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Howard Gordon, Gennifer Goodwin, and Joel Fields Launch Jewish Entertainment Alliance to Amplify Jewish Voices

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 7:25 GMT by Variety

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Howard Gordon, Gennifer Goodwin and Joel Fields Team Up to Launch the Jewish Entertainment Alliance

In a bold move that blends creative talent with a commitment to cultural representation, celebrated television writer Howard Gordon, actress‑turned‑producer Gennifer Goodwin, and former HBO executive Joel Fields have joined forces to launch the Jewish Entertainment Alliance (JEA). The initiative, unveiled at a star‑studded launch event in New York, aims to give Jewish creators a platform in mainstream media, champion authentic storytelling, and foster a network of mentorship, funding, and distribution opportunities for Jewish‑owned projects.

The Vision Behind the Alliance

At its core, the JEA is a nonprofit organization that seeks to elevate Jewish voices in the entertainment industry while also tackling the broader challenge of underrepresentation in Hollywood. “For too long, Jewish stories have been told through a narrow lens,” said Howard Gordon, whose television credits include ER, The West Wing, and Fargo. “The Alliance is about giving a more diverse set of Jewish creators the tools and visibility they deserve.”

Goodwin—known for her work on The Big Bang Theory as a producer and for her advocacy on social issues—emphasized that the Alliance’s mission goes beyond tokenism. “It’s about creating a pipeline that goes from concept to screen,” she noted. “We’re providing mentorship, resources, and a community where creators can thrive.”

Fields, who has spent decades shaping the HBO brand and is now a venture partner at the creative‑investment firm Fields Entertainment, highlighted the strategic advantage of his experience in both content creation and distribution. “We’ve seen how stories that resonate on a cultural level can also achieve commercial success,” he said. “JEA will help bridge that gap.”

Key Components of the Initiative

1. Funding and Grants

The Alliance will open a grant fund designed to support early‑stage projects from Jewish writers, directors, and producers. According to a statement released during the launch, the JEA will allocate a portion of its initial endowment to provide up to $250,000 per project, covering everything from development to post‑production.

2. Mentorship and Development Programs

Drawing on the expertise of its founders, the JEA plans to host quarterly workshops featuring industry veterans. These sessions will cover topics ranging from character development and narrative structure to navigating the modern streaming landscape. The mentorship program will pair emerging Jewish talent with seasoned creators, encouraging knowledge transfer and collaboration.

3. Distribution Partnerships

Fields outlined a multi‑pronged approach to getting JEA projects onto global platforms. The Alliance will work with major streaming services—such as HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon Prime—to secure distribution deals for select projects. The goal is to create a “pipeline” that moves content from the development stage all the way to worldwide audiences.

4. Community Building and Advocacy

The JEA will host an annual “JEA Film Festival” featuring short films, feature pilots, and documentaries that center Jewish themes. In addition, the organization will maintain a robust online presence, featuring an interactive community portal where members can share resources, discuss industry trends, and collaborate on projects.

A Look at the Launch Event

The launch ceremony, held at the historic Brooklyn Arts Center, drew a mix of Hollywood heavyweights, film scholars, and industry insiders. In a keynote speech, Howard Gordon opened with a nostalgic nod to his early days at ER, recalling the show’s diverse cast and how it paved the way for future representation. He underscored that JEA’s mission is built on the same principle: inclusion.

Goodwin followed with a more personal touch, sharing the story of her first short film—a poignant narrative about a young woman navigating faith and identity. She stressed how difficult it was to secure funding for that project, a challenge that inspired her to be part of the Alliance.

Joel Fields then outlined the strategic framework, revealing that the JEA will begin with a pilot program in partnership with the Jewish Film & Television Alliance (JFTA) to scout promising projects. He also teased a forthcoming slate of “high‑profile” projects that will be under development, though he kept the specifics under wraps at the event.

The evening culminated in the announcement of the first recipients of the JEA grant. Three independent filmmakers were selected: a documentary about the history of Jewish theater in New York, a feature screenplay exploring interfaith relationships in modern Israel, and a short comedy about the day‑to‑day life of a rabbi in Los Angeles. The winners were presented with a check and a promise of continued mentorship.

The Broader Cultural Context

The launch of the JEA comes amid a wider conversation about diversity and representation in Hollywood. In the past decade, numerous industry groups have been formed to champion underrepresented voices—ranging from the #MeToo movement to the rise of the Black Film Fund. The Jewish community, long a significant presence in entertainment history, has faced unique challenges in preserving authenticity while navigating mainstream commercial pressures.

By pooling resources and expertise, Gordon, Goodwin, and Fields aim to fill a gap that existing initiatives have not fully addressed: a dedicated platform for Jewish creators to not only get their stories heard but also to sustain careers in a highly competitive industry. The Alliance’s emphasis on funding, mentorship, and distribution signals a comprehensive approach that tackles the entire pipeline from idea to audience.

What’s Next for the JEA

Looking ahead, the organization plans to expand its outreach. The founders expressed a desire to partner with educational institutions—particularly Jewish community colleges and universities—to cultivate talent from an early stage. They also hinted at potential collaborations with international Jewish film festivals, aiming to give projects a global reach.

In addition, the Alliance will establish a digital “JEA Hub,” a user‑friendly portal where creators can submit project proposals, track the status of grant applications, and access a database of industry contacts. This hub will serve as a central hub for all stakeholders involved, from novices to seasoned professionals.

Conclusion

The partnership between Howard Gordon, Gennifer Goodwin, and Joel Fields marks a significant moment for Jewish representation in media. By launching the Jewish Entertainment Alliance, they are not only creating a support system for Jewish creators but also setting a new standard for how cultural storytelling can be integrated into mainstream entertainment. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like JEA will play a pivotal role in ensuring that diverse voices—not just Jewish ones—find space to flourish.