NYWIFT Blog

By Farah Qureshi

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.

NYWIFT Member Elliana Bertrand

Welcome to NYWIFT! Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself?

I’m a New York–based producer and assistant director working across film, television, and commercial projects. I recently completed my master’s in virtual production at NYU Tisch, where I produced my virtual production thesis movie, The Feather.

My background in ballet and fashion, along with my work as a Pilates instructor-in-training, informs how I approach storytelling through movement, rhythm, and visual composition. I’m especially interested in how structure and energy on set translate into what ultimately appears on screen.

What brought you to NYWIFT?

I was drawn to NYWIFT because I’m passionate about championing women-led work in an industry that still has a long way to go in how it supports and highlights female voices. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful and collaborative women-driven sets can be, and I want to contribute to building more of those environments.

Being part of a community that actively uplifts, connects, and advocates for women in film and television feels essential to the kind of career I want to build.

Elliana Bertrand on the set of her film The Feather

What initially drew you to working on set, and how did you find your path into assistant directing and production roles?

My path to set started through movement and visual storytelling. I grew up in ballet and have always been drawn to fashion, both of which shaped how I think about composition, rhythm, and presence. Traveling to 31 countries further expanded that perspective and deepened my interest in storytelling across different cultures and environments.

When I started working on set, I realized I was just as interested in how everything comes together as I was in what’s on screen. I naturally think in terms of flow, what’s happening next, and how to keep things moving with precision. That instinct led me toward assistant directing and production, where I can bridge creative vision with execution and help shape the rhythm of a set in a very real way.

What has working on independent projects like your thesis film The Feather taught you compared to working on large productions such as Saturday Night Live?

Working on independent projects like my master’s thesis, The Feather, taught me how to take real ownership creatively and operationally. I was deeply involved in building the project from the ground up, including fundraising and forming relationships with local businesses and vendors, which gave me a much more holistic understanding of what it takes to bring something to life.

It requires constant adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset, because there’s no buffer, you have to solve problems as they arise and keep momentum going. On large-scale productions, I’ve seen how those same instincts translate within a more structured system, where timing and coordination are even more precise.

Across both, I’ve developed a strong ability to anticipate what’s needed before it’s said and to stay steady under pressure, while also being intentional about the way I show up. The tone on set matters, and I’m very aware that how you communicate and carry yourself directly impacts the team around you.

Elliana Bertrand on the set of her film The Feather

You’ve spoken about the importance of creating environments where people feel prepared, supported, and respected. What does strong leadership on set look like to you?

To me, strong leadership on set is about creating real alignment between people. Film is inherently collaborative, and the best work happens when everyone feels connected to what they’re doing and to each other. I see a leader’s role as making that connection possible through clear, direct communication and a grounded presence that keeps people engaged and comfortable contributing.

On set, things are always shifting, so I focus on staying steady and aware of what the team needs in the moment. I naturally think ahead and anticipate where friction might come up, which allows me to step in early and keep things moving without disrupting the flow.

For me, strong leadership ultimately comes down to trust. When people feel respected, supported, and part of a cohesive team, the collaboration strengthens and the work reflects that.

Elliana Bertrand on the set of her film The Feather

Looking ahead, what kinds of projects are you most excited to explore as you continue building your career in film and television?

I’m excited by projects that push into more stylized, physical storytelling, especially in the space between body horror and comedy. I’ve always been drawn to work that explores the body in a heightened or unexpected way, and I’m currently developing ideas that integrate my background in Pilates, movement, and choreography into that world.

Alongside that, I’m continuing to step into larger assistant directing and producing roles, where I can deepen my ability to lead complex productions. I’m interested in building a career that balances strong execution on set with developing original projects that feel visually distinct and specific.

Connect with Elliana Bertrand on LinkedIn and Instagram at @ellianabertrand, follow updates on her thesis film The Feather at @thefeatherfilm, and learn more about her work at ellianabertrand.com.

(All images courtesy of Elliana Bertrand)