How Hollywood’s Wildest Assistant Stories Sparked a Community—and a Business with Assistants vs. Agents Founder Warner Bailey
In this episode of Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin, Warner Bailey discusses how his anonymous meme page "Assistants vs Agents" grew from sharing entertainment industry assistant stories into a comprehensive resource platform with over 100,000 followers. Bailey shares examples of unusual tasks assistants face in the entertainment world, from arranging dog braces to coordinating turtle Botox treatments, highlighting the "get it done at all costs" mentality that drives the industry.
The conversation explores the financial challenges of working as an entertainment assistant, with Bailey noting that some assistants in Los Angeles earn as little as $30,000 in 2024. Bailey details how his platform has expanded to address these issues through job listings, newsletters, and educational resources, while also developing additional projects including a book and scripted show to support aspiring entertainment professionals.
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1-Page Summary
Assistant Challenges in Entertainment Industry
Warner Bailey reveals the demanding and often bizarre nature of work as a personal assistant in the entertainment industry. From arranging dog braces to turtle [restricted term] treatments, these tasks extend far beyond typical administrative duties. Bailey explains that assistants operate under intense pressure to "get it done at all costs," often pushing them to extreme measures to satisfy their employers' requests.
The "Assistants vs Agents" Platform and Its Impact
What began as Warner Bailey's anonymous meme page in 2017 while working at WME has evolved into a significant industry resource. The platform, "Assistants vs Agents," initially served as a space for entertainment industry assistants to share their experiences through humorous content. Bailey describes how the platform grew from sharing memes to organizing industry events, partnering with major companies like Paramount and Netflix, and establishing a job board to support the assistant community.
Speaker's Journey With "Assistants vs Agents" Account
Bailey reveals his identity as the creator of the now 100,000-follower strong platform. He explains his initial reluctance to go public, citing fears of workplace backlash while working at Live Nation. The platform has since transformed from a simple meme page into a comprehensive business venture, offering job listings, newsletter services, and educational resources for industry newcomers.
Entry-Level Role Accessibility Issues in Entertainment and Solutions
Bailey shares his personal experience with the financial challenges of working as an entertainment assistant, starting at $41,700 gross salary in Los Angeles. Through community research, he discovered some assistants were making as little as $30,000 in 2024. To address these accessibility issues, Bailey is developing various resources, including a book and a scripted show, while conducting data-driven research on industry pay disparities. His platform now serves as a support system for aspiring entertainment professionals, particularly those with limited financial resources.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Warner Bailey initially hesitated to reveal his identity as the creator of the "Assistants vs Agents" platform due to concerns about potential negative consequences at his workplace. This fear stemmed from the possibility of facing backlash or repercussions from his employer, Live Nation, for his involvement in the platform. Bailey was cautious about the impact his public association with the platform could have on his professional standing and relationships within the entertainment industry. The fear of workplace backlash reflects the delicate balance many professionals navigate between personal projects and their primary employment responsibilities.
- Industry pay disparities in the entertainment industry refer to the differences in salaries and compensation between individuals working in various roles within the sector. These disparities can be influenced by factors such as job title, experience, location, and industry segment. In the context of entry-level roles, pay disparities may exist between different assistant positions or between assistants and other industry professionals. Addressing these disparities involves analyzing salary data, advocating for fair compensation practices, and providing resources to support individuals facing financial challenges in pursuing careers in entertainment.
- Data-driven research on industry pay disparities involves analyzing and comparing salary data within a specific industry to identify any significant differences in pay levels among different groups of workers. This type of research aims to uncover any inequalities or discrepancies in how employees are compensated based on factors such as gender, race, experience, or job role. By using statistical methods and data analysis techniques, researchers can quantify and highlight any disparities that exist, which can then be used to advocate for fairer pay practices and policies within the industry. The findings from such research can help raise awareness, drive discussions, and potentially lead to initiatives aimed at addressing and rectifying any unjust pay gaps that may be present.
Counterarguments
- The demanding nature of work as a personal assistant may be seen as a rite of passage in a highly competitive industry, where such experiences can lead to greater opportunities and understanding of the business.
- Tasks like arranging dog braces and turtle [restricted term] treatments, while seemingly bizarre, may cater to the unique needs of high-profile clients and are part of the personalized service that sets certain assistants apart.
- The intense pressure faced by assistants could be argued to build resilience and adaptability, qualities that are valuable in the fast-paced entertainment industry.
- The evolution of "Assistants vs Agents" from a meme page to a significant industry resource might overshadow or diminish the informal peer support that was originally its main appeal.
- The growth of "Assistants vs Agents" into a business venture could potentially create conflicts of interest or a shift in focus away from the grassroots support that made it popular.
- The revelation of Warner Bailey's identity as the creator of "Assistants vs Agents" might lead to questions about the authenticity of the platform's content and the motives behind its creation.
- The financial challenges faced by entertainment assistants are not unique to this industry and can be found in many entry-level positions across various sectors.
- The solutions proposed by Bailey, such as a book and a scripted show, may not directly address the systemic issues of low pay and may benefit from a broader approach that includes industry-wide policy changes.
- The support system provided by "Assistants vs Agents" could be seen as a band-aid solution that doesn't address the root causes of the financial difficulties faced by assistants, such as the cost of living in major cities where the entertainment industry is concentrated.
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Assistant Challenges in Entertainment Industry
Personal assistants in the entertainment industry encounter a wide range of challenging tasks, some of them quite ridiculous, as they navigate their roles supporting high-profile clients.
Entertainment Assistants Handle Overwhelming, Absurd, and Sometimes Questionable Tasks
Assistants Often Handle Unusual Tasks Like Securing Visas, Testing, Retrieving Items, Alongside Routine Admin Duties
Warner Bailey sheds light on the often overwhelming and absurd nature of tasks that personal assistants in the entertainment industry have to undertake. His experience ranges from routine administrative duties to the bizarre extremes of the job. One of his anecdotes includes taking a dog to get braces, an errand that is as unconventional as it is indicative of the peculiar demands placed on assistants. Another task Bailey shares is the process of taking a turtle to receive [restricted term] treatments, showcasing the sometimes questionable requests made by employers in the entertainment sector. These tasks stand alongside the more typical and expected administrative duties but highlight the oddities assistants may encounter in their work.
Pressure to "Get It Done At all Costs" Often Drives Assistants To Extreme Measures t ...
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Assistant Challenges in Entertainment Industry
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Counterarguments
- While assistants may face unusual tasks, these could be seen as opportunities to develop unique problem-solving skills and showcase their versatility.
- The mention of tasks like taking a dog to get braces or a turtle for [restricted term] treatments may be outliers and not representative of the typical duties of entertainment assistants.
- Some assistants might find the variety of tasks exciting and a break from monotony, rather than overwhelming or absurd.
- The pressure to "get it done at all costs" could be interpreted as a testament to the trust and reliance that high-profile clients place in their assistants, which could be empowering for some.
- The narrative of extreme measures might overlook the possibility th ...
Actionables
- You can develop a personal task management system to handle diverse responsibilities efficiently. Start by categorizing tasks based on urgency and uniqueness, using a digital tool or app that allows for tagging and prioritizing. For example, routine tasks like email management could be tagged as "daily," while unique tasks like obtaining a visa could be tagged as "high-priority." This system helps you stay organized and ensures that no task falls through the cracks.
- Create a personal code of ethics to navigate questionable requests with integrity. Write down your values and boundaries, and use these as a guide when faced with unusual or uncomfortable tasks. For instance, if asked to do something that feels ethically gray, refer to your code to decide how to respond. This approach empowers you to make decisions that align with your principles.
- Practice assertive communication to manage extreme demands without compromising your we ...
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The "Assistants vs Agents" Platform and Its Impact
Warner Bailey discusses the transformation of “Assistants vs Agents” from an anonymous meme page to a community-oriented and resource-driven platform in the entertainment industry.
"Assistants vs Agents" Started As a Meme Page to Vent Anonymously About Being an Entertainment Industry Assistant
Warner Bailey created “Assistants vs Agents” as an Instagram page where entertainment industry assistants could share their stories anonymously. It started in 2017 when Bailey was an assistant at WME, initially sharing memes and funny handwritten notes between assistants. The platform focused on general themes about what assistants dealt with in the entertainment industry, allowing them to vent without identifying specific individuals.
Platform Gains Traction By Sharing Relatable, Humorous Stories
The “Assistants vs Agents” platform began to spread as assistants resonated with the content shared, which often highlighted the challenges they faced through entertaining and humorous posts. Warner Bailey recounts how the account initially had only a few followers but quickly caught on as it offered shared therapy for assistants dealing with similar experiences. The content might have occasionally been negative, but its intention was to point out relatable industry issues.
Data-Driven Resource and Community to Spotlight Assistants' Issues and Inspire Change
As “Assistants vs Agents” grew, it started organizing events like happy hours, with notable figures like Flavor Flav hosting, bringing the community together in relatable and humorous ways. Bailey speaks about partnerships with entertainment giants like Paramount and Netflix, which helped the platform to gain more traction, leading to screenings and panels with industry ...
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The "Assistants vs Agents" Platform and Its Impact
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Actionables
- You can create a private online group for your profession to share experiences and support each other, using platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn Groups. Start by inviting colleagues and encouraging them to post about their daily work life, challenges, and successes. This can foster a sense of community and provide a space for peer-to-peer advice and camaraderie.
- Develop a simple, anonymous feedback tool using free online survey platforms like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to gather insights on common issues within your workplace or industry. Share the link with your colleagues and encourage them to contribute. Use the collected data to initiate conversations with management about improvements or to create resource guides for your peers. ...
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Speaker's Journey With "Assistants vs Agents" Account
Speaker Revealed As Behind "Assistants vs Agents" Account
Warner Bailey was an assistant at a major agency when he started the "Assistants vs Agents" (AVA) account which has since accumulated over 100,000 followers and motivated data collection about industry pay. Bailey has come forward as the individual behind AVA, surprising many who did not expect him to be the creator. Despite his initial anonymity, Bailey describes the differences between his personal character and the perceived notion of the account creator, as he was wrongly thought to be a behind-the-scenes gossip person.
Speaker Declined Interviews Due to Fear of Peer and Employer Backlash
Bailey speaks about his reluctance to be publicly associated with the AVA platform. In 2021, he declined interviews fearing backlash from peers and employers. This nervousness stemmed from his junior-level role at a company like Live Nation, which wouldn't have condoned his outspokenness on industry issues. He was also cautious about explaining the platform's nature, specifically that it was primarily a meme page, to his and his wife's parents.
Speaker Transformed Platform Into Business, Using Experience and Reach to Create Resources and Opportunities For Industry Newcomers
Bailey has successfully made the journey from running a meme page to establishing a media brand and an educational ecosystem. He turned the platform into a business with a job board, ...
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Speaker's Journey With "Assistants vs Agents" Account
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The "Assistants vs Agents" (AVA) account was created by Warner Bailey while he was working as an assistant at a major agency. The account gained over 100,000 followers and focused on industry pay issues. Bailey transformed the platform into a business, offering resources like a job board, a newsletter, and events to support newcomers in the entertainment industry. Bailey's initial anonymity led to surprise when he revealed himself as the account's creator, challenging perceptions about his role and intentions.
- Warner Bailey initially chose to remain anonymous as the creator of the "Assistants vs Agents" account due to concerns about potential backlash from his peers and employers. This anonymity was driven by his junior-level position at Live Nation and the fear that his outspokenness on industry issues could have negative consequences for his career. Bailey also hesitated to reveal his involvement with the platform to his and his wife's parents, possibly to avoid any personal or professional complications.
- Bailey's initial anonymity led to speculation about the identity of the creator of the "Assistants vs Agents" account. Many followers had assumed the creator was someone involved in behind-the-scenes gossip due to the nature of the content. When Bailey, a former assistant at a major agency, revealed himself as the creator, it surprised many who had different expectations about who was running the account.
- Bailey feared backlash from peers and employers due to his junior-level position at Live Nation and concerns about how his outspokenness on industry issues might be perceived by them. This fear stemmed from the potential consequences of being associated with a platform that discussed sensitive industry topics and could have conflicted with the expectations of his workplace. Bailey's worries about explaining the nature of the platform to his and his wife's parents also contributed to his reluctance to be publicly associated with it.
- Warner Bailey transformed the AVA platform from a meme page into a business by creating a job board, a newsletter with job listings, and organizing industry events. These res ...
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Entry-Level Role Accessibility Issues in Entertainment and Solutions
The conversation focuses on the challenges faced by entertainment assistants due to low pay and the industry's high cost of living and outlines Warner Bailey’s efforts to address these issues through resource creation and data collection.
Entertainment Assistants Face Low Pay and Instability
Entry-level roles in the entertainment industry are notorious for their low pay, which, combined with the high cost of living in major industry hubs, creates significant barriers to entry.
Warner Bailey shares his own experiences, starting with a gross pay of around $41,700, which netted to approximately $31,000 after deductions. Considering rent of $1,700, he was left with about $1,000 per month. Even after a significant raise two years into his career to $55,000, the cost of living in Los Angeles posed a challenge. Bailey observed that even individuals with a $45,000 salary face difficulties, particularly when saddled with student debt and high rent.
Through community-based research, Bailey discovered that some assistants were making as little as $30,000 a year in 2024. He acknowledges that individuals coming from wealth have an immediate advantage in the industry, highlighting the importance of addressing the pay gaps to improve accessibility.
Creating Resources to Increase Accessibility in the Entertainment Industry
Despite systemic challenges, Bailey is actively working to create opportunities and resources for those seeking entry into the entertainment industry. He is developing a book, a scripted show, and other resources intended to not only satirize the industry but also offer practical guidance for industry hopefuls. He aims to level the playing field by providing tools, advice, and job opportunities ou ...
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Entry-Level Role Accessibility Issues in Entertainment and Solutions
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Counterarguments
- While Warner Bailey's efforts are commendable, they may not be sufficient to address the systemic issues of low pay and high living costs in the entertainment industry.
- The creation of resources like books and shows, while helpful, might not directly lead to higher pay for entry-level workers.
- Focusing on individual success stories like Bailey's may inadvertently downplay the structural barriers that persist in the industry.
- The job board and events hosted by Bailey could be beneficial, but they might not reach or be accessible to all individuals who are struggling to enter the industry.
- Data studies on pay disparities are important, but without industry-wide adoption of fair pay practices, such studies may have limited impact.
- The emphasis on non-traditional agency routes might overlook the potential benefits and opportunities that traditional agencies can provide.
- The focus on the gender pay gap within the music sector is crucial, but it may not address other forms of inequality, such as ...
Actionables
- You can explore remote work opportunities in the entertainment industry to mitigate the high cost of living in major hubs. By seeking out positions that allow you to work from anywhere, you can live in a more affordable area while gaining experience in the industry. For example, look for remote assistant roles, online marketing positions, or virtual event coordination that can be done from your home.
- Start a local support group for aspiring entertainment professionals in your area to share resources and opportunities. This can be a simple, informal meetup where you and others interested in the industry exchange tips on affordable living, job hunting, and skill-building. Use social media or community bulletin boards to organize monthly gatherings at a local coffee shop or library.
- Create a personal budget th ...
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