The Office: My Day on the Set (Part I) - Give Me My Remote : Give Me My Remote

The Office: My Day on the Set (Part I)

March 2, 2007 by  

The Office: My Day on the Set (Part I)

[Click here to read PART II]

I’m not sure where to begin. I know that Tuesday, February 27, 2007 will go down as one of the best days ever! By now most of you know that I was lucky enough to spend all day Tuesday on the set of my favorite TV show, The Office. It was just a fantastic day, and I’m so thankful to everyone that made it possible. So first let me start of by thanking Jennie from OfficeTally.com who worked hard to make this happen. Then to the cast, crew, producers and everyone associated with The Office who were kind enough to open the doors of Dunder Mifflin and let us in on the magic behind it all. A typical work day for you all was a real special day for Jennie and I, so thank you.

To sit down at this computer and try to capture the day is a difficult task. But knowing that it’s a day few will experience I’ll do my best to share it with you. Since I know some of you have lives and don’t have hours to spend reading this, I thought I would break it down into two sections. Today is my diary of the day. What we did, where we went, who we saw. In Part 2, I will get into all the fun moments we had with the cast. Get settled in because this is incredibly long (that’s what she said) and incredibly self indulgent as this is my one time to capture the day as it unfolded.

When Jennie and I first arrived on set, we were a little shell shocked that we were actually there. I mean, we saw the Dunder Mifflin sign but it still seemed so bizarre that we were actually headed on to the set. I was trying to take it all in while also trying not to crash the rental car into the gate. We were instructed where to park and noticed the trailers right next to us. Yeah, that’s when it started to become real.


Kent Zbornak and me hanging in the officeUpon arriving, we were greeted by Kent Zbornak, a co-executive producer on the show (and a hell of a nice guy). We exchanged a few quick hellos and we were off to start our day. Our first destination was the writing offices. But you know what we had to walk through to get there? The PLoD. Oh the Parking Lot of Doom. The scene of too many sad moments, and a place where JAM fans hope no other conversations ever take place. I was cringing just walking through it. But all was quickly forgotten as we walked by all the characters cars lined up just as you see it on TV. Michael’s Sebring next to Pam’s Fancy New Car, Karen’s SUV, Meredith’s infamous van, and of course Dwight’s Trans Am.

We went through those famous Dunder Mifflin glass doors…by the elevator of sideways glances…past the offices of Vance Refrigeration and up to the writers’ area. It’s during this time when we were first let in on one of the hidden secrets of The Office. Are you ready? Did you know that the scenes where people are looking out of Michael’s office window and down into the parking lot isn’t really Michael’s office? Nope, it’s writer Jennifer Cellota’s office. When the scene calls for Michael to look out his window and into the PLoD, Jennifer gets booted from her office, a quick little makeover happens and ta da…it’s Michael’s office. Would you ever have guessed? Not me.

Next up we got to see the foundation of the brilliance of The Office…the writers’ room. A large conference table sits in the middle of a big room surrounded by the dry erase board where many an Office moment first came to life. Everywhere you turn there are index cards which are used to break stories, plan arcs, and pinpoint scenes. Kent told us that the show is methodically planned and it’s like a giant puzzle that comes together by the time the show airs on Thursday nights. There were some really funny scenes outlined around the room. Not that I would dare tell you what they were, because (a) I would probably die a strange and mysterious death and (b) they may never see the light of day. But really it’s the death thing that I’m more worried about.

From the writers room we headed over to the warehouse. This was the one set that seemed much smaller than it does on TV. The warehouse actually serves as a warehouse for the show, with an areas for storage, construction and prop development. Darryl, Roy, Lonny and the crew were sadly not on set that day. I did notice that the safety board said that it’s been 385 days since a safety violation, which can only mean that Michael Scott hasn’t been spending much time down there.

From the darkness of the warehouse (some call it the whorehouse, but you can’t call it that), we got a glimpse of the old Stamford set which also doubles for the NYC corporate offices of Dunder Mifflin when the script calls for it (we saw DM-NYC last season when Jim went for his interview with corporate, remember?). On that day the small set was being used for the cast to record international promos. Yes, The Office is going global. That confused me a bit since so many other countries have their own version of The Office already, but hey…if it means more people get to see the show, then it’s all good by me.

After leaving Stage 2, we headed over to Stage 3, the main building where The Office is filmed. Yes, we were getting closer to Dunder Mifflin. Jennie and I were escorted into one of the two small rooms that sat directly on the opposite side of the door of DM. You know that little door in between Oscar and Meredith? Well walk right through there and that’s where we were hanging all day. In the room were a few small monitors where we could watch what was being filmed in the next room. So yes, what seemed like just minutes after our arrival, we were getting a glimpse at an episode of The Office that you all will see in a few weeks. Jealous? Yeah, you should be…ha ha.

Hanging in the room with us were J&J, two of the ladies from NBC that work hard to keep The Office going on the PR front. But the room really belonged to Veda, the script supervisor. It’s Veda’s job to listen to and watch each scene with incredible scrutiny to ensure that there is consistency from scene to scene. After every take, Veda rushes out of the room and on to the set to share what she’s observed and then rushes back before they start the next take. It seems like a pretty intense job but it’s one we have all come to appreciate as The Office has an amazing ability to keep its consistency not only from episode to episode but over the course of the seasons as well.

Outside of the our little room was a small hallway. This is Tom’s hallway. Others may pass through it, but Tom the PA owns it. I’m not sure exactly what Tom was doing all day, but he was doing something every minute of it. Among Tom’s jobs was to keep tabs on all the actors as soon as they left set. If someone ran to their trailer, Tom had to inform others. He also seemed to keep on top of what was happening on set. I wasn’t sure who he was talking to on his headset, but he was sure to let us know when the cameras were “still rolling” and when each scene was “resetting”. It also seemed to be one of Tom’s tasks to keep track of what scenes were shot and what they had left to make their day. I don’t think he was allowed to leave that hallway all day. A nice guy, we thank Tom for letting us hang in your hallway.

Back inside the room, in between watching them film, we talked with Kent about how the studio was set up the first season and how it was meticulously recreated in the place where it lives now. During our conversation he mentioned that he sometimes sees the episode about 40 times before it airs, and yet he still watches it on during the broadcast airing on Thursday night. And here I was calling myself a fan?!

We continued to listen and watch as they were filming and we tried out best to keep quiet but it was so damn funny that it wasn’t an easy thing to do. Having been on the set of Veronica Mars, I had a sense of how long it took to get the perfect shot that would end up in the show. But watching it unfold on The Office seemed like such a different experience. It’s hard to imagine that a show that comes off so effortlessly and natural takes so much time to put together. Kent explained that each scene is shot many times. The first few takes are really about the script and getting used to the scene. After the actors have gone through it a few times, they are usually free to improvise a bit and see what comes together naturally. From my perspective, no two takes were the same. The actors kept trying out different ways to deliver the lines and different facial expressions. How they choose what particular scene actually makes it into the final show, I will never know. To my untrained, yet Office-obsessed eye, they all seemed to be so perfect.

As we watched them film, a familiar face entered the room. The fangirl inside me got super excited as I recognized writer Michael Schur right away. I mean, even without the beard it’s hard not to know Cousin Mose. Michael was super nice and talked to us a while about Cousin Mose (will he return…who knows?!). He seemed a bit stunned when I gave him props for his recent one episode stint on The O.C.. Fun fact, well two actually…Mike’s wife JJ Philbin (daughter of Regis and Joy) wrote the episode he was featured in, and the role that Michael played, an environmental activist looking to recruit Summer Roberts, was originally slated for Al Gore. When Al’s schedule didn’t allow him to participate, Michael stepped in. Versatile I tell ya. Michael was also the very first Boston connection I made that day. I mean really…everyone seemed to have a connection to good ‘ol Massachusetts. It was a reoccurring theme throughout the day that also served as a nice ice breaker for me. Another reoccurring theme? How about the writers admitting that they used to obsessively check OfficeTally.com after an episode they had written to see how we all voted. Jennie explained that Office Tally had to remove the voting feature as it was wreaking havoc on her site. The writers seemed a bit torn as to whether or not they wanted it back. The secretly like to know what we all think, but on the other hand they know it’s a small sampling from the most dedicated Office fans and it might not be representative of the whole. But knowing they were going there and reading the comments and the votes? How cool is that? More than a few writers and cast members talked about visiting Office Tally and Give Me My Remote – soooo bizarre!

As we were talking to Michael, the fabulous Mindy Kaling stopped in for a quick minute. She’s just as adorable as I thought she would be. I didn’t have the chance to tell her that I wanted to be her very best friend in the whole wide world, but in hindsight that’s probably a good thing.

As Michael Schur exited, two more writers joined us. I recognized Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky right away, but of course I was blanking as to which one was which. I was trying to visualize my MySpace pages in my head but I couldn’t be sure. Gene and Lee were on set supervising the filming as they were the writers of this particular episode. For those of you who don’t know Gene and Lee, not only are they writers of some great episodes (um, “The Secret”!!), but they’ve also been on screen playing the two guys from Vance Refrigeration. You know…the ones who ended up leaving the marijuana behind in “Drug Testing”. We ended up spending a fair amount of time throughout the day with Lee and Gene who are really nice guys. They are shared some great insight filming and the writing process on The Office. Every episode of The Office has some level of collaboration, but writers are assigned certain shows. The big episodes, like the season premiere and finales are much more of a collaborative process with all the writers involved. On the whole is seems like the writers are involved in many aspects of the show. Lee explained that the writers of a particular episode will watch the filming from the monitors as it’s happening. They follow along and make sure that the actors are getting it right. If they have notes they will share them with the director (which happened a few times yesterday). He went on to explain that there a few passes at editing the show. The writer, director, and editors all take a pass before they are all ulitimately shared with Greg Daniels who I believe makes the final call.

We were just chatting with Gene and Lee when SPOILER ALERT Ed Helms came in. YES!! Andy is back!! I’ve been a huge fan of Ed’s for quite some time now and was personally so excited when it was announced that he has been escalated to a series regular. Ed was in full on Andy costume. We were so excited to see another cast member. Little did we know that it would become the norm for the day.

Again, I’ll be sharing the details of what it was like to meet the cast tomorrow, so don’t think I’m just glossing over it. But while we were hanging in the room, various cast members had a quick break and took the time to stop in and say Hi. Mindy (whom we talked a little blog talk with), then Ed, then oh you know, Rainn Wilson just stops in. I was watching the monitors and saw someone standing behind me and it’s Steve Carell (who I can’t wait to tell you all about, because I was so impressed). One by one we met most of the cast. Jenna, Angela and Kate – whom we’ve had the most personal interaction with through email – all gave us such warm welcome hugs. I felt so welcomed. Leslie, Oscar Phyllis and Creed all stopped in to say Hi. Melora gave us a quick “hi” as she was being whisked to the set. We weren’t there an hour and we had met all of the cast with the exception of Rashida, Brian, BJ, Paul and John. Amazing right?!

So Jennie and I were standing out in Tom’s hallway, chatting with Gene and Lee and who comes in but Greg Daniels. Dude…Greg Daniels!! It was his office, of course he was there. We were introduced and we just started chatting about the show, and some other things that we will tell you about as some other time (oh I’m so mean). Before you know it, we were lounging on the couches in Greg Daniel’s office – a place which became our home for the rest of the day. Greg took us behind the set and showed us where all the hair, makeup and wardrobe people sit in between takes. They are just off set, ready to go if they are needed.

Fancy New GMMR?Around noon, the lunch bell rang and the cast was off. As they were leaving we got to meet most of the remaining cast members. BJ, Brian, John and Rashida. As they started off to lunch, Jennie and I entered the world of Dunder Mifflin. As I posted yesterday, I was beyond devastated when I realized that I had left the battery to my phone charging in my hotel room. I was SO worried about my battery running out that I plugged in the battery one last time early on Tuesday morning and didn’t realize I left without it. Ugh, so bummed. Jennie had her camera, so it turned out ok, but still, I wanted my own camera – you know? I’ve posted some shots of the set below, but make sure you check out Office Tally for even more pics of our day.

Dundie Award WinnerWhat can I tell you about the set? Well, for one I thought it felt just right as Dunder Mifflin. My expectations was that it was going to seem smaller and more like a soundstage. It’s not. It’s just as you see it on TV. Jennie and I had fun taking all the requisite pics. Us at Pam’s desk. In Michael’s office holding first the World’s Best Boss mug and then a Dundie (yes, I held a Dundie…I SOOO wanted to take it – the ultimate office accessory). We got pics of Angela’s music baby posters, us by the Dunder Mifflin mission statement, with Dwight’s bobblehead (yes the original one). Basically GMMR on Jim Halpert’s Deskwe got all the shots one would take if they were to hang out at Dunder Mifflin. But then we snuck in a few more fun ones too. I couldn’t resist taking a pic of GMMR up on the screen of Jim Halpert’s desk…just think, I don’t have to use the photoshopped one I always do. I had a pencil in my hand ready to leave my name and number on Jim’s desk blotter but then though better of it. Yeah, really glad now I didn’t go with my first instinct. We had fun I tell ya!

After some playing on the set, we headed over to lunch. We put our trays down at the end of the table, but then decided to go sit with the cool kids. Angela waved us over and we ate lunch with her, Oscar and Kate. Kate and I chatted it up for a bit…she couldn’t be nicer.

Angela Kinsey in the Office Tally Chat RoomAfter lunch, and this was REALLY cool, we headed back to the set where Angela and Jennie jumped into the Office Tally chat room to hang for a bit with the folks that were in there. A very strange but fun moment to see that happening. After a few minutes of chatting, Angela took us over to her trailer (click here to see Angela’s trailer in her People.com interview). It was really tiny, but she is an itty bitty thing so it was just perfect for her. It’s adorably decorated and had so many little pics that I just wanted to grab. There was a FANTASTIC photo of the cast – one that wasn’t used for publicity or anything. It was so cool (as was Angela). Angela was being so gracious about showing us around that we ultimately made her late for hair and makeup. We jumped in quickly to see everyone being dolled up. As the cast was getting ready for the next scene, Jennie and I went back to set.

The Dunder Mifflinites might hang out in the office all day, but when they are at lunch, the crew comes in and takes over. This is their time to check email, websites, etc. We got to meet a really great group of people who work on the show. And it was so nice to hear what a joy it is for them to work their everyday. Most were saying that it was by far the best set they ever worked on. It’s good all around people…all around.

Filming The OfficeI was getting some background info on the set from a man whom I learned during our conversation was Randall Einhorn. He’s the master of getting all those great shots that give The Office its visual distinction. I even got my turn to play documentarian. Randall hooked me up with the camera (which is super heavy by the way) and I got to “film” the Scranton Branch. I focused the camera in on Ed Helms who was sitting at Andy’s desk and tried to direct him. Yeah, I’m not much of a director or camera man but it was a cool experience. The minute I looked through the lens I could see the show – it was a very cool moment for me.

After some time hanging with the crew and chatting with Kent Zbornak, the cast started filtering back in. We had fun playing around with and getting some pics with Jenna, Rainn and John until it was time for rehearsal and our cue to head off set and back to Greg’s office to watch it all unfold.

And really, that’s where we spent most of the remainder of the day…watching them film while sitting on the couch in Greg Daniel’s office. I have to keep saying it because I hardly believe it myself. The episode they are shooting is hysterical. I mean really, really amazing. Jennie and I were cracking up at every single take. Rainn has some scenes that are spit your water out funny. At one point Jennie, Steve Carell and I were watching Rainn and John film a scene that was so hysterical they had a hard time getting through it. They somehow managed, but I kept thinking ‘what a way to spend your day’ surrounded by all this laughter. Not to say they don’t work hard, because they do, but everyone seems so joyful that’s it got be on of the best day jobs you can have.

My one utterly flustered moment came a bit later in the day (ah, you all thought it would be meeting JKras, but nope). I was talking to Gene when none other than Harold Ramis walked into the room. Harold Ramis!! Seriously, I felt my heart beat just a bit faster. I think he’s the best. I stood up and shook his hand and I think I told him my name…why, I’m not sure. And I’m not sure if I got my name right either. Oh well. As had been previously reported, Harold did in fact direct another episode of The Office, and he was on set to work on editing the ep he shot. As you may recall, Mr. Ramis directed the very funny “A Benihana Christmas” episode. Like the whole day wasn’t cool enough, and then we meet Harold Ramis. I must have done something right in this life.

As the day wore on the cast would come into Greg’s office and chit chat while on little breaks. I don’t mean to downplay how fantastic it all was, but at some point during the day…and I’m not sure when…but seeing the cast walk by or stop in to chat just became normal (well as normal as it can be). It really hit me later in the day at a seemingly random time – BJ Novak walked in and just sat on the couch and was changing his shoes, and I couldn’t help but say/think – when did it become ok that BJ Novak strolls into a room and I am completely unaffected? Oh look there’s Jenna Fischer chatting on her cell phone, and John Krasinski walking past me in the hallway. I really don’t mean to come off aloof, but the point I’m trying to make is that every single person there made us feel so comfortable that we actually did become comfortable. I hope you know what I mean, because it was a real great moment when I realized that.

We were there all day. We arrived around 9am and didn’t leave until after the cast did. Throughout the day, the cast and crew would come into the room and asked if we were bored, or if we were having fun. We most certainly weren’t bored and we were having the time of our lives. As I told someone on set – their normal work day is like a dream come true for me. I simply ran out of adjectives to describe the day. ‘Wonderful’, ‘Amazing’, and ‘Fantastic’ seemed as cliched as ‘Surreal’, but that’s what it was…all of those things and more. Throughout the day, something would happen and Jennie and I would just look at each other with these stunned looks on our faces. Like “is this really happening to us”? It was the little things…Greg Daniels taking us to grab some snacks. BJ Novak wanting to know what people in the OT chat room thought of Ryan and Kelly. Chatting with Steve Carell about the Oscars. Getting to see something new on set that most of the cast members had yet to see (oh I am such a tease). John Krasinski asking if I wanted to make out in the warehouse (oh wait, sorry – fantasy world crossover). It was all…yes, I will say it again…surreal.

By the time the last scene was shot Jennie and I were exhausted. It was such a full day and we were so present that I think we were just physically and mentally overwhelmed. Our day on the set of The Office was coming to a close. We said our final goodbyes and walked out the doors into the cast parking lot. The whole day was amazing and far exceeded my expectations. I know how lucky I am to have had this experience, and for that I’m truly grateful.

Thanks again to anyone and everyone that had anything to do with making our day so great. Let’s do it again it Season 4.

Click here for PART II of my day on the set. Oh you think I’m done? Come one now. We haven’t even talked about what it was like to meet the cast, and you know this story wouldn’t be complete without me sharing the details of “the moment”.

Here are some pics from me playing on the set of The Office.

Shooting an episode of β€œThe Office” Pam’s PLOD Painting Karen’s Desk The Desk of Phyllis Vance The Dunder Mifflin Mission Statement Another look at Pam’s paintingWorlds Best Boss Anyone for some Herr’s

Head over to Office Tally for more pics of Dunder Mifflin

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Comments

72 Responses to “The Office: My Day on the Set (Part I)”

  1. Jim Mosby on March 2nd, 2007 12:21 pm

    Awesome….that’s all there is to say. Awesome πŸ™‚

  2. Steve on March 2nd, 2007 12:28 pm

    I’m really jealous.
    Is there a better way to put it?

  3. seat18b on March 2nd, 2007 12:46 pm

    Couldn’t be more happier for you Kathie, thanks for sharing your experiences with us! Sounds like a total dream come true, can’t wait for the next installment!

  4. Lauren on March 2nd, 2007 12:48 pm

    Can’t wait for part II!

  5. Angelica on March 2nd, 2007 12:49 pm

    I have been looking forward to this blog and you did not disappoint. It sounds like the two of you had an amazing time (to borrow one of your adjectives). Can’t wait to read part two. Oh, and have a great time at Paley!

  6. Jo on March 2nd, 2007 12:54 pm

    Wow. I can’t wait for part 2.

  7. tanster on March 2nd, 2007 12:57 pm

    I am quite embarrassed to say, I didn’t recognize Harold Ramis until he introduced himself. But I could tell by the way you excitedly stood up to shake his hand that he was someone special. πŸ™‚

  8. jenny on March 2nd, 2007 1:00 pm

    Wow. Just…that was so cool! Can’t wait for the rest!

  9. dora on March 2nd, 2007 1:05 pm

    you lived out all of our dreams.way to go!!!!!!

  10. GMMR and OfficeTally on the set of “The Office” - I’m jealous! at Laura Watson on March 2nd, 2007 1:06 pm

    […] in the details about the writers’ room and processes? I just got really excited reading in GMMR’s report that there are index cards all over the writers’ […]

  11. Lizzie on March 2nd, 2007 1:07 pm

    That is so awesome! Thanks for all the details. I can’t wait to read the next post about the cast. This is seriously like my dream so reading that you got to experience it is so exciting!

  12. Clare on March 2nd, 2007 1:15 pm

    Thank you ma’am. You are a gentleblogger and a scholar. That was AWESOME πŸ™‚ !! Thanks so much for taking the time to share that with us… yes, I read every word.

  13. Jenny on March 2nd, 2007 1:20 pm

    I’m SO excited right now. That was a great blog part 1…thank goodness we have yours and OT’s insider reporting while we wait for new episodes!! Thank you!!

  14. Liz on March 2nd, 2007 1:34 pm

    That was awesome. I felt so excited for you!

  15. NeverEnoughJam on March 2nd, 2007 1:37 pm

    What a wonderful day, and so exciting to learn how the cast and crew read GMMR regularly! How did it feel knowing that they read what you write?

    I am curious about the ‘editing’ process you spoke of. Do the directors and writers do their own editing? I thought there were editors on the show. It’s truly amazing how many people it takes to put on a half hour show every week.

    Can’t wait to read the rest of your account. Thanks SO MUCH for sharing all of this with us.

  16. Angie Smith on March 2nd, 2007 1:46 pm

    Awesome! I have no words! How cool about Harold Ramis. That was a little bit of a bonus (as if being there wasn’t enough). I’m so happy for you and a teensy bit jealous! πŸ˜‰ Can’t wait to read more!

  17. GMMR on March 2nd, 2007 1:51 pm

    NEJ – the writers and directors work with the editors on their pass, but YES there are Editors…and great ones one the show.

  18. Chris on March 2nd, 2007 1:53 pm

    What did Steve have to say about the Oscars?

    Is J Kras as yummy in person. Let me guess, yummier?

  19. Kismet on March 2nd, 2007 2:17 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this amazing experience! I can’t wait to read the rest!!!! πŸ˜€

  20. fan up north on March 2nd, 2007 2:17 pm

    It sounds like it was a truly great experience, thanks for sharing with all of us.

  21. CasualViewer on March 2nd, 2007 2:19 pm

    Congratulations again. In a way I’m glad I was not in your shoes, because if I ever was around them I’d probably not be able to write anything objective or critical about the show again. I mean it must be something to see how much effort goes into it all.

  22. Amy on March 2nd, 2007 2:21 pm

    Wow…thank you for being so detailed about your visit…I loved reading it and can’t wait for the next installment! What a thrill for you!

  23. Kerry on March 2nd, 2007 2:36 pm

    Kath, do they know we call the parking lot “the parking lot of doom?” I always wondered what they would think of that if they knew.

  24. GreenFish on March 2nd, 2007 2:39 pm

    Kathie, I am SO excited you guys got to do this, and that you posted about it! It sounds like you had a really nice time, and actually makes me love the show even more knowing how nice everyone was. Can’t wait to read tomorrow’s account.

    Wow.

  25. GMMR on March 2nd, 2007 2:46 pm

    Kerry – PLoD? The do now…I was telling Kent Zbornak that as we walked through it.

  26. LT on March 2nd, 2007 2:48 pm

    Fantastic detail, Kathie! It was totally worth the long wait and the long read. 2 questions: Are those really restrooms in the breakroom? I’ve always wondered. And did you get the impression that Mindy and B.J. are dating?

  27. kari on March 2nd, 2007 2:48 pm

    I can wait until we’ve seen the episode you watched being taped and you can give us all this inside scoop about how they filmed some of the scenes. I admire you greatly for being able to keep the spoilers to yourself since you’re always posting on the TWoP spoiler pages. All our spec is going to seem funny to you now if we are are way off.

    So excited to read Part 2!

  28. April on March 2nd, 2007 2:56 pm

    WOW, just wow. Thanks for sharing! Even though I wasn’t there – it almost seems like it. Love all the pics and I can’t wait read Part 2. =D

  29. halfbaked on March 2nd, 2007 3:22 pm

    Just how cute are you? Those pix are adorable. Thanks for taking so much time sharing your fantasy day with us.

    I’m so jealous of you. :o) Can’t wait for part two.

  30. Tunalicious27 on March 2nd, 2007 3:23 pm

    Livin’ the dream, Kath, livin’ the dream…

  31. James T. on March 2nd, 2007 3:25 pm

    That sounds like the most amazing time ever. I hope I can be as lucky as you someday.

  32. Mannie on March 2nd, 2007 3:34 pm

    I’m so happy for you and great first part.

    Can I say that I can’t wait for Ed Helms to come back. I love him. Hopefully Andy has chilled out JUST a little. I’d like to see some Andy/Dwight scenes.

  33. erin on March 2nd, 2007 3:35 pm

    I’ve been dying to know for several episodes and now I can get a firsthand account…who is in the framed picture on Jim’s desk? I couldn’t tell from your pic of GMMR up on the screen of his desk. Spill.

  34. Jill on March 2nd, 2007 3:53 pm

    Thank you so much for the detailed account. You’ve really enhanced my regard for the show – to know that the writers, actors, and staff are all so kind – it makes me an even BIGGER fan of The Office! Can’t wait for your next installment!

  35. J.D. on March 2nd, 2007 3:56 pm

    That was the most exciting day ever. Thank you for sharing with us. I got giddy and cried just reading about it. Do you know who is in the photo with Jim on his desk? I’ve always wondered. I’m glad Ed is back! I’m so glad you guys got the opportunity to go because you both do an awesome job at keeping us all updated on THE BEST SHOW EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  36. Emily on March 2nd, 2007 4:03 pm

    Wow Kath, that is just so….surreal! πŸ˜‰ Thanks for sharing and making me feel like I was there with you (if only!). Can’t wait for part 2!

  37. Jen on March 2nd, 2007 4:05 pm

    I am so jealous. No other words can describe it. You guys totally earned that visit, you’re continous “Office” chatter has been great for the show, and its totally awesome that you got to walk through the doors of Dunder Mifflin!

    Quick question: Do you know where Michael Schur is from? I’m from MA, and would love to know where he is from if you knew.

  38. lianhanshee on March 2nd, 2007 4:10 pm

    Kath, thanks so so much for writing all of this up to share with us. I loved reading all about your day and I really appreciate the details (especially everything to do with the writers, writers’ room, etc.). I can’t believe you were able to take so much in (even all of the cars in the PLoD!). Thanks again!

  39. Rachael on March 2nd, 2007 4:19 pm

    Hey, nice job writing by the way, you are a great story teller! Can’t wait for the next installment! Sidenote:I would have flipped out meeting Steve Carell! Can’twait to hear what he is like!

  40. Lindsey on March 2nd, 2007 5:46 pm

    Thank you for letting me live vicariously through you! You and Jennie are two very lucky ladies!

  41. MozartsFriend on March 2nd, 2007 8:13 pm

    I really appreciate you taking the time to share this with us–what an amazing experience πŸ™‚ I anxiously await part II!

  42. Marisa on March 2nd, 2007 8:26 pm

    Congrats on going to the set! If anyone deserved it, it was you! (Though, I won’t lie, I’m incredibly jealous ;-))

  43. Dani on March 2nd, 2007 9:08 pm

    I’m glad that you had a great time, even if I am totally jealous. The cast and crew sound amazing (not that I had any doubt) and they really do deserve all the good things that happen. I can’t wait for a new episode!

  44. cure6199 on March 2nd, 2007 9:47 pm

    I cant wait for part 2!! You really deserved this and i’m happy for you! I’m so happy to hear that the cast was really nice. Theres nothing worse than having your dreams crushed when you find out that famous people are jerks. I can’t wait to hear all about what a dream boat John K is woooo hooo

  45. Sherry on March 2nd, 2007 10:07 pm

    Wow! Thanks for sharing your fantastic experience with us! It was truly amazing and I’m soooo jealous! Can’t wait for Part II!!

  46. ashley on March 2nd, 2007 10:14 pm

    This is so awesome! I can’t wait to hear about Steve Carell…everyone says he is such a nice guy and I really want to hear about his fan interactions! I am very jealous.

  47. Jennifer on March 2nd, 2007 11:06 pm

    this is so exciting – your account here is very well written. So much attention to detail, you knew we’d want to know *everything* huh? πŸ™‚

    I know you can’t give any spoilers away, but to hear another Gene & Lee episode is coming up makes me very happy.

  48. Kerry on March 2nd, 2007 11:52 pm

    Thank you SOOOO very much for sharing your day with us! I can’t wait to hear the rest!!!

  49. Whirl on March 3rd, 2007 12:03 am

    Whirl was going to leave a comment but then she died of envy πŸ˜‰

  50. Cher on March 3rd, 2007 12:44 am

    Sounds incredible! By far, luckiest girls in the world. Can’t wait to hear the rest of your epic tale. Excited about the return of Andy!

  51. Caitlin on March 3rd, 2007 1:33 am

    You made my day!

  52. Dee on March 3rd, 2007 5:50 am

    I had alot of fun reading that, surprisingly. Of course not as cool as being on set. But wow…just wow!!!
    I can’t think of anyone more deserving.
    Love it!

  53. Lisa (aka lmr722) on March 3rd, 2007 8:18 am

    I am mesmerized by this story – awesome writing, Kath. Question for you that has been driving me crazy forever – the photo on Jim’s desk – is that a real photo of JKras as a kid?
    Can’t wait for part II.

  54. Rayne on March 3rd, 2007 11:39 am

    Thanks, GMMR! I was really excited at first for you when you said JKras wanted to make out with you in the warehouse… Maybe next time. πŸ™‚

  55. Ellen on March 3rd, 2007 1:08 pm

    What an amazing day! I can’t wait for installment II.

  56. Cami on March 3rd, 2007 5:04 pm

    wow GMMR, I am so Jelous! you lucky lucky girls! JKras in a warehouse? good stuff!

  57. demondoll on March 3rd, 2007 8:27 pm

    That is soooo fine! I am so excited for you! And a little envious…
    πŸ™‚

  58. Monica on March 4th, 2007 2:33 pm

    Congrats GMMR on your fantastic day! I’m so excited for you and I think you really deserve it for all of your hard work.

    Now, for the total girl in me….I want to know if you got the impression that John and Rashida were “more than friends”. All the rumor mills have been saying they are back together and I would love to know if you got any inside scoop on that deal. Thanks!

  59. Toni on March 4th, 2007 10:54 pm

    Oh you are soooooooo lucky. Yes, I’m jealous. And happy for you! Thanks for sharing the love with us. Oh man, making out with John Krasinski… don’t we all share that fantasy? Haha! I wish you got to play Flonkerton with them!

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  67. emily on May 4th, 2007 12:11 am

    wow!!!
    you are SO lucky!
    im dying to meet the cast.
    i just have to someday! i have this strong feeling that i should.

    aagh i cant believe you met all of them!! youre sosososoSOsososooo LUCKY!

    next time you go to dunder mifflin…. take me with you!!!!!!

    =D

    pleaseeee?

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  69. test on October 1st, 2007 11:45 am

    tessssssssssssssssst

  70. topsmileq on October 5th, 2007 10:37 am

    tterte

  71. Jaci on June 30th, 2008 6:01 pm

    That is absolutely amazing! It is my dream to visit the set one day, how exactly did you go about being able to do this?

  72. Alishia Merrell on May 7th, 2009 7:17 pm

    I was just wondering how you were able to get on the set? I have searched and searched for tickets and location, but cannot seem to find anything. Please help, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be able to go on the set or do a tour-anything! Thanks!