Alina Phelan Ballou
Burbank,CA
Summary
Creative professional with 20+ years supporting high-profile film directors and producers on feature and animation projects. Known for anticipating needs, coordinating seamlessly across teams, and managing workflows with discretion and grace. Equally comfortable in creative conversations and behind-the-scenes logistics, with a deep passion for story, character, and high-level collaboration. A steady partner to directors and producers navigating demanding productions.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Producer Assistant
Wildbrain
Burbank, CA
07.2025 - Current
- Provided high-level administrative and production support to Producer Bonnie Arnold and Creative Executive Michael Lachance on the Peanuts Feature: Snoopy Unleashed
- Oversaw travel logistics, accommodations, and expense management for a 13-person post-production team based in London.
- Managed dynamic executive calendars and shifting production schedules, coordinating across departments to support project deadlines and operational efficiency.
Coordinator for Director & Producer
NETFLIX ANIMATION
04.2022 - 01.2024
- Supported Wendy Rogers and Julia Pistor on The Magician’s Elephant film
- Managed multiple fast-paced calendars to ensure timely scheduling
- Coordinated cross-functional meetings between Netflix and vendor Animal Logic
- Documented comprehensive notes on reviews, launches, and screenings for team reference
- Arranged travel logistics, screenings, crew gifts and invoices
- Collaborated with producer Julia Pistor to develop a pipeline of unannounced films
- Organized pitch packages by compiling casting details and running scratch records
- Sourced writers and directors through networking with agents for future projects
Creative Executive for Andrew Adamson
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION / NBC UNIVERSAL
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Developed Film and Television scripts for Andrew Adamson to produce and direct
- Coordinated meetings with writers, storyboard artists, editors, and production team to develop proof of concept animatics
- Provided coverage and detailed notes on scripts
- Cast actors for table reads and organized script pages for recording
- Tracked the status of talent and productions for all projects
- Updated scripts and distributed story meeting notes to all departments
- Served as liaison to executives from Universal and Imagine Entertainment
Executive Assistant to the Director
STRANGE WEATHER FILMS
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Supported Andrew Adamson on Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away
- Helped source material for Strange Weather Films to produce, with an eye toward material for Andrew Adamson to direct
- Established and maintained relationships with writers, actors, agents, and executives
- Generated cast, writer and director lists throughout the development process
- Cast and assembled table reads with actors
Executive Assistant to the Director
FROZENLAKE PRODUCTIONS
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Assisted Andrew Adamson on The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian
- Developed scripts, regularly communicating with editors and storyboard artists
- Pre-screened thousands of casting tapes, providing pivotal input on final decisions
- Served as on-set acting coach for child actors
- Performed CG characters on set
Education
BFA -
California Institute of the Arts
Skills
- Software
- Final Draft, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar, Slides) iMovie, Twisted Wave
- Core Strengths
- Script Development & Story Editing
- Casting & Talent Relations
- Executive level Assisting
- Creative Producing & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Working with Writers, Directors & Executives
- Directing (Theatre)
- Acting Coaching
- International Production Coordination
Timeline
Producer Assistant
Wildbrain
07.2025 - Current
Coordinator for Director & Producer
NETFLIX ANIMATION
04.2022 - 01.2024
Creative Executive for Andrew Adamson
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION / NBC UNIVERSAL
01.2014 - 01.2020
Executive Assistant to the Director
STRANGE WEATHER FILMS
01.2008 - 01.2014
Executive Assistant to the Director
FROZENLAKE PRODUCTIONS
01.2003 - 01.2008
BFA -
California Institute of the Arts