Intern Chick

I’ve been at my new internship (read: 8th internship) for about a month now. The artists are different but the work is the same work I’ve done in the past. Most days the only thing I learn is where the copy machine is or that we actually do have ice in the kitchen. Other than that, everything else is pretty much the same stuff I’ve been doing. A few weeks ago one of our newer artists were coming in to the office for us to film an interview of them. I went with the other intern to the artist lounge to learn how to set up the video equipment and all the lighting. Then she went to get some drinks for the guys and it was just me and the creepy A/V guy. You know the type…I don’t think I have to re-hash old stereotypes on this blog. But he was that guy you don’t want to be left alone with.

Well apparently, someone’s gotta test the white balance right? Cue Intern Chick awkwardly sitting on the couch (you know the kind that you sit in and it just envelopes you to the point where all you can do is sit back and accept the fact that you might be stuck?) holding extra large legal paper, staring blankly into the camera. A/V Guy didn’t indulge me in the fact that he was testing the white balance, and for all he cared I probably could have held that paper in front of my face. It would have made me feel more at ease! Then I had to test out the two mics we had set up. I’ve never had the opportunity to be “that lady” testing out mics, shouting CHECK! TESTING 1-2! Those people always concern me. To me its usually apparent after the first time they say it that the mics are working just fine, and they continue to just stand there, repeating it. Both of the mics tested out fine and eventually our artists came to do the interview. At one point I got to film part of the interview (and by this I mean, press the record button and then press it again once it was over).

Its been awhile since I’ve learned something new so I enjoyed setting this up and was glad when I knew how to disassemble everything too. Then last week another one of our artists came in and this time the other intern and I had to set up the same equipment in the recording studio in the building. It was her last day so I was told that I would have to do it and she would just supervise. I set up all lighting and the tripod just fine, but when it came time to put the battery pack and the tape in the camera I couldn’t figure it out. It’s always funny (read: really annoying) to me when what seems like the most counter-intuitive thing is done with a flick of the wrist by your peers. This time I tested the white balance—no more awkward moments in front of the camera for me! I got to film the back up camera once the interviewing started rolling and took the tapes over today to a film company to be edited.

Every morning before school, my father would always shout behind me “Learn lots of stuff!” Then while seated at the head of our dinner table that night he’d ask, “What’d you learn today?” If I said nothing, I’d get the same spiel about what a waste it is to send me to school if I’m not learning anything. Sometimes it feels nice to go to work and actually learn something new. And I’ll admit, last time I talked to my father, he seemed pretty happy I’m learning something. You know, until he brought up the inevitable question, “Are you still working for free?”