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: Molly Rydzel
Welcome to NYWIFT, Molly Rydzel! Molly Rydzel (WGAE) is a screenwriter specializing in female-driven horror and dark satire. She was a staff writer and story editor on Alejandro Iñárritu’s The One Percent for Starz and head writer of the web series Assisted Living. Her horror play, Serial Lover, was developed with Ars Nova and Sanguine Theater Company. Molly teaches screenwriting at New York University and Pace University, specializing in horror, fantasy, and science fiction. She is developing a slate of mythic horror features and is committed to creating more opportunities for women in genre film through bold, commercially viable storytelling.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Julie Pham
Welcome to NYWIFT, Julie Pham! Julie Theresin-Pham is a Vietnamese American actor, storyteller, host, writer, producer, and business strategist based in New York City. A first-generation immigrant and mother, she creates experiences that bring people together through storytelling, hospitality, and community. Her work explores identity, family, belonging, and human connection across film, performance, and documentary storytelling. She trained at the William Esper Studio, graduated from the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) improv training program, serves on the Junior Board of TADA! Youth Theater, and is developing her first documentary, American Daughter: Stories We Carry. She is also an active NYWIFT member who values collaboration, mentorship, and connection.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Natalie Mahoney
Welcome to NYWIFT, Natalie Mahoney! Natalie is an award-winning photographer, writer, and filmmaker from New York. She received her B.A in TV/Film from DeSales University ’24 and recently received her M.F.A in Film Production from the City College of New York. Natalie has experience in both filmmaking and as an educator with a passion for assisting young creatives conceive, construct, and produce their own projects. Natalie wants to be able to inspire and encourage others with her work, and watch others tell their own stories through the many mediums of the arts!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Bella Rieth
Bella Rieth is a first-generation Brazilian-German, NYC-based director and producer, and a graduate of the School of Visual Arts who also studied at the Atlantic Acting School Conservatory. Before film, she trained at the New England Conservatory and performed in theatre internationally, building a life of storytelling that eventually pulled her behind the camera. Her recent shorts, including Lottie, Poor Creature, Ebba, and Icaro, have played at festivals from Tokyo to Santa Cruz to Florence. Alongside her own films, Bella produces and field produces across narrative, commercial, music video, and documentary projects throughout New York and beyond.
READ MORE
Comments are closed