From Internship to Producer: Newman’s Journey on The Late Show

A Journey from Internship to Leading Production Roles in Late-Night Television

For many, a first solo trip to New York City is a memorable experience. For one ambitious young woman, it was the beginning of a transformative career journey. “It was my first time in New York on my own,” she recalled. “I remember looking out the Amtrak window at the completely frozen Delaware River, and just feeling like, ‘I hope this is the start of something.’”

The trip included visits to NBC’s development offices and a taping of Katie Couric’s talk show “Katie.” However, it was the visit to the studio of “The Colbert Report” that left a lasting impression on her. “I saw people in headsets, stressed, but working together,” she said. “I was like, ‘I don’t totally understand how this works yet, but I know I want to be a part of it.’”

Determined to be part of the action, she pursued an internship at the show, persistently calling the office each week despite facing rejection twice. Her perseverance paid off when she secured the final internship position offered by “The Colbert Report” as it concluded its run. “Tenacity pays off,” she noted, “when done with a light touch.”

Taking a semester off from her studies at the University of Virginia, she relocated to New York City, diving into her new role while juggling additional side jobs. Her dedication during the show’s finale, which featured more than 150 guests, allowed her to forge connections, including one with Cat Owens, John Oliver’s assistant. This connection led her to an internship with “Last Week Tonight” shortly after graduating.

By October 2015, she had secured a position as a production assistant on the newly launched “Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Over the years, her roles have evolved, including a stint in the footage department where she and her team monitored multiple cable news channels, transcribed press conferences, and pitched jokes to writers.

One of her proud achievements was contributing to the development of the show’s live broadcast format, which provided real-time reactions to major events like the State of the Union and the Democratic National Convention.

As a field producer, her assignments took her to extraordinary locations, including coordinating a crew of 30 at the Thule Air Base in the Arctic Circle during the pandemic. The trip required navigating 24-hour daylight and strict military protocols, with Colbert present for just one day compared to the team’s two-day stay.

Recently, she produced and directed segments at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, marking a significant milestone since her first field piece also featured former President Barack Obama. “It felt really gratifying,” she expressed.

She also worked on a unique episode titled “The Worst of the Late Show,” which aired during the show’s final week and included previously rejected bits. Highlights featured a parody titled “It’s Raining Fish,” and a farewell to beloved show characters Shriekin’ Joe and Shriekin’ Jane.

The show’s cancellation, announced last summer, was a blow to the staff of over 200, many of whom had been with the production since its early days. “I was surprised at how similar it felt to losing someone in my life,” she admitted. “But grief is grief.”

As the show wraps up, the team is determined to finish strong. “We’re in it together, and we’re doing it 800%,” she shared. Looking ahead, her future remains uncertain, but she embraces the opportunity to chart her own course. “This industry forces you to create your own path,” she reflected. “That used to scare me. Now I think it’s a benefit.”