George A. Johnson
Writer / Director / Producer
George A. Johnson has worked in television and film since
1994, but he actually began to develop his writing and
directing skills at the early age of 7, using an old 8mm film
camera that he purchased at a garage sale.
Coming from humble beginnings, Johnson could rarely afford
film, so most of his early productions were never actually
recorded, but while playing with the empty camera, he
developed a passion for storytelling.
At age 13, he purchased his first video camera, which he used
to produce short films throughout high school.
After graduating from The Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute, he
interned with Stephen Yake Productions in Tulsa, OK, where
he worked as a Production Assistant on several music videos,
and two feature films. After his internship, he began a career in television, working in a variety of TV
stations, but his passion always remained for telling stories through filmmaking.
In 2000, he set out to write & direct his first feature film on a shoestring budget of less than
$30,000. The film, "DREAMER: The Movie", was shot on digital video, using an all-volunteer cast of
over 200, and an all-volunteer crew of 4, none of which had ever worked on a video production
before.
The original goal for the film was to produce it over the summer, more for fun than anything else.
However, when all said and done, the film ended up taking over four years to complete. When it
was finished, Johnson called a local theater to see if they could set up a showing for the actors
who were involved. Upon seeing the film, the theater owners decided to run it for a week. What
has happened since that point has surprised everyone, including Johnson.
Over 600 people showed up for the world premier showing on New Year's Eve, 2004. Attendance
remained so strong that the theater owners extended the showings for a second week, running it
over 30 times.
Soon, other theaters began contacting Johnson, wanting to run the film. Many had to be turned
down, as they did not have digital projection systems, but the movie ended up running in theaters in
Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri. Shortly thereafter, it was picked up for worldwide distribution
by Illuminare Entertainment.
Currently, Johnson is working on two more feature films, and an animated home video series. He
also directs music videos in his free time.
AWARDS & HONORS:
2005, Outstanding Dramatic Comedy, Windsong International Film Festival - "DREAMER: The
Movie" **
2005, Lifetime Achievement Award, The Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute
2005, Honorary Alumni Award, The Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute
2005, Inclusion, Marquis Who's Who In America
2005, Inclusion, Manchester Who's Who
2005, Family Approved Seal, The Dove Foundation - "DREAMER: The Movie" **
2005, Featured Article, Videomaker Magazine (February Issue)
2005, Winner, Grand Rapids Festival Of The Arts - "DREAMER: The Movie" **
2005, Published, "The Upper Room" International Devotional - May-June Issue
2005, "EXIT 16's Best Of 2005" Program (TBN) - "Ends With You" Music Video **
2004, "EXIT 16's Best Of 2004" Program (TBN) - "Cannonball" Music Video **
2000, Featured Article, Videomaker Magazine (June Issue)
1998, Honorable Mention, Videographer Awards - "Mission Possible" **
** Written, Directed, & Produced by George A. Johnson
