for the fact that those indulging around me were predominately tourists.

There is always something going on—including swaparama parties (see above). The past weekend, we went to a really fun party. We went to wearing one thing and then every time the bell rang, we had to trade an article of clothing with someone else. I ended up with twice as much clothing as I did when I got there. Really cute things too, so it worked to my advantage. Where else can you find an event like that going on?

This is by far my favourite city (notice my British spelling).