{"id":27600,"date":"2011-05-20T23:35:09","date_gmt":"2011-05-21T06:35:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mehallo.com\/blog\/?p=27600"},"modified":"2011-05-20T23:12:52","modified_gmt":"2011-05-21T06:12:52","slug":"tee-vee-tix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mehallo.com\/blog\/archives\/27600","title":{"rendered":"Tee vee tix"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I’ve been to a few tapings of television shows. The tapings are free, since tee vee is (supposed to be) free. Getting in, however, can be a struggle. Especially if a show is popular.<\/p>\n

I saw a few tapings of The Tonight Show<\/a> the final year Johnny Carson<\/a> was hosting. But Carson wasn’t working much, mostly on vacation. His contract gave him Mondays off and several weeks<\/em> vacation per year. Supplementing as ‘permanent guest host’ was this guy named Jay Leno.<\/p>\n

My dad often referred to Jay Leno as ‘Jeno.’ I always liked that.<\/p>\n

I remember Jeno was funny. Really funny<\/em> – when he worked for Carson. Things changed<\/a> after Carson retired. Today, don’t like that Jeno isn’t really the sweet guy he pretends to be. <\/p>\n

Tee vee is pretend. <\/p>\n

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how shows tape<\/strong>
\nIf it’s a ‘live’ show – recorded or performed live, the tapings go by really fast. During commercial breaks, one listens to the house band – Carson’s was incredible.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Sitcoms take longer – and have a warm up comedian to keep everyone awake during setups and multiple takes.<\/p>\n

Part of the experience was getting tickets (mostly only available at 8 am the day of a taping) and then later standing in line with tourists – awaiting seating.<\/p>\n

The ticket designs are utilitarian – cobbled together using whatever equipment is available. Mimeograph, photocopier.<\/p>\n

Found this website.<\/a> It’s all about vintage tee vee tix. The aesthetic is basic, everyday. Obscure ephemera, classic shows.<\/p>\n

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