Bringing Stories to Life at The New York Times: Q+A with Alexis Winston '17

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Alexis Winston

Class of 2017
BA in Film and Screen Studies

You have recently joined The New York Times as a video production and planning coordinator. Please tell us more about this role and how this work has been meaningful to you.

This is a brand-new role on the reporter video team, where I serve as a conduit between producers, journalists, and the operations team to execute high-quality video content that supports some of the most renowned reporters in the world. It’s deeply meaningful work, to contribute to one of the most respected news organizations on the planet, where our goal every day is to serve the public with accurate, thoughtful, and engaging journalism. Helping to bring that mission to life through video feels both purposeful and humbling.

What has your career trajectory been like since graduation from Pace?

My career trajectory has been perfectly imperfect. I spent about eight years freelancing in film, working my way from a production assistant to a production coordinator, and steering toward assistant directing. Landing a production assistant position at Paramount, however, changed everything; it opened the door to the corporate side of production, and I absolutely loved it. It was the perfect blend of office operations and 12-hour set days, a balance I didn’t know was possible. Like many in the industry, I faced periods of unemployment during the aftershocks of COVID and the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild strikes. But eventually, I found my way to Condé Nast and, later, The New York Times.

Why did you choose to pursue a BA in Film and Screen Studies?

My love for movies began when I watched Mississippi Burning at just three years old, from beginning to end. From there, it grew through family movie nights at the Regal Theater in Peekskill and later in my high school’s film club, which happened to host the largest high school film festival in the country. Choosing film as a major was an easy decision. I wanted to study in the heart of New York City, where the streets themselves feel like a film set. I’m grateful to my parents for supporting my dream, because I can’t imagine having chosen any other path.

I chose Pace because of what the university stands for: ambition, inclusivity, and real-world experience. It always felt like the place where hard work met opportunity, and it truly was.

Why did you choose to attend Pace?

I chose Pace not just because of the scholarship opportunities I received, but because of what the university stands for: ambition, inclusivity, and real-world experience. Pace always felt like the place where hard work met opportunity, and it truly was. I saw that through my friends and classmates, who constantly inspired me to push myself. With the concrete jungle as our campus, I naturally adopted the hustle mentality that New York City demands. That drive stayed with me and became the foundation for how I approach my career today.

How had your Film and Screen studies major at Pace prepared you for your career?

Pace was where I learned to take my dreams seriously. It was the first time that working in film felt tangible, something I could actually pursue. I used every opportunity, even in non-film classes, to create video projects instead of essays, and I collaborated with some of the incredible acting students to help bring those projects to life. Through Pace, I learned how to think creatively, work collaboratively, and turn my passion into a profession.

How have Dyson or Pace faculty been instrumental in your journey?

Professor Amy Zilliax of the Film and Screen Studies department is and was one of the most inspiring professors I’ve ever had. She helped me connect film to the larger human experience, reminding us that every frame tells a story about life itself. Her classes didn’t just teach film; they taught perspective, empathy, and curiosity. Her passion fueled mine and I am beyond grateful to have been taught by her.

College is a significant time in a person’s life. In what ways has your time as a Dyson and Pace student influenced you to become the person you are today?

New York has seen me through every version of myself. As a Pace student, I learned resilience–how to survive and thrive in a city that never stops moving. There were moments of loneliness, failure, and uncertainty, but Pace gave me the strength to keep going.

What advice would you give to our students, as they navigate their college life?

To current students, I’d say this: your time will come. Don’t rush it, don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s, and never give up. Keep showing up for yourself, even when the results don’t come right away. That’s where the magic happens.