Perhaps it’s a bit more to say that being one of the 10 assistants in variety can be a life-changing experience. But it led at least one of those nominated on this year’s list – being recognized at a Happy Hour event at one Universal at the Universal Studios lot on Thursday evening – was recognized by a stranger.
“I was in Happy Hour in Lavo, Hollywood a few weeks ago with some friends. I think the other assistants were nearby,” said Christine Murray, coordinator at Pearl Naigbokwe, the chairman of the TV studio at NBC Entertainment & Peacock.
What’s more important to Murrain is how it affected her family. “My parents are both in the Army, and they don’t always understand every aspect of what we’re doing here, but this was translated to them,” she said.
It is clear that she is highly regarded by Igbokwe. Igbokwe looked at her with a proud smile as she stood side by side on an outdoor deck overlooking the universal backlot.
“I’m not going to call her an assistant. She’s an incredible colleague,” Igbokwe said. “Maybe it’s part of that military upbringing, but my desk wasn’t the more organized ball ever, like when Christine worked with me.”
Assistant Christine Marlein, left, Parna Igbokwe to watch Happy Hours as an assistant
Scott Angelhart/NBC
Ten assistants to watch the 2025 class, announced on August 6th, include Nikki Bergman (Range Media Partners), Katie Byrne (HBO & HBO Max Content), Bela Levin (Skydance), Blake Maley (Gersh Agency), Jessica Omokheyeke (The Recording Academy), Rose Poo (CAA) and Olivia Zweig (Screengem).
Hosted by NBCuniversal and the Junior Hollywood Radio & Television Association, the event featured meme page-turned media company assistant vs agent, and of course, drinks, food and custom products offered by attendees with ample networking opportunities. But the emotional highlight of the evening was a speech delivered by Verve TV literature agent Roberto Larios, a member of Variety Assistant to watch the Class of 2018.
Verve Agent Roberto Larios, to the left, deals with the crowd of assistants and watches Happy Hour.
Scott Angelhart/NBC
“Being an assistant is the opportunity to be a GRU minions because you’re someone’s partner in crime, Robin in Batman, or because we’re in the NBCU,” Larios laughs from the crowd.
However, most of Larios’s statements were more serious, touching on subjects such as collaboration, respect for others, self-bearing, and the importance of work-life balance.
“Don’t be afraid to take a chance,” he advised. “This is one of the few moments in a career where you have the permission to learn, make mistakes and grow. So take risks, ask questions and put yourself out there.
