Sunday, August 10, 2008
Dylan Love, 21, a Broad Run High School graduate and rising senior at James Madison University, has had internships in New York at Time Warner and "Late Show With David Letterman." He's heading back to New York tomorrow for a fall internship with "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." He spoke with loudounextra.com staff writer Sydney Wilmer about his interest in comedy and in working in the entertainment industry.
Q How long have you been interested in comedy?
A Since the first time I laughed.
When did you realize you were interested in pursuing it professionally?
I'm interested in writing professionally, and comedy is simply a part of writing. My interest in writing was first piqued in high school when I wrote an article for the school newspaper called "Why 'Star Wars' Is Better Than 'Star Trek.' " I had to fend the ladies off with a stick once it was published.
In college, I kept signing up for scriptwriting and playwriting classes and started writing jokes for my radio show. I was loving it more and more.
What field do you feel closer to -- comedy, journalism or production?
Production, only because that's what I'm formally trained in.
What have your internships entailed so far?
I'm there, quite literally, as another pair of hands to do whatever needs to be done that day. When these hands weren't alphabetizing the "Late Show's" liquor cabinet, they were making copies, getting coffee and running things backstage at showtime.
What has been the most valuable thing you have learned thus far in your internships?
To try as hard as you can, because there are 50 people ready to take your spot at the drop of a hat. I also learned how to unjam a Xerox WorkCentre 7345.
Tell us a bit about your blog,http://thedylanlove.com, and why you started it.
I started it as an Internet presence for my radio show at school. Over time, I started putting stories about the day's events on it, and one day I bit the bullet and completely redid it as a personal Web site.
What advice would you offer to other Loudoun County residents and students interested in your field?
Develop an interest in a different field. I'm already competing with too many people. If that doesn't work, then pursue every opportunity you can.
Why?
Because experience is king, and Queen is a rock band.
How has Loudoun County affected your comedic understanding of the world?
It hasn't. There's not a joke I'd laugh at that someone from Fairfax wouldn't laugh at.
Were you considered the class clown in grade school?
I'm not sure I was even considered in grade school.
Did you have a favorite joke in elementary school? Do you have a favorite joke today?
Same favorite joke from elementary school to this day: Two muffins are in an oven. One says to the other, "Boy, it's getting hot in here." The second one says, "Oh, my God! A talking muffin!"
What is your favorite thing about Loudoun County?
Dominion root beer for $1.49 at Partlow's [General Store] on the [W&OD] bike trail.
Tell us something that might surprise your Loudoun County friends and former high school peers.
The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher. But if you're asking about me, then I'll share this: I was paid to meow like a cat on national television and continue to receive residuals from it.
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