This summer I secured an internship with the Sets and Lighting Department at HSN. I helped construct the sets used in HSN programs ranging from the initial build of elements in the scenic shop to the final dress–when the props and decoration are positioned –before a program goes on the air. I also help store and deliver props and decorations from the Scenic Warehouse as well as touching-up the sets of HSN live programs.
My Biggest Aha! Moment
When I left the studio the previous day the set still needed paint and trim. Also many other elements had to be installed. I had no idea what I was going to see when it was finally finished because I didn’t know how to read the plot that determined the work. The next day when I saw the set from the comfort of my own home on my own television, I was WOWED when I saw this elaborate, colorful set that I actually helped create from scratch. Sometimes it’s good to just go with flow!
The Work
This work can be difficult and sometimes even dirty, but none-the-less I find all of these tasks enlightening. Each day I learn about how intricate and diverse HSN is as an industry. This is also a very educational experience for me because as a result of this internship I have more skills and talents to offer future employers, to be completely honest, there is nothing like seeing something you helped create. What was once just three pieces of wood becomes a set to be broadcasted GLOBALLY!
The Most Memorable Moment
I’ve had several tours of the HSN campus. Each tour leaves my head spinning! Aside from the bewilderment of traveling around a campus of this size, the tours left an impression on me. I saw a totally different part of retail and narrative that I’ve never seen. This unified group of workers ranges from armies of models to nerdy gaffers; from marketing planners to camera operators; from scenic carpenters to executive housewives who supply merchandise to HSN, make-up the HSN commodity.
I really want emphasize my use of the term commodity because on one particular day during my internship it became a meaningful word. On that day a group of identical blonde models were escorted through a cold, dark studio and I was reprimanded by the broadcasting director for walking through the “Before and After” shooting. Following this moment I met a group of carpenters building a gigantic white set, speaking in a strange jargon, with their constant jokes and hardworking manner. In the middle of this work environment they allowed this 21 year old dorky cinefile spend the summer with them. I realized on that day, at that moment that HSN is itself, a commodity. HSN’s drive to make a product desirable through the medium of visual broadcasting provides a variety of many employment opportunities as well as a unique experience for their audience down to smallest detail. Most of the customers will not notice these small artistic details, even though they are fully succumbing to them subconsciously, but not me, after this semester, not me.
The Future
Sadly, I will be leaving HSN (for the time being at least) but I will cherish these past two months forever. After this internship I plan on having a brief vacation until I begin pursuing my Bachelors at the University of Tampa on August 25th.
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