By Linden Standish
Welcome to NYWIFT, Alison Hirsch!
Alison Hirsch is a native New Yorker, with a background spanning development, production, and representation. She bridges storytelling with commercial strategy, bringing a keen understanding of how content is identified, shaped, and circulated.
After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Princeton, Alison assisted Linda Yellen on her film, which won the Indie Spirit Best Picture and Best Director awards at BIFF.
At Little Monster Films, Alison researched potential projects and evaluated their market viability. Following two years at WME in the Motion Picture and Scripted TV departments, Alison recently joined Assemble Media as their Coordinator.
NYWIFT Member Alison Hirsch
Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself?
My name is Alison Hirsch, and I’m passionate about transformative stories. My strength lies at the intersection between the creative and commercial side of the entertainment industry. I strive to bridge artistic vision with commercial strategy, bringing a deep understanding of how content is identified, shaped, and consumed.
What brought you to NYWIFT?
NYWIFT held an immediate attraction as an organization that not only advocates for women’s visibility and leadership in film, but also nurtures New York’s unique blend of grit and innovation.
Alison as a Jury Liaison at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival
What set you on the path of a career in the entertainment industry?
Storytelling has been my lodestar. I’ve always been compelled by the power of stories to illuminate the human experience, challenge perspectives, and connect us.
Has your previous experience in editorial roles with Artforum International Magazine and The New Yorker impacted the ways in which you engage with film-oriented work?
My time at Artforum and The New Yorker focused on visual storytelling and reader engagement. I learned to examine every detail and how each choice affects the reader’s experience. These experiences shaped me: I approach projects with an artist’s eye, an editor’s discipline, and an audience’s perspective.
BTS, Alison preparing to step in as an extra for Linda Yellen’s One Stupid Thing.
Having studied Art History at Princeton, do you feel this background has given you an advantage in creative spaces?
Studying art history trained me to think critically and to communicate with precision. Formal analysis and cultural context are invaluable. The ability to identify why a work of art succeeds or fails – and to what effect – is empowering. Art history enables me to better understand how a narrative operates within the historical landscape.
What inspires you? Do you seek it out, or does it come to you?
Curiosity! New York hosts an endless array of lectures, exhibitions, screenings, and performances. Every day I’m inspired by the opportunity to learn — from the people I work with, the projects I take on, and the ever-evolving ways stories are told. My best ideas are often sparked by conversations with people across different fields, both within, but especially beyond, entertainment.
Alison (center) volunteering on behalf of WME at The Brooklyn Museum.
Tell us about what you’re currently up to!
I recently transitioned from talent representation and joined Assemble Media as their Film and TV Coordinator. I help oversee a slate that spans feature films, scripted series, and documentaries. One thing I love about Assemble is that we’re not confined to a single format or genre — we’re encouraged to pursue ideas that excite us. As a result, we have some incredible projects in the pipeline… So stay tuned!
Connect with Alison Hirsch on LinkedIn
(All photos courtesy of Alison Hirsch)
Linden Standish
Linden Standish is an intern at NYWIFT and aspiring television screenwriter. Working in collaboration with her sister, Audrey Standish, the two have developed numerous pilots. Inspired by a range of genres, Linden hopes to craft emotionally resonant and thought-provoking stories.
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