After returning from studying abroad in Costa Rica, I decided to take another trip to California to see family and do a little sightseeing. I got the chance to have a tour of CBS Studios in Los Angeles, CA. My first stop was the nationally syndicated television show Entertainment Tonight, also known as ET, where I got the opportunity to observe how the show was shot and edited. Some of the topics from that day’s show were updates on the Donald Sterling incident, Beyonce being named Time magazine’s most influential person and details on Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s wedding. It was amazing seeing anchors Nancy O’Dell, Rocsi Diaz, Brooke Anderson, and Lance Bass in action delivering entertainment news. It was great seeing them enjoy what they do as professionals. In between breaks they would laugh and chat with each other and with the workers behind the scenes.

For a while I have been in contact with one of the producers of the show. He showed me the ins and outs of how an episode is put together for viewers to watch and get their daily dose to entertainment news. The show is taped, edited, and fed to their affiliates on the east coast quite quickly to my surprise. Each day the show must be finished in time in order for it to air at the correct times on the east coast.

After the show was fed, I went to visit the vibrant orange set. I even got the chance to take a picture! It was exciting standing on the same stage as the anchors. It felt like home to me because I would love to have a job delivering entertainment news one day. It is one of my passions. 

Next stop after visiting ET, I walked around to other sets and shows on campus such as The Soul Man, The Talk, and The Insider. While on set of The Soul Man, I had to opportunity to meet one of the stars of the show, Cedric The Entertainer, who plays Reverend Boyce ‘The Voice’ Ballentine. When I walked up on set I saw him being interviewed about the show and his character. I was standing and observing the other journalists interview him and I met a few of them. I guess I looked as if I belonged because the actor’s publicist asked me if I was with the press. I really wanted to say yes and get a quick interview in, but I told her I was a student and just observing. Yet again, another missed opportunity, but not all together. After he finished his interviews, I was delighted to meet him. 

All in all my trip to CBS Studios in Los Angeles, CA was a success. I enjoyed meeting some of the hardworking people that work to make the television shows we love. To see photos from the trip click the “Photos” tab above. Thanks for reading!