Acclaimed writer and showrunner Alena Smith has officially joined WME for comprehensive representation, according to exclusive reports from Variety. The agency aims to collaborate with Smith to enhance her unique storytelling methods in both film and television.
Smith is widely recognized for her innovative work on the Apple TV+ series “Dickinson,” which provided a humorous and unconventional depiction of the life of the renowned poet Emily Dickinson. The show starred Hailee Steinfeld and was among the earliest releases under the original Apple TV+ branding. The series also featured notable guest appearances by John Mulaney, Zosia Mamet, Billy Eichner, Wiz Khalifa, and Chloe Fineman. It completed its run with three seasons and a total of 30 episodes, earning a prestigious Peabody Award in 2019 for its first season.
As the showrunner and executive producer of “Dickinson,” Smith also directed the series finale. Artifacts from the show have been utilized to enhance the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Smith began her television journey as a staff writer on HBO’s popular series “The Newsroom” during its third season before moving on to serve as a writer and co-producer on the acclaimed Showtime series “The Affair.” Currently, she is an executive producer for the FX limited series “Cry Wolf,” featuring stars like Olivia Colman and Brie Larson.
In addition to her screen pursuits, Smith is a talented playwright, with works such as “Icebergs,” “The Bad Guys,” and “The New Sincerity.” Notably, “The Bad Guys” was adapted into a feature film in 2018, with Glenn Powell starring in the lead role.
