VISIT Milwaukee, the organization responsible for promoting the city as a business and leisure destination, has released a humorous video featuring Bobby Portis, a fan favorite and unofficial mayor of Milwaukee. The video, styled after an episode of “The Office,” showcases Portis as the “newest intern” at VISIT Milwaukee.
Portis, who has been affiliated with VISIT Milwaukee since the summer of 2022, is depicted in the video attempting various intern tasks. The video mimics the format of “The Office,” including talking head interviews with VISIT staff and comedic moments reminiscent of the popular sitcom.
As the VISIT staff interacts with Portis, it becomes clear that his strengths do not lie in traditional office tasks such as making coffee, differentiating between identical photos of Fiserv Forum, or handling phishing scams. However, he excels at reaching high office supplies for his coworkers.
The video includes humorous references to “The Office,” such as a “World’s Best Intern” mug that pays homage to Michael Scott’s “World’s Best Boss” mug. Portis, in the video, jokes about ordering the mug for himself on Amazon.
The video also features an homage to the iconic “Identity theft is not a joke, Jim!” line, with Portis delivering the message to a coworker wearing his jersey. Stapler-in-Jello antics and a bobblehead of Portis on his desk add to the comedic elements.
VISIT Milwaukee used the video, created in collaboration with Visionary Studios, to promote internship opportunities with the organization. The video playfully suggests that aspiring interns need not be professional basketball players like Portis.