Conversations with Shanna J

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanna J.

Hi Shanna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been a storyteller, even before I really had the words for it. I was born in San Francisco, and growing up with a Jamaican mother and grandmother, I was always surrounded by culture, energy, and really expressive ways of communicating. Whether it was storytelling, humor, or just how we show up, that shaped how I see people and the kinds of stories I’m drawn to tell.

I started out just creating and exploring, acting, writing, trying things out and figuring out what felt real to me. It was not perfect, but at some point, I realized I did not just want to be part of stories. I wanted to create them, especially the ones that are not always told in a real or layered way.

That is what led me into writing and independent film production. I wanted more ownership over the stories I was part of and more freedom to bring complex, culturally rooted characters to life. Platforms like YouTube, social media, and streaming really became an extension of that. It gave me space to share my voice and connect with people beyond just being on screen.

So in 2016, I started Ink to Real Productions, which was really about taking stories from an idea, from ink, and bringing them to life. That was a big shift for me, because I stepped into my power, not just as an actress, but as a writer and producer too.

I know who I am, I know what I bring, and I am very intentional about the stories I choose to tell.

At the end of the day, I am not here to fit into stories. I am here to create the ones that make people feel seen, remembered, and a little more understood.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I think choosing a creative path, especially as an independent filmmaker and actress, comes with a lot of challenges. In the beginning, one of the biggest struggles was access. Not always having the resources, the connections, or the opportunities that would make things easier. I had to learn how to create my own opportunities, which is really what pushed me to start my production company in the first place.

But beyond that, a lot of it was internal. There were times where I honestly did not feel like I was good enough. I doubted my talent, questioned if I really belonged in the spaces I was trying to step into. And for a while, I let being plus size hold me back. I think I was trying to fit into an industry standard instead of fully owning who I am.

That shift came when I realized that the things I thought were limitations were actually part of my power. My perspective, my look, my voice, all of it is what makes my work unique and necessary. So no, it has not been smooth. Every challenge pushed me to grow, to trust myself more, and to stop waiting for validation.

And now, I am not trying to fit into the industry, I am creating work that reflects me as I am.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actress, writer, and independent film producer, and my work is really centered around telling grounded, character driven stories that stay with people. I focus on emotional honesty and creating characters that feel specific, but still relatable. Through my company, I develop original projects from concept to screen. That includes writing, producing, and shaping the full vision of a story, not just performing in it.

Two projects I am especially proud of are FLOAT and Blurred Ties, both award winning. FLOAT really leans into emotional vulnerability and connection, while Blurred Ties explores relationships and identity in a more layered way.

Blurred Ties also reached a major milestone for me. It received a distribution deal and is now streaming on Tubi, which was a big moment because it showed that independent work can grow and find a wider audience. And now, I am continuing that momentum by developing season two.

What sets me apart is how intentional I am with story. I understand the process from multiple sides as an actress, a writer, and a producer, so I am always thinking about how every piece connects and lands. I am not just focused on creating content, I am focused on creating something that resonates.

I am also very clear about the stories I want to tell. I care about depth, representation, and making sure the characters feel real and lived in.

Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I am focused on scaling everything I have been building into larger opportunities and platforms. With Ink to Real Productions, one of my immediate goals is developing and releasing season two of Blurred Ties, and continuing to grow that into a strong, recognizable series. From there, I am actively working toward producing feature length films and original series that can be picked up by major streaming platforms.

I am also focused on securing larger distribution deals and partnerships that allow my work to reach wider, global audiences. That next level for me is seeing my projects live on bigger platforms while still maintaining the same authenticity and creative control.

As an actress, my goal is to step into more leading roles in film and television, especially roles that are layered, complex, and not one dimensional. I want to work with directors and creators who are intentional about storytelling and are pushing things forward.

I am also building toward being in more decision making spaces, producing at a higher level, developing multiple projects at once, and expanding my company into a stronger production presence. Ultimately, my goal is to create a sustainable pipeline of projects, where I am consistently developing, producing, and starring in work that has both creative impact and reach.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shannajohnson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannaj_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannajactor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inktorealproductions

Image Credits
IraCarMichael Photography