Today I went to Columbus Circle to interview Anderson Cooper for his new daytime talk show, Anderson. It was an entirely different experience than most Us Weekly video shoots. First, it was done on-location (as opposed to in our own studio). Second, I was interviewing somebody I respect and admire (and not just someone who I find mindlessly entertaining, like Snooki or Jill Zarin). And finally, I was actually nervous — and I rarely get nervous for work-related reasons.
I arrived 45 minutes early, and after calling Kristin to calm my nerves, I let the people at Anderson know I had arrived. The interview was pushed back a few times because Anderson was taping an upcoming episode, but I didn’t mind waiting — these kind of things happen in television, so you just have to roll with it.
After about 30 minutes I was escorted into the studio where Anderson is filming his new talk show, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The set was stunning, mostly due to the massive windows with sprawling views of Central Park. Anderson’s crew was going to shoot the interview using their cameras (again, a first for me), but I didn’t realize how much of a production it was going to be. There were at least 25 crew members, including producers, cameramen, lighting technicians, etc., all of whom were pitching in for the shoot. It was unfamiliar, but also exhilarating. Having all those people there made me want to do that much better.
As soon as I walked through the door, Anderson came over to shake my hand and introduce himself. When you see him on TV, it’s obvious that he has piercing blue eyes, but the color is even more intense in person. He was very warm, professional and charismatic — it’s hard not to like him. As I took my seat to begin the interview, I was impressed — but not surprised — by how articulate and charming his answers were. Once he had answered all my questions, he got up, shook my hand, thanked me for the interview and headed off to another meeting. He’s got a lot to do before the show’s September 13 premiere, so I was incredibly grateful he was able to squeeze in an interview.
He couldn’t have been any more fantastic, and his staff couldn’t have been any more accommodating. It was also really fun to get a small glimpse of a show in its infancy, and to see how everyone came together to make it a success. If it’s anything like Anderson told me — and I have no doubt it will be — the show is going to be an instant smash.
he sure is a good looking older man. I don’t care what you guys think of me for saying that haha
-J
