Part II: Two Weeks Later

Very much settled into my routine, my life here in Atlanta has been going great so far, especially at TCM. The first day was the usual HR paperwork, meeting a bunch of folks, and familiarizing myself with the "Campus" (aka the Techwood offices). Everyone so far has been really great and super nice. I probably acted like a total film nerd and salivated as I searched through Turner's library. Who would blame me? Their collection is fantastic! My second day, however, proved ridiculously fun, and to use the age-old expression, I was pretty much a kid in a candy store. For the rest of week one I was in studio with Mr. Robert Osborne as he filmed all his intros and outros for the coming month. Everyone knows my insatiable appetite for trivia, and most of the minute to two minute segments are saturated with fun movie facts regarding each film. I tended to sit and stare at the monitor and teleprompter, hopefully, with a look of interest and intrigue as opposed to open mouthed gaping. (I think that I succeeded with the former.) On Friday, the last day of Osbo's shoot, I kept time code and called out all shot and wardrobe changes. Then at the end, I shouted, "That's a wrap!" Quite exhilarating :) But even more so was when Osbo came over, patted me on the back, and told me I did a great job. Compliment from the man himself. Awesome.

During the week I went to dinner with Blakely and Vic at Carrol Street Cafe, and we spotted Jane Fonda - the former Mrs. Ted Turner - hanging out in support of her daughter's art/photo show. Then Thursday Vic, Ash, Glenn, and I went to Radiohead at Lakewood. This was my fourth time seeing the lads from Oxford, and while they put on a great show, I must say, I was not impressed with Lakewood. I enjoyed the show nonetheless. I mean, it's Radiohead! The weekend was a lot of fun: Amber's grad party at the Wells'; meeting up with Orly in Buckhead; then Sunday (though a day of recovery) Orly's grad dinner at Fago de Chao with her parents. Thank goodness my appetite came back for that - it was delicious!

Monday and Tuesday was more administrative stuff at TCM. I did, however, spend a lot of time with Brittany in the editing suites as she is the producer on the Bill Maher and Rainn Wilson guest programming pieces. I like that I also use the creative aspects of my brain as opposed to strictly administrative. The rest of the week was spent in studio with Ben Mankiewicz - he does the weekend segments - and I learned how different he is from Osborne. He's about half Osborne's age, and he tries to add a bit of sarcasm and humor into his segments. I definitely look forward to working with both him and Osborne more over the course of my three months.

So that should sum up my time so far. I'll do my best to stay more up-to-date, but first, let me outline my intentions for this summer's blog:

1. Journal my time at TCM;
2. As well as with the Group and all activities in which we partake;
3. Write about any movies I see - be it a new release, a classic (alas, I still have a handful of
films on the AFI list to view), or even a film I re-watch.

Those are my three main goals. Next up, Iron Man. Stay tuned.

Part I: Two Weeks Later

I'm wrapping up the end of week two here in lovely Atlanta, and since this is the first time I've had a chance to blog, I'll do my best to give the abbreviated version of my final days in my homestate and these early times back in my adopted one. This might happen in two installments, but we'll see how much I can get out in the next few minutes. Here we go...

Where to begin...oh yes, finals...mixed in with finding a subletter (which I did and who is meshing well with the ladies of 180 Washington), moving (thanks to Dad), then traveling the 1200 or so miles from Brighton to the Cape and onto Georgia (once again thanks to Dad and of course to Mom who packed me and ensured that I would be presentable as an intern). The first word that comes to mind: tiring. I feel that most of those days was spent in a fog, and I really am not sure how I got everything done, but apparently, I did. Three of my papers were turned in by the time I left Massachusetts (thank god), and the fourth and final one I actually partially wrote en route. Yup, while Dad drove, I had my macbook, research, and notes open on my lap in the front seat of the mustang. Of course the majority of it I wrote at the hotel, finishing at Ash and Glenn's place just hours before it was due. And thanks to the kindness of a one, Ms. Sarah Leventer, the paper got turned in. Oh, the joy of being a student once again! But all that matters now is...well...I don't have to worry about it anymore. At least not for another three months. Deep breath. If, however, anyone has any thoughts on either American Graffiti or Dazed and Confused - more specifically on their similarities commenting on youth culture, the importance of music within the films to create nostalgia, and how each resonates with contemporary audiences - then please, let's discuss.

But getting to the most important matter, I am here in Atlanta, living with Ash and Glenn (yes, I left one middle school friend and went directly to two others), and interning at pretty much my dream location: Turner Classic Movies (aka TCM for those who like to shorten things). So far, so good. But, I'll continue that tale later. It's time for me to leave the cubicle (yup, I'm here right now - I'm super busy and important this Friday evening as you can tell) and collect my thoughts for the subsequent posts which will keep everyone on the edges of their seats.