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ALUM Spotlight Lee Miller '99

Most of us are familiar with the Today Show on NBC, at least with the on-air portion and recognition of the famed broadcast journalists Matt Lauer and Katie Couric. But how many of us really know what goes on behind the cameras? Well, that's where Lee Miller comes in, wearing several hats, all in an effort to make the Today Show appear an effortless and smooth production for us, the viewer.

From Brentwood, TN, Auburn has always been a part of Lee's life. "My parents met at Auburn and I grew up on Auburn football for about as long as I can remember. Every good thing about my childhood, be it time with my grandparents, football victories and later as a student, I associate with Auburn. It is who I am." A mass communications major with a minor in music, Lee was an AU Singer and a WEGL dj among other activities. Seems this ALUM hasn't missed a cue!

Q. Please tell us what you're doing at NBC.

A. I currently work 3 jobs over 5 days:

Associate Director, NBC Weekend Today (Sat. & Sun.)
In this role I am in charge of the overall timing of a 2 hour live broadcast on Saturday and a 1 hour live broadcast on Sunday. I can best compare it to air traffic control...haha. I sit with the director in the main control room & cue everything. I tell stage managers how much time our hosts have and they then give them time cues. I count into and out of commercial breaks, I provide shot cues to the director during live concert performances and if segments go long or too short then I communicate that to our senior producers and accomodate accordingly. I either move commercial time around, move segments around or add promo time depending on what we need. I make it all fit...and hopefully the viewer never notices.

Video/Commercial Associate Director, NBC TODAY (Mon. & Tues.)
In this overnight shift I put together a comprehensive list of all video elements of our show...both news and showside and prepare for playback. I view every element of the show ahead of time and when on the air I count out of video spots and insert any necessary graphics or chyrons over them. I am also in communication with our commercial playback operator so in the event that commercial time needs to be moved or added I determine what specific units will go where.

Senior Production Associate, NBC TODAY (Wed.)
I had been the control room PA for 4 1/2 years before becoming an AD. I still have a foot in this world as I manage a team of 4 PAs as they put together the production paperwork each day and organize show host research packets and scripts during broadcast. We are currently transitioning from a word based worksheet to a fully electronic rundown. I have been one of two point people for this transition which is still underway.

Q. What is your favorite part of your job?

A. The Today Show staff is amazing. There is an uncanny sense of family and lack of ego which makes putting a show like this together a pleasure. There is no other show on television that does 15 hours of live programming a week. I think knowing that I am a part of the 2nd oldest show on the air and part of history in a way each day is my favorite part. I also love the travel that has come my way while being a part of this team. I have been to both George W. Bush inaugurations, 3 Olympics (Salt Lake & Athens as a PA & most recently to Torino as the show's associate director), and I have been on numerous other remotes to places such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Memphis, Nashville & Las Vegas. I have also been afforded a front row seat to events such as 9/11, Operation Iraqi Freedom, President Ronald Reagan's funeral and the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

Q. What was the road like to get where you are today in your career?

A. Intern, Receptionist, Production Associate, Associate Director. Basically like with any other job it is all about working long hours and checking your ego at the door. It is like an athletic team, you are no better than your teammates and you are only as good as your last performance. Keeps you on your toes.

Q. What is your favorite part of living in New York City?

A. I have loved New York from day one. This a city of over achievers and big dreamers and I love being around people like that. I'm also a huge fan of Broadway shows and I absolutely love Macaroni & Cheese and I don't think you'll find better any place in the world.

Q. Least favorite part?

A. All of my family lives in the southeast. My grandparents in Tallassee & Nashville and my parents in Birmingham. We are all very close and being far away from them is definitely my least favorite part of living in the northeast.

Q. Did Auburn prepare you well?

A. What the Mass Communication department at Auburn did was give me a clear understanding of the big picture in this business. I came to New York knowing what each person was responsible for and what their ultimate goal was. That was very helpful. They were also very supportive and encouraging about me wanting to move to New York.