Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maurice T. Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Maurice T., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My journey to becoming a full time Stunt Actor and Talent began from a lifestyle change. I wasn’t happy in my current situation working in Corporate America. I have always been a creative person interested in the entertainment industry. My first professional credits of any kind were in Game Design. I am a Full Sail University Alumni where I graduated with a postgraduate degree in Game Design and Development. I had already worked on AAA games before grad school so I was used to being on large productions, being able to pitch myself, technical mastery of digital skills etc. I used those skillsets to transfer over into the TV and FIlm industry. While I didn’t know everything, it made the transition a bit easier for me. I did a lot of the legwork on my own, designing my own website, electronic press kit, business cards etc. Those skillsets helped me save alot of money. Looking back on it, if I knew I my future self would be in this industry now I suppose I would have started earlier in life while I was younger maybe even as a child actor however, I actively sought learning about all aspects of the industry, taking acting and stunt classes and building a portfolio of work. Access has prevented me from learning as much as I would like as alot of information in the industry comes from word of mouth and closed agencies that the general public doesn’t have access to. Continuing to take risk and putting myself out there tends to work for me best.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have been living in Atlanta as a full time Actor for 5 years. My specialty is television and film. I tend to book military, law enforcement and tactical roles the most. Being a veteran I think that contributed to helping me book those types of roles. I believe what helps to set me part from other talent in my career field the most is the fact that by already coming from an entertainment background it helped me to have the ability to be able talk other disciplines in the entertainment industry such as casting directors, directors, producers, screenwriters, etc. I believe even though there are many talented people working on all aspects of a major film production it all still falls under the same umbrella of “entertainment.” Having a foundation definitely helps me to connect in a different way because I am able to speak the same language and keeps me versatile. I am most proud of the fact that I was able to transition out of the military and civilian sectors into the entertainment industry to be able to do things that I enjoy. I am blessed to have one hundred precent control of my time.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I think the most rewarding part of being a creative is being able to share the final product with everyone. People on film/tv productions are working towards the same vision and goals so it is truly a collaborative effort. Even as important as Performers are in the development cycle we are only a part of a larger process. While working sometimes we may not even see how our work directly contributes to the larger story. There is also the gratification of being able to see your finished work on a large scale and how other people react to your performance. That is all very exciting.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Persistence, consistency and resilience is the key. I come from a timeframe where it was a bit frowned upon to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. It was considered “daydreaming.” My inner child always returns to when I was sitting in school reading Nintendo Power and drawing my own gaming characters, video game maps, and art. I have always been a fan of movies and animation. I was lucky to have some great teachers and instructors that encouraged my creativity. I was always told to “get a real job” when I was kid yet when I was old enough to understand the business better I have been able to make a great career outside of the traditional job market. Never give up on your dreams, your journey is your journey. What works for you might not work for them and vice versa. Run your own race.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mauricetjohnsonactor.wixsite.com/mauricetjohnsonactor
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricetjohnsonactor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceTJohnsonOFFICIAL/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurice-johnson-60147743/
- Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9873412/
