On the show “Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes,” we get an inside look at all the little things that go into making each episode of “Oprah” a success. I know what you’re thinking: “Intern Leslie, unlike you, I do NOT have the mentality of a single, 40 year old woman, so I have no idea what you’re talking about.” To that I say, just because my TV kindred spirit is Liz Lemon does NOT mean I share the mentality of her Spanx-touting age group.
SIDE NOTE: To any young men reading this, PULL UP YOUR PANTS!
Back to my comparison of “Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes” and us interns. Yes, we have a lot of responsibilities just like Oprah's crew, and YES, we eat a lot of free food along the way, but most importantly, we should have our own show! If you have any suggestions for the name of this unborn show, tweet away! (#EDInternShowNOW). Since this IS completely hypothetical, I guess I’ll have to recount some of the craziest things I’ve experienced during my internship in order to convince Brody that this is a good idea.
1. Voice Over for TJ- As I walked into the office (and by that I mean as I cut through the swamp-like NYC humidity with my imaginary weed-whacker) on my first day, TJ came out of his studio. He asked Intern Ashley and I which one of us could do a good ditzy voice. Seeing as I spent hours of my elementary school years mimicking the popular girls while hiding behind my hardcover copy of The Hobbit, this seemed like it would be a piece of cake. (Yum). In his studio, TJ handed me a piece of paper with a few lines written on it (this turned out to be the VO for “The Yunno Game”). Then, like the acting student I am, I pointed to the end of a phrase and asked, “would you like me to take a beat here?” At that moment I’m not sure if TJ or I disliked myself more. I jest- TJ is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. But he still probably thought I was a weirdo (he was right)!
2. Video for The Worst Assistant in the World- I was sitting at the main desk with Carla Marie and Cailin, when Anthony (aka the Worst Assistant in the World), walked over and asked us if we could play a small part in the video he was shooting. Naturally I equated this video to be of the same magnitude as that of Drake’s “The Motto.” Where was MY Northface cheetah jacket?! In spite of my rapper-like edge, we shot part of a lip-sync to Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” I’ve never felt more kinship with President Obama.
3. Media Mixer at the iHeartRadio Theatre Presented by P.C. Richard and Son- A few weeks ago Intern James and I got the chance to work the door at an event in the iHeartRadio Theatre. I felt like LC on the first season of “The Hills” when she doesn’t know whether or not she’ll be able to sneak Lo into the event she’s working. (Except the only thing I was trying to sneak were the desserts). Before the event began, all of the interns went up to the studio to put our bags away. Intern James and I took this brief hiatus as an opportunity to use oil blotters, which I carry around more religiously than my wallet. Just as we were comparing the transparency of our respective blotters (James won), we realized that we were standing about ten feet away from GYM CLASS HEROES. I knew I wasn’t dreaming because Travie McCoy didn’t ask me to write my number on a used blotter. After the Oil Blotting Fiasco of 2012, as it has been dubbed (by myself), we were able to see part of THE WANTED’s performance, which was great- and shine-free!!
The Wanted performing at the iHeartRadio Theatre Presented by P.C. Richard and Son!
Me and Intern James at the Media Mixer!
4. Jimmy Fallon’s Phone Call- When Jimmy Fallon called in I think I floated up to Comedy Heaven (near Connecticut/off of I-95). After I got back, during the interview, Carla Marie asked me to RUN down to Coaster Boy Josh’s office to grab a copy of Mr. Fallon’s new comedy album, “Blow Your Pants Off." Walking quickly probably would have cut it in this situation. But running made me feel like I was a part of some grand comedy-radio Olympics. With the "Chariots of Fire" soundtrack playing in my head, I was running a marathon, preparing to hand off the torch. But in this race, there were no cups of water: only coffee and ambition. As I broke through the invisible finish line and handed Brody the album, I felt a sense of athleticism that would probably only ever be described as such in this setting.
Brody, if this hasn’t convinced you that we should have a show (preferably on OWN), I don’t know what will. Everyone else, remember: #EDInternShowNOW.
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl
@Leslie_Diana










