Conversations with the Inspiring Ty Johnston-Chavis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Johnston-Chavis.

Ty, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My love for television and film began during my childhood. During that time, I graduated from Handover Modeling & Acting School in East Hartford Connecticut.

After graduating, I acquired a talent agent and was casted in a Toys R Us television commercial as “Shera”, all by the age of nine years old, I became that Toy R Us kid instantly. When I add this to my twenty plus years as a professional TV & Film Producer, it totals me as a 30-year veteran in the entertainment industry. As a resident of Georgia and a leader in the Southeast’s Film & Television community, my personal and professional experience stretches for miles. While being a former full-time professor at the Art Institute of Atlanta, I’ve also built an empire of relationships, that has allowed for me to grow in my field, producing countless hours of content from corporate and commercial to mainstream television and independent films. I have traveled working in live broadcasting in the sports arena and also worked internationally, producing in Japan and supervise producing one of the 1st television series in the Bahamas for several seasons. All of these efforts lead me to connect people on a larger scale when I founded and coordinated the Atlanta Pitch Summit. This is an annual conference where content developers meet distribution. This is an opportunity to meet Hollywood executives, sit one on one, and pitch your idea or project as a chance of a lifetime. The Atlanta Pitch Summit has had networks, studios, and production companies acquire content since it was established in 2011. We’ve had every head executive to attend the APS such as: Nickelodeon, Lifetime, BET, TVOne, MGM Studios, and Georgia’s very own, Autumn Bailey’s Entertainment.

Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy. I was taught “if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.” Some of the most challenging times are when you really have to prove yourself as a woman in this male-dominated industry, but now, it’s more acceptable to find women in every role. My advice to young women in this journey would be to be confident in the work that you create and find your film family that will support and works with you.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Television/film producing and pitching/packaging projects is my specialty. I am well known for the Atlanta Pitch Summit, yet I am also a wife and mother to four beautiful children. Also, my husband and I own two restaurants located in Atlanta, called Kelz Kitchen. I am most proud of how the Atlanta Pitch Summit has turned into a ministry. It has allowed hundreds of people to present their work at a high level and close deals. This event has allowed me to help others fulfill their dreams.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
During my childhood, I was always entertained by the hit show, “Solid Gold.” I was most excited about being in front of the camera. But after having the opportunity to experience working behind the scenes, I was proud to be in a position where I could help make decisions.

Pricing:

• Available now is my e-book, called The Pitch Kit, which is your intro guide to pitching for $67.00. You can receive this at www.atlantapitchsummit.com. Be sure to look out for a master pitch series, powered by the Atlanta Pitch Summit

Contact Info:

• Website: www.atlantapitchsummit.com
• Email: tyj.media@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyjohnstontv/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/atlantapitchsummit/

Image Credit:
Diana Jackson

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