The Devil is in the Details, Part 1/?
Series: TDS, TCR
Pairing: Jon/Stephen
Rating: PG-13 (Language)
Author: ntjnke
Disclaimer: All television shows, movies, books, and other copyrighted material referred to in this work, and the characters, settings, and events thereof, are the properties of their respective owners. As this work is an interpretation of the original material and not for profit, it constitutes fair use. Reference to real persons, places, or events are made in a fictional context, and are not intended to be libelous, defamatory, or in any way factual.
Authors Note(s): Credit to underthepiano and megantracey for the idea. I have a pretty good idea where the story will go, so hopefullly I'll update regularly. Also, let me know if you see any heinous typos, as I don't have a beta for this. And to anyone who read this when I first posted it, omg I'm sorry. It's been fixed up. Promise.
Summary: Stephen may just have gotten in over his head.
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The Devil is in the Details, Part 1/?
From: Henry Geir (h.geir12@gmail.com)
To: Sid Berle Makes My Head Hurt (sid.berle.hurl@gmail.com)
Sent: Sun, 6/21/10 1:45 PM
Subject: If you have a few minutes...
Dear Mr. Stewart.
My name is Henry Geir (Hank Geir) and I'm an intern with Revielle Studios in Los Angeles. This summer I've been working in wardrobe and auditions.
A month or so ago, I overheard Steve Carell mention on set that if he could start all over again in showbusiness, if he had to work his way from the ground up again, the first person he would call would be Jon Stewart. At first I thought it was a joke or name dropping, but then I saw how serious he was, and who he was speaking with, and I realized that he really values your opinion. Hearing him speak made me realize how much I could use that same type of person trustworthy touchstone as I navigate my career.
In the weeks since, I've been privy to a few more private conversations, and I've learned that we actually share a very similar background. I grew up in a working town, and left 2 years ago thinking that I could make it in writing and production.
I know. It's a very common story, and if I keep plugging away at it, then maybe I'll get a break. But chances aren't guaranteed, and it's a very difficult business even if a person is really good. I understand that, and am willing to work as hard as I need to as long as I need to in order to "make it".
My question to you is, do you think it's all Worth It? I'm starting to think of you as being on the other side of the journey. You have a company, you're a successful writer and editor in New York. Well-known comedians and actors respect you and look to you for advice. Supposedly, that's what I'm working towards.
It's just that it'd be nice to get confirmation from the other side.
I'm assuming if you've read this far, you're a bit freaked out about how a stranger and an intern got your personal e-mail address. So I'll be upfront and admit I cheated to get your personal contact information. Last week during an audition, I walked up to Steve Carell with his coffee and told him my manager needed your contact info. It was a blurry spiel about needing to confirm a gift for The Daily Show cast. Perhaps Mr. Carell is too trusting, but he just showed me your entry in his blackberry.
Please do not worry. I would never share your contact information. I just wanted someone's advice and Mr. Carell seemed so earnest when he spoke about your guidance that I thought I should at least try. But I will understand if you are insulted or spooked by my approach and decide not to write back.
Anyway, that's all I wanted to say. I hope you have a great day and a great show tonight.
Hank (Henry) Geir
From: Sid Berle Makes My Head Hurt (sid.berle.hurl@gmail.com)
To: Henry Geir (h.geir12@gmail.com)
Sent: Sun, 6/21/2010 10:58PM
Subject: Re: If you have a few minutes...
Hank,
I'm gonna say right off that if you ever do this shit again, you'll be lucky if your ass isn't sued. I'm serious. People will rape your bank account over breaches of privacy like this, and there is no quicker way to get blacklisted in this business.
Having said that, I guess I'm a schmuck because I know where you're coming from and I know how you feel.
I thought about your e-mail for a while. Well, not really. I deleted your e-mail and it haunted me because 30 years ago, I was in your shoes. Or perhaps worse. I had a 6th floor walk-up in Hell's Kitchen and made about $100 a week busing tables and working nameless comedy clubs. I couldn't call home because I didn't want to worry my mom, and I was to afraid to call my dad for help because I didn't want to embarrass him. So I guess, unlike you, I didn't keep on because I had a sense of fortitude. I kept on because I felt like there really wasn't any other option. So at least on that, you've got one up on me.
As for where I am now, don't glamorize the limelight. Most days I'm pretty sure I hate my job and if you've ever been on the show's website, you can tell that the last 10 years haven't been the kindest to me. There's a constant pressure to not only stay good, but to become better. And when you're nearly fifty and have been working the same racket for nearly a decade, its hard to have confidence that you can pull it off for another year.
I really, really don't know why I'm writing all of this to a stranger. I'm usually so tight lipped that even my wife kids me about it. But like I said before, I grew up feeling like I had to take care of myself, and maybe part of that is knowing when to keep my mouth shut. I don't know.
What I can tell you is that the best thing about my job is not what I expected it to be. It's not what my family boasts about, and it certainly isn't conventional.
It's simple. The thing I'm most proud of after all these years is being able to help my friends skip a little of the hell I went through. Being able to write a check and seeing someone I care about have a chance. My best friend damn near cried when I showed him a contract for his own show, and I felt like the only kid in the world who had ever given a gift to Santa.
Tell you what. I never do this, and I doubt I'll do it again, but if you ever need someone to talk to, drop me a line. Life is busy around here, and it may take take me a while to get back to you, but go ahead. I'm trusting you to keep your promise and keep this address to yourself. My wife would probably say that I'm either growing up or going completely insane.
Take care of yourself. Don't give Steve too much coffee. It actually gives him a headache, and then he's a bear to work with. And if you get a chance, go to the Vista Theater in Silver Lake. The old guy who runs the place has the best screenplay tastes in the world, and you could learn a lot just by watching what he's willing to play.
Best,
Jon Stewart
Reading the text in front of him, Stephen could feel a horrible sense of apprehension settle onto his shoulders. The words on his screen weren't what he was expecting, and, as far as he could tell, Jon hadn't realized the e-mail had been from him at all.