Following is Part 2 of a report from Tallyhead Amy, who not only got to visit The Office set, but had a walk-on part in tonight’s episode, ‘Branch Wars’!
After makeup, I’m taken to meet the person I will spend the morning with. Rashida Jones! As I am quickly becoming aware, my “role” is Dunder Mifflin employee at the Utica branch where Karen is branch manager. I am told that I will exit the office building acting as Karen’s friend on our way to get frozen yogurt and we will return together and then she will see the Scranton people and I will re-enter the building.
I cannot believe this!! We are being shot from a distance but I get to walk right alongside a major character!!! I am trying not to freak out at this point.
Because each of those scenes requires numerous takes, Rashida and I spend a great deal of time chatting and let me tell you, she was so down-to-earth and so non-star like, it was really easy to feel like we were office friends leaving the building for a snack. In fact, if the shot shows us chatting as we are walking, we were indeed just talking about living in New York (where I am from) etc. She was really terrific and made me feel very comfortable.
At this point I’ve calmed down enough to be able to observe what goes into a location shoot. It was quite interesting seeing what the prop people do (fyi, they had about 10 different yogurts ready to replace any of Karen’s that melted during re-takes and cookies with a bite cut out of them to replace mine in case I ate them), watching the hair and makeup people fixing people between shots, seeing the camera guys and all the ADs at work keeping everything and everyone organized.
At one point John Krasinski came over to say hello. And yes, he is indeed as good-looking in person as he is on screen! He was very nice and very funny with a lot of banter.
I have to make it clear that every single person I encountered, from hair and makeup to crew to actors to Kent Zbornak, were so nice and so concerned with making sure I (and my guest) had a good experience, I was completely impressed. I am pretty sure they are like that all the time — they seem to all have so much fun together.
We broke for lunch which was catered; a huge and tasty assortment of food. They only have a short time for lunch and then back to work. This is where I got to observe the magic of the set decorators. Two days before shooting, the building was an emptied office building. In one large room they had created an exact replica, right down to the post-its on each computer, of a regular office.
I could not believe it — it was like being back in my own office. Except I don’t have all the Utica paraphernalia they used to help set decorate. This is where I got to live out my dream of being a Dunder Mifflin employee — I had my own desk and pretended to work during the shots.
At one point, my desk was surrounded by Joss Whedon (director of that episode), Mindy Kaling (who wrote that episode), Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, and John Krasinski and I’m thinking, what am I doing here?!?! During this time, Phyllis Smith was visiting the set with some friends and someone introduced us and she gave me a great big hug! She is clearly the set sweetheart — everyone seems to adore her.
The day ended with shooting Karen’s talking heads and then it was “a wrap”. All the hair and makeup gals and the 2nd AD gave me a hug goodbye (I told you they were nice!) and we got in our car and were taken back to the hotel.
It was an unbelievable day and one I will never forget. Thanks again to Tanster and everyone at The Office (and Sierra Mist!) for helping me be a part of one of the best shows on television.
Oh my goodness! I didn’t realize that was you! That is so cool! I’m glad that they are really nice,and i’m glad you had a good time!
Wow…what an experience of a lifetime. And you didn’t get to play just some dot, you actually interacted with Rashida. Great story!
Wow! You are so lucky! I just wanna ask so many questions. What did you guys talk about the whole time? Man.. I would be so nervous.
Thanks for sharing your story! I love Rashida Jones and being around her must have been a blast. Congrats!
What a cool experience. I like how you talked about normal things while you kept doing takes of walking through the parking lot with Rashida.
Congrats Amy! I saw you walking with Rashida and then later sitting at “your” desk during tonight’s episode. Aren’t they just the nicest cast ever?! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
What was Joss Whedon like?
After reading part 1 I was sure to keep my eye out for you while watching! This sounds like it was an incredible experience! Thank you so much for sharing!
That is so cool that you got to do that. Thanks for writing about your experience!
I was watching the show and I saw your scene with Rashida and I said out loud, “That’s the office winner girl!” Awesome~!!!!
When I was watching the show last night I saw you walking beside Rashida! What an experience of a lifetime you had-I’m jealous :)
That is amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I remember watching the episode, and I was like, “Wow! That is the girl from OT!!”
After reading part one I was so excited to watch for you last night! It was so exciting to see a Tallyhead actually be a part of the show!
I personally wanna hear more about your meeting with John… haha Also did you get to meet Rainn at all?
Congrats again! What a great prize!
Wow congrats Amy! You must have been so excited and I was so excited for you watching the episode last night!
Congratulations! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Its so nice to know how down to earth everyone is.
PS-Wow, Joss Whedon, what a great bonus. :)
Thanks for sharing your story. This sounds beyond cool. Thanks for the pics as well. I have to say those three look hot in warehouse clothing. I wouldn’t mind seeing them dressed like that more often.
Congratulations! That’s such an awesome opportunity, and I’m so glad you shared it with us!
That’s so awesome!!! I’m so jealous, but also very excited for you! Last night’s episode was so cute and I remember seeing you and thinking, “Hey, that must be the girl who won the contest!”
Congratulations! Thanks so much for sharing your story and your pictures with us!
Cool story! :) When I watched the episode I knew it was you right away w/ Karen. :) Good job!
That sounds amazing. Congratulations!
that’s so cool! i just re-watched it and saw you! :)
Awesome, Amy! When I saw you onscreen I recognized you from OT and told my husband that you were the contest winner. It’s cool that you got to be on screen a couple of times.
Ah, how I wish I can be the Mexican girl Michael says something insensitive to. A girl can dream, can’t she?
Good for you Amy! That’s so exciting. And you did a great job!!
You were awesome on the episode!!
Awesome! I would love to meet Rashida Jones and The Office cast!
Congtats on the walk on role! Everytime I saw you on screen, I was like “That’s the the person that won the walk on role!!!!”
Great job! You’re so lucky.