spotlight on: Bts panelist alexis ostrander
A Visionary Behind the Camera
AWD Icon Director Alexis Ostrander is a force to be reckoned with in the film and television industry. An Emmy-nominated director with a strong background in both documentary and narrative storytelling, she has established herself as one of the most exciting voices in modern television. A graduate of Syracuse University, Alexis began her journey in documentaries before transitioning into fictional narratives—a move that laid the foundation for a bold, human-centered directing style.
From Film Festivals to Prestige TV
Alexis made her mark early with The Haircut, a short film that premiered at AFI Fest in 2014 and went on to play at over 45 festivals, winning 13 awards. The project was supported by a slew of grants including the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant and The Caucus Foundation Grant.
Participating in multiple talent development programs helped Alexis gain recognition. She was selected for the AFI Directing Workshop for Women, the Fox Filmmakers Lab, and the Warner Bros. Emerging Film Directors Workshop. These programs were instrumental in not just sharpening her craft, but also opening doors that are notoriously hard to unlock in Hollywood. Her participation in the prestigious Ryan Murphy Half Initiative landed her her first episodic directing gig—for American Horror Story: Roanoke—and was a pivotal moment in her career.
Her credits now include a long list of high-profile shows such as Servant, Swamp Thing, SEAL Team, Sweet Tooth, Cruel Summer, Truth Be Told, and Interview with the Vampire. She directed the pilot of Light as a Feather for Hulu, earning an Emmy nomination for her work. In 2020, The Alice Initiative named her one of the top 20 emerging female directors.
A Distinctive Voice in Visual Storytelling
Alexis describes filmmaking as a platform to examine the world and reflect on the human condition. She gravitates toward stories that feature unique characters in unexamined and underrepresented environments. “The story has to be good and strong before shooting,” she emphasizes—a clear sign of her commitment to substance over style.
Her passion for grounded science fiction was explored in SENSUM, a short film created through the Warner Bros. Emerging Film Directors Workshop. Premiering on HBO Go, it was another example of Alexis’s ability to balance genre storytelling with emotional authenticity.
All of Alexis’s work is deeply rooted in human stories. “Filmmaking is an opportunity for me to comment on the world we’re living in and explore issues I care about,” she explains. “I love to ask questions about the human condition and invite the audience on a journey.” She gravitates toward projects with complex characters in underrepresented or unexamined environments, where her unique perspective can shine.
Advice for others
Alexis recalls the frustrating cycle of being told by television executives that she needed a feature to get an episode, while film producers told her to direct an episode first. But she remains optimistic and urges rising directors to: “Create. Collaborate. Be original. Make mistakes and take risks. Be ambitious and push yourself. Explore your passions.” She emphasizes the importance of building your own brand, working hard, and surrounding yourself with a supportive team. Perseverance is key.
Put ThIS ADVICE into Practice at Back to Set
Want to hear more from Alexis? Don’t miss our AWD ICONS PANEL on Saturday, September 27 at 3:45pm!
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