Paper Clips and Yoghurt Lids - The Official Diary of Pam Beesly

March 2, 2004

As a director (again, I make TOO MANY assumptions), I expected that he would yell "ACTION" at the top of his voice, but instead, all he said was a gentle "go ahead".

I. can't. even. Diary. :0 :0 :0 :0

Describing the way he said those two words, they were uttered so softly and without a trace of panic, like it was going to be fine if I stuffed up. No wonder why Jim left the conference room telling us what a gentleman Ken was! I can't imitate Ken's "go ahead" no matter how many times I try, its so perfect. His "go ahead" was quiet, but not so quiet you had to rivet to hear him. It was the sort of lovely light voice my mom used to use on me when she rocked me to sleep as an infant.

We were so lucky to have a director like Ken. I was nervous beforehand that we would have a director who would be aggressive and forceful, obviously the attitude that they need for the job, but it would especially take it's toll on us as non-experienced folks on camera. Ken had just the right calm manner to relax us as soon as we walked into the conference room.

But when the cameras turned on, I couldn't help but freeze. This was it, diary!

I thought my mind would fall akin to the difference, as I was doing the exact same thing: looking at Ken and talking to him, as if I'd known him forever. But no.

I wanted to kick myself. Everything was going so well! Now I knew how those actors feel in blooper reels when they forget their lines or can't speak even though the cameras are waiting.

I blurted, "Hi, I'm Pam Beesly, the receptionist here at Dunder Mifflin, Scranton and I look exactly like my name!"

Ken laughed, but told me that introduction was slightly depressing. I agreed with him, but when was working at this office NOT depressing? I mean, we worked at a paper company. To make things easier for me as introductions were the most brutal thing ever, Ken said that they could use the shot of Michael introducing me at the front desk. Sure. But what was I gonna say next? I was a statue again.

Ken told me to take my time. He asked me about being a receptionist, without telling me that the cameras were rolling, which was a sneaky tactic but really clever when I write about it now!

Oblivious, I took a deep breath, expecting myself to stumble my words, but then the most remarkable thing happened, diary!

I COMPLETELY surprised myself by saying a whole sentence which I can't believe I managed to deliver so perfectly, thus I will repeat it here:

"I don't think it would be the worst thing if they [Michael Scott and Corporate] let me go [due to downsizing]. Because then I might...It's just, I don't think it's many girls' dream to be a receptionist. I like to do illustrations, mostly water color. A few oil pencil...Jim thinks they're good."

Good thing Brian was filming. Because I don't think I'd be able to deliver a line like that so naturally knowing that the camera was on.

Ken LOVED it. And I mean LOVED LOVED it. It was incredible. Coming from a director (that's what she said) I felt on TOP of the moon. Was it really THAT great???? :0 :0

Ken raved how much "I don't think its many girls' dream to be a receptionist" rang so true and honest, and I didn't say it in a way that sounded rehearsed. Brian said it was the best talking heads quote he'd heard from filming many documentaries in the past.

Brian and Ken apologized for filming me without my permission but were so pleased with the final product, so they asked if they could use the clip in the pilot episode.

It was so good that Ken had to bring in Greg Daniels and Mike Schur to watch the clip. They were so proud of me and asked if they could use the clip in the pilot.

Now I was the one in the middle of this, diary!!!! Of course I said yes, I couldn't believe that I had done something so AMAZING that impressed the crew, only on my SECOND day?!?!?
Me, Pam Morgan Beesly, the receptionist who looked just like her name, had said a line that may have changed the course of her CAREER. I don't want to make any assumptions, but hey, that is SOMETHING! :D