We recently connected with Bailey Sims and have shared our conversation below.
Bailey, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
The love and kindness of my friends and family. I have a diagnosis of severe depression with anxiety. Getting through my sophomore year of college during the COVID-19 pandemic and after losing one of my greatest support systems (my grandfather) was one of the hardest times of my life thus far. The more I exhibited early symptoms of these, everyone worked their hardest to understand me, guide me and be present in my life. For that kindness I am forever grateful and try to show that same kindness with others because you truly do not know what people go through behind closed doors. I’m forever appreciative of the people that were and still are in my life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am currently the Staff Production Assistant at Biscuit Filmworks, a film production company that was co-founded in 2000 by Noam Murro and Shawn Lacy. This company is a giant in the commercial industry, and was recently ranked as #3 on the Palme d’Or Production Company list at the Cannes Lions Awards and ranked #4 on Ad Age’s A-List. As this is my first full time job since graduating college in May 2023, this has been the best way to learn the ropes in production, especially in Los Angeles, California. Through my roles and responsibilities, I have liaised with top industry officials (directors, agencies, crew members), carried out office managerial tasks, and helped on sets ranging from practical locations to stages. Working for this company has been a dream of mine since my internship with the company during the summer of 2022. I am nothing but grateful for this opportunity and so excited for what the future has in store.
In addition to my job, I also freelance as a film producer. My work is important and special to me because I’m able to collaborate with another creative to make their visions come to life. Being able to work through and accomplish a film from beginning to end brings me so much joy, and something that I began doing in college. In college, I produced around 5 student thesis films. As I’m still considered a “newbie” in Los Angeles, I’ve been working on expanding my network to produce more frequently. My latest work includes being listed as an assistant producer and 1st AD (assistant director) on a short film through MDM Productions. Dating Daze is a romantic comedy set in New York, and releases later this year.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The first thing that I will say is learning the importance of community. I would not be anywhere without the support of friends, family, professors, co-workers, or classmates. You can only do so much growth alone, and joining organizations and/or putting yourself in spaces to meet others truly lit a fire in me to grow with the people that I met in various places. The second is consistency. This is a skill I had to learn because shortcomings bring me down quite a bit. As long as you’re putting your best foot forward, no one can take that away from you (especially when you are able to reap the benefits of your hard work). Lastly, I’d say integrity. Every industry has its goods and bads. In any genre of the entertainment industry, it’s very easy to have your morals and beliefs put to the test. Stay the course and stay true to who you are. It gets you to more places than you would think.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for folks to collaborate with! I love working with individuals who don’t shy away from problem solving or the difficulties that come with film production. People who are excited about leaving a positive impact on others and their communities. A dream of mine is to work with Barry Jenkins and Spike Lee (just in case they’re reading). The easiest way to reach me is via email ([email protected]), or on Instagram (@/lilbacs).
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lilbacs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bailey-sims-655a30270
- Other: email: [email protected]
Image Credits
images 1 + 2 (outdoors w/ film equipment) – Kavion Sabo, 2023 image 3 (“LBC” on back of shirt) – Eric Gershilevich, 2022 image 4 (outdoors, black tshirt) – Austin Bradfield, 2022 image 6 (signed scripts) – me, 2022
