Erica Tracey Hirshfeld is a media executive who built her career in animation and visual storytelling. She worked on major animation projects before moving into media branding leadership. Currently, she serves as Head of Production at Trollbäck + Company, a design and branding firm based in New York.
Her journey from animation producer to creative director shows her skill in visual communication. She has worked at Trollbäck + Company since 2009, where she leads production teams and manages branding campaigns.
Education and Early Career
Born and raised in a creative environment, Erica Tracey Hirshfeld pursued media studies early on. She attended the University of Michigan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies.
At Michigan, she focused on media analysis, production management, and communication theory. Her coursework included media strategy, graphic design, and digital storytelling—skills she uses daily as a production manager.
Animation Career
Erica Tracey Hirshfeld started her career in animation with production management roles. She gained hands-on experience bringing animated stories to life through project coordination and workflow management.
Her early work established her reputation as a reliable production coordinator who could manage tight schedules while maintaining quality standards. This media professional became known for effective team coordination and creative problem-solving.
Major Animation Projects
Polly Pocket: Lunar Eclipse (2004)
Erica Tracey Hirshfeld served as Production Manager for Polly Pocket: Lunar Eclipse, a popular animated movie that captivated young audiences. This role required her to oversee production schedules, manage teams, and ensure smooth workflows.
As a production supervisor, she handled the animation pipeline and worked closely with animators, voice actors, and technical teams. Her expertise in project management helped streamline processes and reduce production delays.
My Scene Goes Hollywood: The Movie (2005)
In this project, Erica Tracey Hirshfeld contributed as additional crew, supporting various production aspects. The animated film blended fashion, music, and storytelling, making it a standout project in her portfolio.
This project demonstrated how this animation specialist adapts under tight deadlines. Her expertise in managing pre-production and post-production tasks ensured the movie met industry standards.
PollyWorld (2006)
Returning to the Polly Pocket franchise, Erica Tracey Hirshfeld worked as Production Manager on PollyWorld. Her role involved coordinating creative and technical teams to maintain quality and meet deadlines.
With growing experience, this visual storytelling expert played a crucial role in maintaining a consistent animation style while managing storytelling challenges. Her ability to manage resources efficiently helped the production team stay on schedule.
Barbie Diaries (2006)
As Post-production Assistant on Barbie Diaries, Erica Tracey Hirshfeld gained valuable experience in editing, finalizing animation sequences, and ensuring visual consistency. This role deepened her understanding of the animation production pipeline.
Her involvement allowed her to collaborate with top industry professionals and gain insights into how media franchises maintain brand consistency. Her role in post-production sharpened her skills in media editing and visual effects management.
Move to Media Branding
After gaining extensive animation experience, Erica Tracey Hirshfeld expanded into broader media production. She transitioned from animated films to strategic roles in media branding and production leadership.
This shift led her to Trollbäck + Company, where she has been working since 2009. At Trollbäck, she began focusing on how branding and design play crucial roles in the media industry. Her work involves creating visually compelling brand identities and overseeing branding campaigns.
Leading Production at Trollbäck + Company
Erica Tracey Hirshfeld serves as Head of Production and Executive Producer at Trollbäck + Company, a branding and design firm based in New York. In this role, she oversees media projects, ensures brand consistency, and manages production processes.
Under her leadership, Trollbäck + Company has significantly influenced visual storytelling and branding. Her ability to balance creativity with strategic execution makes her an invaluable creative leader to the firm.
Her expertise in visual communication and storytelling helps companies build stronger brand identities. She collaborates with top-tier media firms and brands, ensuring they convey messages effectively through visual media.
This industry veteran is also exploring new technologies in branding and design, such as AI-driven content creation. Her innovative approach helps redefine how brands communicate visually.
She works on branding projects for leading entertainment networks, ensuring their media presence aligns with brand values. This creative executive influences how brands engage audiences through animation, design, and media production.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional achievements, Erica Tracey Hirshfeld is married to Peter Schrager, a sports journalist known for his work with NFL Network and Fox Sports. They married on June 22, 2013. She is also the mother of a son named Mel, who shares his father’s interest in sports.
Despite leading a demanding career as a media executive, she balances professional and personal commitments. Though married to a well-known media personality, she maintains her own professional identity and continues excelling in her industry.
This industry professional is deeply committed to community service, focusing on education, women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness. She also mentors young professionals entering the media industry.
Unlike many in the media industry, Erica Tracey Hirshfeld prefers maintaining a low public profile. She separates personal and professional life while continuing to impact the industry through her work. Her ability to work in a high-pressure industry while maintaining privacy reflects her professionalism and dedication.
Conclusion
Erica Tracey Hirshfeld’s journey from animation production to media leadership demonstrates her skills, adaptability, and passion for storytelling. With a strong foundation in visual communication, she continues shaping the industry through her work at Trollbäck + Company.
Her expertise in animation, branding, and media production makes her a creative powerhouse in the industry. As she continues leading projects and innovating within media branding, her contributions remain significant in shaping the future of visual storytelling.
