We recently connected with Mandisa Johnson, MS., M.F.A. and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mandisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Atlanta Film and TV’s mission is to serve, empower, engage, and educate those that are a part of or looking to become involved in the Atlanta Film and TV community. We started Atlanta Film and TV because we noticed there weren’t many platforms that educated those looking to break into the Atlanta Film and TV industry. We do this by publishing informative and educational posts. To read those posts, users can purchase one of our membership plans. I have also created two different courses. A Screenwriting Course for Beginners and Breaking into the Business of Entertainment. A Workshop for “Momagers,” which guides newer parents on navigating their child’s career in the entertainment industry.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always been interested in the arts. When I was four, I thought I was on tv and people were watching me. However, the first grade was when I took my drama class and performed in my first school play. I loved drama so much that I would go home and mimic things I learned for my mom. Little did I know that I was performing a monologue. As I got older, I began writing and directing stage productions and would cast my neighbors and family members. 

In high school, I became heavily involved in our theater department. I took a theater class during my Freshman year and learned about the basics of theater. That same year I became a reader for the Lorraine Hansberry Readers Theater. During sophomore year, I interned with the Columbus Junior Theater (in Columbus, Ohio)

and interned with The Ohio State University’s Theater Department and learned the technical side of theater. Midway through my Junior year, I became inducted into the International Thespian Society, and during my senior year, I was cast in the musical, The Wiz. 

I began undergrad in 1995 at Wright State University as a Theater major, which quickly changed because of the time commitment. In 2000, I graduated with a Communication Studies BA. Shortly after, I relocated to Atlanta, GA, in hopes of working for CNN. A few years later, I got my first taste of acting on camera by being a background artist for a few films. A few years later, I desired to learn about the business side of the entertainment industry and enrolled in Full Sail University’s Entertainment Business Master of Science Program. Afterward, I directed a short film and commercial and worked as an actor on several film sets. In 2016, I re-enrolled into Full Sail University’s Creative Writing MFA program. At the tail end of my program, we launched Atlanta Film and TV. I wrote a few blogs – eventually letting it go, and in January 2019, we re-launched. We currently have over three hundred published posts, along with seven contributors. We also host our Creative Juices and Coffee Chat Networking events, teach courses, and interview industry professionals for our Conversations with Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers series. 

We are most proud of our numerous interviews for our Conversation with Atlanta’s Movers and Shakers series, were we interview industry professionals throughout the Atlanta Film and TV community. We are also proud and grateful for the industry knowledge and expertise shared through those interviews in order for us to share G.E.M.S. (Great Educational Moments with Movers and Shakers) or nuggets of wisdom for those aspiring to work in the entertainment industry.

One of the main things we want readers to know about Atlanta Film and TV is that we are a platform that helps those newer to the film and tv industry in Atlanta to navigate their careers. Atlanta Film and TV is not a casting company or talent agency. We also do not share casting calls or auditions. We, however, host industry networking events, educate, and cover entertainment industry-related events. 

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Atlanta Film and TV’s interviews were conducted by emailing questions and having the interviewees email their answers. Once the shutdown happened, Atlanta Film and TV pivoted by conducting interviews virtually. Conducting interviews this way got me out of my comfort zone. Now I prefer virtual interviews because it allows me to meet industry professionals, build relationships, and have meaningful conversations.

How did you build your audience on social media?

We built our audience on social media organically. We would do this by consistently posting engaging content by using popular hashtags. When networking with others, we share our social media handles and ask them to follow our social media accounts. A tip for those starting to build their social media presence should post consistently and use hashtags to get their posts noticed by those who may not follow you.

Contact Info:

• Website: atlantafilmandtv.com
• Instagram: @atlantafilmandtv
• Facebook: Atlanta Film and TV
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandisa-akilah-johnson-m-s-m-f-a-20246349/
• Twitter: @ATLFILMandTV
• Youtube: Mandisa Johnson

Image Credits
Headshot in green – Image by Tracy Page