Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Johnson.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started acting at a young age- around eight or nine due to my brother hounding me to star in all of his homemade movies on a camcorder our father bought him for Christmas one year. I was a chronically shy child, but ironically, acting helped me break out of my shell! I began attending drama classes at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, and knew that I was born to be a storyteller! I never stopped acting or learning, and after a few stage plays and commercials, I began writing my own ideas and storyline concepts, and I fell in love with EVERY element that goes into productions- both on stage and screen, and in all contributing areas, both in front of the camera and behind. Eventually, I was asked to write for a sit-com pilot series in 2011, and I haven’t stopped writing since! Life was one play, or web series, or film after the next, and I was glad to just be in the room! In 2015, my brother again came to me with an idea for him and me to start our own multimedia company, and I was all on board! I saw an opportunity to tell our own stories, and also help others tell theirs. It’s been four years since launching Culture Media Group, and we’ve had the time of our lives learning, growing and producing in the media field!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Just like climbing real mountains, life’s journey can be an upward climb, but paved with rocky roads and weary eyes at times! The challenges I’ve faced have varied from managing 30+ people’s impossible schedules to international contracts falling through after getting a host of vaccinations for the preparation of travel (boy, that was frustrating)! Most recently was the biggest challenge of losing my father to Parkinson’s disease less than one month ago. He was my inspirational muse, best friend, and a creative genius in his own right! His passing felt like the ultimate heartbreak, but also like a passing of the torch somehow. He prided himself in developing other musicians and artists, and taught me that a skilled person is best qualified when they begin to teach others how to be better than themselves! It was then that I realized another layer of my purpose as an artist- to help and teach drama to young people.
Culture Media Group – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At Culture Media Group, we really pride ourselves in partnering with the community and non-profit organizations. We’ve hosted several live shows and concerts that benefit the community, and my first short film that was released last year focused on the mental health issues so many people are facing- which has created an opportunity for me to connect with other artists and activists alike. We are frequently asked to creatively direct and produce visuals that accompany live shows in non-traditional formats like ballets and poetry shows. I serve as the company’s Creative Director and Lead Writer. I’m most proud of giving a voice to others in the form of creativity and storytelling, for I believe everyone has a story worth listening to. As of now, I am endeavoring to launch my own leg of drama coaching for kids and teens, and could not be more thrilled to impart all that I can to this next generation!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as a never-ending, transformative evolution. It’s all about the little victories, though. I’m a firm believer in setting small achievable goals at a steady pace to lead you to where you want to go. As several have said, success is not just about reaching the top, but more about who YOU become on your way up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.culturemediagroup.com
- Phone: 404-428-4002
- Email: culturemediagroup@gmail.com
- Instagram: itsashleyjohnson
Image Credit:
Brian Jones
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