Behind the Scenes

Oprah’s Behind the Scenes ~ Special Edition 2

by paula on August 20, 2011

Adding a unique perspective to OWN’s  Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes show, Oprah sits down for a second time with her show’s producers and team members to give us a look of how they’ve walked through the last season and how the Oprah show has changed their lives…and what now.  Sharing their favorite moments…and their inside-view of Oprah’s SUPER Surprise Spectacular, it’s does what we have always known of Oprah and her TV show…it makes it human….and it gives us insight into the heart and soul that has brought us 25 years of the Oprah Show.

What does the future hold for them?  Well…with the recent announcement of Harpo and OWN becoming the same, it’s time for their OWN next chapter…and just as a little hint to Erik Logan and Sheri Salata and Oprah Winfrey…it sure would be nice to have a little docu-series on these producers that we love…and what’s next for them…on OWN of course.  Oprah’s team has given OWN a heart with Behind the Scenes.  We hope that this heart continues to be part of OWN…in some way…we hope that this connection doesn’t go away.

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Oprah Behind the Scenes ~ A Love Letter in the Making

by paula on August 7, 2011

As Oprah’s Behind the Scenes comes closer to the end, Oprah is working through this episode in deciding what she will say for the last Oprah Winfrey Show.  As she takes us through her OWN process, she contemplates “what do i want to say that i really hold true and dear to myself.”  While Sheri is there to hold her hand, Sheri tells us, “I’m going to be there but it’s her show…she should produce it…and nobody but Oprah herself knows what the perfect content will be…”

Into all of the details, Oprah gets to experience the whole show process – what it’s like to be the executive producer of her own show.  Oprah is “in the weeds” and taking in the whole experience.  “I always knew that the last show would be about the grace that has allowed us to move through the last 25 years,” Oprah tells us, “and about my gratitude to the viewers.”  From the planning, it’s clear…Oprah is pouring her heart and soul into this show…and it resonates here even as much as it did on her last show.  This is a love letter in the making.

As Harponians pack up their offices and lives and get ready for their OWN next chapter, emotions are high. “This is not just a job, this is a lifestyle,” Producer Jill Van Lockern shares.  “To not show up to work everyday is going to be the hardest thing in the world for me.”  Everything is changing.  How the company walks through these changes and how people handle it is captured by BTS…and in itself, is its OWN love letter to Harpo employees.

As Oprah goes through her the planning and rehearsal of her final show, she reminds us that she doesn’t rehearse ever…but for this last show, she has to get it right. Director Joe Terry and Production Designer Tara Denise share how they are feeling about their OWN journey through the Oprah Show.  A lifetime…a lifestyle…a classroom.  It’s an emotional ending for many. 

As Oprah’s BFF arrives, Gayle came in a little early to be there for Oprah…just as she has been there for the entire journey.  Showing a glimpse into how Stedman and Gayle both love and support Oprah, it all starts to get real…again.  Oprah is ending her show…and it’s a big deal.  Sheri tries to keep everyone on schedule…and finally, we get to rehearsal. Oprah knows, she has to get this right…because for the OWS there is no tomorrow.  A first for everyone, Oprah’s rehearsal will help make everyone more at ease…let them get their rhythm.   Sheri reminds us,  “It will be emotional…” and it is…

The next morning, Oprah tells us, “What surprises me most is it’s like every other morning.”  Kirby, Gayle’s daughter, Oprah’s God-daughter and someone who has been in Oprah’s life since her sonogram picture is there with Oprah and is sharing the moment.  Libby Moore, Oprah’s Chief of Staff, is also there to make sure Oprah get’s on her way.  That same morning, we see that Joe Terry as he meets with his staff and gets them ready for the day.  His pre-show meeting is emotional but honest and on point…a job well done Mr. Terry.

Focused and ready, Oprah says on her drive in to Harpo studios, “I’ve always known that this was time and that this was THE time and I feel very confident in whatever the future is.”  Oprah shares that “I am very confident that I will be alright and that I am exactly where I’m suppose to be in this moment and that whatever is suppose to unfold for me is the next best thing.”  So wise…THIS is the feeling we should all look for.  THIS is exactly the feeling that will move us through life gracefully and with ease.

Before the sun rose at 5am, Oprah shares that she was up and meditating.  She says she ”meditated until the sun rose.  Praying to be in alignment today,” and tells us that “everything that I’ve ever done in my whole life is about what I want to say in this moment.” This moment…the last show.  

With a room full of viewers, Sally Loveman loves giving the joy of Oprah to all of her audiences.  As Andre prepares Oprah’s hair and Kirby lovingly gives the family support, Oprah takes it all in. As Sheri wipes the tears before the taping…as the audience comes in…As Oprah’s family looks on lovingly…it’s time.  For the last hour of the Oprah Show…it’s almost time.

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Oprah Behind the Scenes takes us through the Final Oprah Winfrey Show

by paula on August 7, 2011

With just hour left of Oprah Show, Oprah and Team Harpo begin the last leg of this journey.  Sheri and Oprah work hand in hand to make sure that this hour is what it should be – PERFECT.  As Oprah makes the final finishing touches to the script, Sheri shares that “Nothing has hit me…I haven’t taken it all in yet.”  When she does, she should be proud.

Inside Harpo, people are feeling the day.  As Jenna and Brian meet with their other team members, it’s clear that the emotional energy is hard today.  Tears are right at the edge and everyone is doing everything not to think about it…and hold it together.  They have 55 VIP guests coming and an audience of a couple of hundred.  Just a few more hours…then, they can let it out and let it go.  Always, the professionals…Team Harpo is amazing.

Amidst the hugs, tears and tissues, Jenna Kostelnik holds it together probably like most of us would.  Through teary eyes and a smile that you know as soon as it breaks, she will be sobbing uncontrollably.  (Brian, where are you?!)  Away from the stage, Jill Van Lokeren and Lisa Morin host Harpo private viewings of the show in their offices with some of our favorites – the Mori’s, Bridgette, Lindsay Feitlinger,  Terry Goulder and more.  “I think the hardest thing to realize is that there will never be another Oprah Winfrey Show,” Jill tells us.  This and the family that they have all created…they know, it will now be different.

As Sally Lou Loveman gives her love to the last audience of the Oprah Winfrey Show, Gayle pulls out her ”GayleCam” and captures the moment and nervously talks to Oprah…telling her about all of the people that she has met in line that are part of the audience and what they say about what Oprah means to them.  This is Oprah’s heart…her relationships that mean the world to her.  With Kirby there as well, we see that 25 years (exactly how old Kirby is) is a lifetime…and what Oprah has done for so many…well, it’s up to us to move forward and give to others what she has done for us.  Oprah tells us, “What Gayle has represented for me is not just a friend. Gayle has been my therapy. I think having someone who really understands and supports you no matter what is pretty significant. I have such respect and admiration for her as a human being.”  Everyone needs a Gayle… [read more…]

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Behind the Scenes: Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks and Oprah’s BIG Surprise

by paula on July 15, 2011

 

“What is important to me in this entire year and the conclusion of this show is not me,” Oprah says.  “What is important is the  message that this show and the platform of the show has represented to the culture. What I am most proud of are the lives that we have touched and the people we have impacted…”  So, Oprah’s fine with the surprise show…as long as it does that.  Celebrates The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Star-studded, musical, thousands of people…and hard to keep from Oprah. So, this is really Harpo’s love letter to Oprah to give to her what she has given to the rest of the world.  Tom Hanks, the first call made and we have confirmation. “Tom would love to do it…he wants it to be fun…he’s all in,” Cindy Mori tells us. “Tom Hanks hosting an hour…right off the bat, you’re in homerun city,” Sheri tells us.  “But Tom is coming to the Oprah Show so he needs to be aware, Oprah’s looking for clues,” Sheri says.  Shhhh…Tom, Oprah’s looking for GOLD and by gold we mean information. 

As Amy Coleman, Supervising Producer and Candi Carter meet with Oprah, they go over the pre-meeting stuff about the Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts coming to the Show.  Julia has been on 20 times. Tom only 13…but Tom wins numerous awards.  “The biggest laugh of my life with Tom Hanks.  He also has the best dinner parties in the world.  Tom’s the best dinner party guest, the one you want to be seated next to at a dinner party…the best dinner parties of anyone in the world,” Oprah tells us.  Here’s the fun…Julia wants to give away some favorite things…HOW fun is that!  [read more…]

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Only 5 MORE Episodes for OWNs Seasons 25 Oprah Behind the Scenes

by paula on July 15, 2011

 

As Oprah and OWN gear up for new shows and programming, a BIG finale date for Oprah’s Season 25 Behind the Scenes has been set for Sunday, August 14th at 8pm EST.   The final 5 shows will wrap up the season 25 tribute with the process of making the Surprise Spectacular at Chicago’s United Center as well as the prep for the final episode.   Also, look forward to Oprah and her staff  having a couple of studio specials to give us their candid feelings about the end of The Oprah Winfrey Show. 

As we get ready to say another goodbye to Behind the Scenes with Oprah, here is a rundown on the final episodes to look forward to… 

  • Sunday, July 17 at 8 p.m. ET/PT: The Surprise at the United Center.  A behind the scenes look as dozens of celebrities and thousands of fans turn out to surprise Oprah in the farewell tribute.
  • Sunday, July 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT: A Studio Special – Behind the Scenes as Oprah opens up to her staff about the star-studded surprise spectacular and the team shares their thoughts about the tribute and the show.
  • Sunday, July 31 at 8 p.m. ET/PT: Finale part 1 – Behind the Scenes as Oprah and her team prepare for the finale episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show. 
  • Sunday, August 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT: Finale part 2 – Behind the Scenes of the taping of the final Oprah Winfrey Show.  I’m thinking lots of tears and emotions…from everyone, including us watching! 
  • Sunday, August 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT: (Series Finale) Our Final Studio Special – Behind the Scenes wrap up with Oprah and her producers.  I miss them already…

With BTS done for Season 25…I sure hope they take my HINT and think about a BTS Season 1 for Oprah at OWN…or for Rosie’s new show…but keep the “BTS and how things work process” in front of us.  It is wonderful TV…and will be leaving a BIG hole in my Sunday night and in my OWN heart.

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Behind the Scenes: Sarah Ferguson Life Makeover & Oprah’s Last Makeover Show EVER

by paula on July 2, 2011

“Happiness is having something to look forward to,” Oprah tells us.  That is the quote that Oprah is feeling today…”freedom is on the way.”  Oprah is beaming from the light that she sees at the end of the tunnel…and the rest of us are trying to block the brightness from our eyes, not wanting to see it.  But…it’s coming.

From the Monday morning meeting, Sheri tells us that this week, Sarah Ferguson is on the show.  “Officially now, I am a friend of Sarah Ferguson’s. We email enough and my definition of friend is that I have real contact with you, real conversation, I’ve been to your house or you’ve been to my house…” Oprah says.  Jack Mori is back to produce this show – his final show for The Oprah Winfrey Show.  Amazing story for an hour with the Dutchess of York.  We also have the very final final FINAL Oprah show makeover…FINALLY.  While we all like a good makeover…it’s just time to be done with the makeover.  Our favorite Harpo couple, Jenna K. and Brian P. are enjoying one last show for the books.

Our favorite Jack starts his LAST OSM (Oprah Show Meeting) with this. “Can I say something about that before we get started,” Jack asks Oprah. “So, obviously I want to thank you profoundly for 15 years and not just for the work that we’ve done and the lives that we’ve changed and saved and letting me be a part of that but for who I’ve became.   Here, for15 years. is where my soul went to graduate school,” Jack says.  “I became a better father, a better husband and a better man for having worked here.”  If you didn’t ABSOLUTELY LOVE Jack Mori before…you MUST LOVE JACK now.  This is the kind of person that we all want around us…someone just like Jack.

As teams prep for Sarah and the Makeovers, we see the hustle of all the producers and staff working to end these final few shows strong.  [read more…]

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Behind the Scenes: Oprah’s Bloops and Blunders Bring Us LOL Moments & Rock’n'Roll Goddesses are in the Oprah House

by paula on July 1, 2011

 

As Oprah winds down her season, we are counting down WAY too fast as far as I’m concerned.  Oprah can’t wait to get to zero…but the rest of the world is dragging their feet.  We will miss The Oprah Winfrey Show…the world will miss The Oprah Winfrey Show.  For this emotion, we are with Sheri Salata and the Harpo staff…but we are starting to understand.  “My identity is not with the show. My identity is with myself,” Oprah tells us.  “It’s not like I’m going to lose who I am or lost my association with Oprah Winfrey because it’s who I am. It is all well with my soul.  There is no sadness.”

As Jenna takes us through the bloopers and the funniest moments in the history of the Oprah Winfrey Show, we are reminded of the song Oprah sang, “Run On” and to be honest…blooper or not, I was humming along.  Oh…the memories.  But as the LOL Award idea fell flat at the Monday meeting, Jenna gets a little nervous…but her day husband, Brian, calms her down and gives her the support she needs to make all right with the world.   Anxiously awaiting Cee-Lo’s remake of the Run On song…I’m AMAZED at the price.  $20,00o-$30,000.  Not bad for a few hours of work.  But, it’s all about the bucks…I guess.

As a little hint to the big surprise on May 17th, producers dribble a basketball into Oprah’s office to give a peak at the reveal.  “I know more than you think I do,” Oprah says confidently. “The United Center.”  Hmmm…I wonder what else she knows…and who’s been talking. [read more…]

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Behind the Scenes: Oprah talks to the Obama’s and reconnects with James Frey

by paula on June 21, 2011

As we wind down to the last few episodes, it feels like such a gift to have Oprah giving us access to her very last season on the air.  In her OWN Docu-Series, literally…this show has given back so much to those of us who have grown ourselves up over the years and always wondered what it would be like to…work for Oprah, prep for a show, be on a show and know what she’s thinking.  For the ultimate Oprah fan, this is yet another love letter to leave us with.  Tears.  This is a long one…but I don’t want to miss a piece of it…and I don’t want you to either.  Thanks for reading…Now, on with the show.

Tonight, the Obama’s are coming!  ”And it’s the first time,” Sheri reminds us,” that a sitting president has been on the Oprah Winfrey Show.”  Oprah tells us that since she is also friends with the First Family, she has  a personal rule, “Don’t ask the President and First Lady for anything”  so when The President followed-up on a comment he had made about being on the show…Oprah and team were happily surprised.  Andrea Wishom is producing the show and gives us a little bit more…she used to be neighbors with the Obama’s.  Also on the producing team is Heather Aldride, who starts off with some questions that Oprah might want to ask…but Oprah’s been making some notes of her own…and she is nervous. “You just want everything to work,” Oprah says.   Interviewing friends can’t be that easy. 

For the next show featured this week, we have the  BTS look at the James Frey 2 day interview.  Our FULL Circle moment with Oprah for Season 25.  “I think one of the things that I am most proud of in the 25 year run is that what I have done in every interview I recall is enter the interview with open space for compassion and empathy,” Oprah tells us.  “Whether I’m talking to murders or child molesters…good people…bad people…let me just hear your story…except for one…James Frey.”  Sheri Salata gave her the book long before “The SHOW” and the nudge to read it. It’s a marvelous read. ”Last time they came together it was a little rough,” Sheri reminds us.  Oprah was tough…and mad.  “For years I’ve heard I gave him an ‘ass whooping’ but I didn’t think I was,” Oprah says in a casual summer meeting about what shows to do for the last season.  So, when Sheri pitched the interview idea, Oprah was open.  “I personally thought you were harsh,” Sheri says. “I thought you were mad and angry and I knew what he had been told,” she continues,”….he knew he was coming on to answer questions, but it was in the context of forgiveness and redemption.”  Oprah sits for a few seconds quietly and says in the meeting, “THAT is is first time I’m hearing that…well, this is news to me…this is a big revelation here to me folks.”  “That’s the first time I felt really bad,” Oprah says with tears in her eyes to the Behind the Scenes camera,  “…because I thought ‘well, that is really unfair’…all these years what I thought is that he knew what he was walking into…what’s really unfair is that if you are told it is one thing and it becomes something else.”  [read more…]

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