We are thrilled to be connecting with Mandisa Johnson again. Mandisa is a Founder of Atlanta Film and TV, an Entertainment Journalist, Editor-in-Chief, Coach and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Mandisa below.
Hi Mandisa, so great to have you join us again. For folks who might have missed our earlier conversations, can you please take a minute to briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Mandisa Johnson, MS, MFA, and I am the Founder, Editor-In-Chief, Entertainment Journalist, and Coach for Atlanta Film and TV. I have also been married to Eddie Johnson, III for seventeen years. Together we have three children, Myles, 16, Madison, 14, and Milan, 11. Originally from Columbus, OH, I found my love of theater and the arts in elementary school, often mimicking what I learned from my drama teacher for my mother. In high school, I became heavily involved in theater performing in numerous productions; including being a part of a theater troupe that traveled to different schools throughout Columbus, OH. Upon graduation, I became inducted into the International Thespian Society. From there, I graduated from Wright State University with a BA in Communication Studies and Full Sail University with an Entertainment Business, Master of Science Degree, and Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts Degree.
Can you give us some background information on Atlanta Film and TV and its mission?
Atlanta Film and TV’s Mission is to Serve, Empower, Engage, and Educate those that are a part of or looking to get involved in the Atlanta Film and TV industry.
Atlanta Film and TV first launched in October 2016, at the tail end of my Creative Writing MFA program. I published a few blogs, eventually letting Atlanta Film and TV go. In January 2019, I repurchased Atlanta Film and TV’s domain name and recreated the website. Currently, we have published over 250 informative posts, and since May of 2020, we have added five contributing writers to our team.
What else should we know about the Atlanta Film and TV platform?
Atlanta Film and TV will launch our membership site this spring to provide our audience with coaching, courses, and virtual gatherings to further empower our audience. Check atlantafilmandtv.com for upcoming details.
You have an ongoing series titled Conversations with Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers. Can you talk to us about what an Atlanta Mover and Shaker is, and highlight some of the people you’ve interviewed?
This past February, we launched a new series titled Conversations with Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers, where we re-interview our past Movers and Shakers. It’s a conversation-style type of interview and an opportunity to share what has changed in their career since we last spoke. We also include our new movers and shakers and learn about who they are and what extraordinary things they bring to the Atlanta Film and TV industry.
According to Merriam Webster, a Mover and Shaker is “a powerful person who initiates events and influences people.”
We feature those who not only contribute to the Atlanta Film and TV industry, but we share their stories of inspiration, which includes not only being in front of the camera. For instance, we have conversations with people in various careers within the film and TV industry, such as Author, Celebrity Stylist, and Producer Donvinnie Boykin. Character Designer and Creator of Team Supreme Cartoon, Joshua Leonard, and top headshot photographer in the southeast, Tracy Page.
Can you share with us some of the services that Atlanta Film and TV provides?
We will be launching our membership site later this spring. Once someone goes through our e-training, they will be eligible to receive coaching and mentoring opportunities.
What are some upcoming events Atlanta Film and TV has, and how can people become involved?
Every other month, we host a coffee chat-networking event where people can connect with others within the Atlanta Film and TV community. And, we’re planning to host our first virtual Career Day Friday during the 2021-2022 school year. Our Day Friday will be open to all grades, including college-aged students. Career Day Friday is an opportunity for students to learn about and connect with those working in careers they are interested in within the film and television industry. Currently, we have partnered with a few schools within metro Atlanta and open to students who don’t reside in the state of Georgia.
To stay updated with our events, subscribe to our website at atlantafilmandtv.com, or follow us on all social media platforms. For more information for our career day Friday, go to our website and fill out our “Contact Us” form.
As an Entertainment Industry professional, what is some advice you have for someone wanting to pursue a career in the field?
Whether you’re just starting as an actor, writer, etc., always be willing and open to learning. For instance, if you are a background actor, learn on-set terminology, so when the time comes, you are prepared and aware of what’s going on.
Secondly, be sure to take classes and workshops to perfect your craft. And, lastly, be sure to read over everything you are given to sign your name to. If you don’t understand something you’re asked to sign, be sure to have someone who has a better understanding to read over it for you and never be afraid to ask questions.
Alright, so before we go, how can our readers connect with you to learn more and show support?
I can be found on my personal Instagram account @iammandisaj and @atlantafilmandtv. On Twitter @ATLFILMTV, on Facebook at Atlanta Film and TV. And, our website is atlantafilmandtv.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: atlantafilmandtv.com
- Facebook: Atlanta Film and TV
- Linkedin: Mandisa Akilah Johnsom
- Twitter: @ATLFilmandTV
- Youtube: Mandisa Johnson (with the Atlanta Film and TV logo)
Image Credits
Image credits by Mandisa A. Johnson, MS, MFA – Atlanta Film and TV
