By Linden Standish
Welcome to NYWIFT, Ally Gallant!
Ally Gallant is a California native currently working as a page in the NBCUniversal Page Program. She graduated from San Diego State in 2024 with a degree in political science and international affairs and went on to work as a legislative intern for Senator Kaine in Washington, D.C.
Excited by the world of news and storytelling, Ally joined the page program, gaining experience in digital audience development and now producing short-form videos for NBC News, including TikTok and the subscription site.
She hopes to continue in broadcast journalism, inspired by growing up watching the news around the dinner table with her family.
NYWIFT Member Ally Gallant
What brought you to NYWIFT?
I was drawn to NYWIFT because I love connecting with and learning from women who are making an impact in film, television, and media. As someone building a career in news and storytelling, I’m inspired by organizations that support women’s voices, amplify diverse perspectives, and create community in an industry that can feel competitive.
NYWIFT felt like the perfect place to both grow professionally and celebrate the incredible work women are doing in media every day.
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in media?
It actually didn’t come to me right away. I originally thought I was going to pursue a career in politics. Once I got to Capitol Hill, I found myself more fascinated by the reporters interviewing the politicians than politics itself. That curiosity and excitement for storytelling is what led me to apply for the page program and make the leap into media.
The NBCU Page Program is known to be incredibly selective and prestigious. What has this experience entailed? Have there been any unexpected takeaways?
So far, the NBCU Page Program has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I’ve learned from incredible mentors, found a community of amazing fellow pages, and had opportunities to make a real impact on the teams I rotate through.
As a page, I work on shows, give tours, and gain exposure to different parts of the company. An unexpected takeaway has been how quickly my communication skills have grown through daily interactions with so many different people and how it has shifted my perspective on the variety of careers available in media. I’ve also had the chance to work on SNL, which has been a lot of fun.
What are your professional aspirations? What motivates you to pursue them?
I hope to pursue a career in broadcast journalism as a reporter. Growing up watching the news on TV, I loved seeing stories come to life and want to create that same connection with audiences through my work.
Has your experience interning for the United States Senate impacted the way you approach jobs in the entertainment sector? Is there any crossover in the skills you employ?
Working on Capitol Hill taught me how to communicate clearly, think quickly, and pay close attention to detail, all skills that translate directly to fast-paced environments in news and television. It also gave me an appreciation for the role media plays in shaping public understanding, which continues to influence how I think about storytelling and the importance of accurate, engaging reporting.
Connect with Ally Gallant on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram at @ally.gallant.
(All photos courtesy of Ally Gallant)
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.
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Marianna Olinger
Welcome to NYWIFT, Marianna Olinger! Marianna is an artist, producer, strategist, and visionary who evaluates media projects for their potential impact on society and social change. Marianna worked as lead impact producer for two Oscar-shortlisted documentaries, including The Territory (Sundance, Peabody, Emmy winner). As co-director at Earth Alliance, Marianna proclaims: ‘I am nature, and nature is in me.’ In our interview, she reflects on the pilot initiative, Indigenous Impact Alliance, through Doc Society's Climate Story Unit, and her work as co-producer of the short documentary Sankofa. Read on to learn about the work Marianna’s most excited to bring to life next.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Helen Huang
Welcome to NYWIFT, Helen Huang! Helen Huang (Haitong Huang) is a New York–based creative director, filmmaker, and curator working across film, moving image, and immersive media. She has served as Creative Director for the SOHO International Film Festival and is a core member of Vermilions Theater. Her work explores how cinematic storytelling evolves across new formats, bridging traditional film language with emerging technologies. A fellow at the Harvard Innovation Lab, she has received multiple international awards, with her work featured in Forbes, ELLE, and Harvard Gazette.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Kaia Goudreau
Welcome to NYWIFT, Kaia Goudreau! Kaia Goudreau is a filmmaker and photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. She studied filmmaking and writing at Sarah Lawrence College, cultivating a focus on stories that explore life’s in-between moments—aging, change, and quiet rituals. Kaia is developing a short film slated for production later this year and collaborating with director Linda Yellen on features in development and casting. She has also contributed to creative projects in France and Ireland, expanding her visual lens. Whether narrative or documentary, her work lingers on subtle moments that reveal depth and character. In our interview, Kaia discusses her inspiration and background in filmmaking, as well as her exciting upcoming projects.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Elliana Bertrand
Welcome to NYWIFT, Elliana Bertrand! Elliana is a New York–based producer, assistant director, and script supervisor working across film and television. A graduate of the inaugural cohort at NYU Tisch’s Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center, she produced her thesis film The Feather, a Viking short shot exclusively on an LED volume. Over the past year, she has worked in the film unit at Saturday Night Live and contributed to a range of feature films and commercial projects, including a recent Netflix production. A dedicated moviegoer and advocate for the theatrical experience, Elliana has a particular love for Giallo cinema. Alongside her work in the industry, she is completing her Pilates teacher certification, bringing a refined understanding of movement, rhythm, and choreography into her approach to flow and precision on set. In our interview, she discussed her journey into assistant directing, the lessons she’s learned working in production, and the projects she hopes to explore in the future.
READ MORE
Comments are closed