We recently connected with Melvin Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Melvin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To me, success is a multifaceted concept that transcends mere financial prosperity. In the independent film space, achieving success requires a unique blend of authenticity, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. It’s about prioritizing genuine communication with clients and consistently delivering exceptional work, even when the financial returns might not initially seem significant.

However, true success goes beyond business achievements. It’s about attaining a level of freedom that allows me to live life on my own terms. This means being financially independent and having the autonomy to make decisions without seeking permission from others. It’s about being able to homeschool my children, travel whenever I desire, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life without constraint.

In essence, success in the independent film industry is about finding a balance between professional fulfillment and personal freedom. It’s about creating a business that not only thrives creatively but also enables me to lead a rich and fulfilling life outside of work.

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?

Absolutely. My journey into the world of filmmaking began nearly a decade ago when I graduated from Full Sail University with a BAS in Digital Cinematography. Originally hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, I made the bold decision to relocate to Dallas, Texas in 2015, seeking fresh opportunities and a better environment to cultivate my passion for film. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in over 50 projects spanning a wide spectrum, including feature films, commercials, television shows, music videos, and numerous live events.

From a young age, I harbored a deep-seated aspiration to become a director, inspired by my earliest foray into storytelling at just 11 years old. Crafting tales of neighborhood heroes rescuing the voiceless and abused ignited a creative fire within me that has only grown stronger over the years. In 2014, I founded Red Door Cinema with a vision to eventually evolve it into a comprehensive video production powerhouse. It’s been a journey marked by relentless dedication, thousands of hours honing my craft, and an unwavering commitment to learning from the masters of the art form.

Beyond my creative pursuits, I’ve also embraced the role of a savvy businessman, a skill I’ve acquired through trial and error. Consuming over 5000 films has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of storytelling, particularly within the horror/thriller genre, which resonates deeply with me on a personal and creative level. However, on the business front, I predominantly focus on corporate commercials and live events, crafting high-quality films that not only showcase our clients’ products or services but also forge genuine connections with their audience, fostering a sense of kinship and belonging.

What I’m most proud of is the autonomy and freedom my career affords me. I’ve forged a path where I dictate my own schedule, unbound by the constraints of a traditional office setting. Instead, I roam the world with camera in hand, capturing the essence of life and sharing captivating stories with audiences far and wide. Through my work, I aim to not only inspire but also serve as a beacon of possibility for my children, illustrating the boundless potential of a life lived passionately and authentically.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Certainly. My journey in filmmaking has been marked by numerous challenges and setbacks, but perhaps one of the most defining moments of resilience came from the experience of working on four feature films and a TV series between 2018 and 2022, none of which ever saw the light of day. For many, this string of disappointments might have been enough to throw in the towel, especially considering the immense amount of time, effort, and resources poured into those projects.

Yet, despite the setbacks and the temptation to give up, I persisted. I refused to let the failures define me or dictate the course of my career. Instead, I channeled that adversity into fuel for my determination. In 2024, I find myself on the cusp of new beginnings, having just completed the pilot episode for our upcoming series titled “THE CREW,” which I had the honor of directing. Additionally, we’re gearing up for the red carpet premiere of our feature film “MR Gates,” slated for release in the summer of 2024.

The journey of a filmmaker is not for the faint of heart. It’s a path fraught with uncertainty, financial struggles, and sacrifices. There are days spent in solitude, moments of financial strain, and the inevitable doubts that creep in when success seems elusive. Yet, for those of us who are truly passionate about our craft, these challenges are merely part of the journey. We press on because we love what we do, because the thrill of creation outweighs the hardships we endure.

Ultimately, my resilience in the face of setbacks is a testament to my unwavering commitment to filmmaking. It’s a reminder that success is not defined by the absence of failure, but by the courage to persevere despite it. And as I stand on the brink of new opportunities, I’m reminded that every setback is merely a stepping stone on the path to greater achievements.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Absolutely. The story of how I initially funded my business is one of resilience and resourcefulness. When I first started, I didn’t have any capital to speak of. Instead, I began by offering affordable $200 music videos to acquaintances who were pursuing music careers. However, my journey faced a significant setback in 2014 when my home was burglarized, resulting in the loss of all my possessions, including the computer I used for editing. Fortunately, a family friend graciously lent me their old computer, allowing me to continue pursuing my passion.

Despite this setback, I was determined to forge ahead. With a camera package I received from my school, I started filming anything and everything I could. Over two years of working on small projects, I honed my skills and built a modest portfolio. The turning point came when I had the opportunity to film a music video in Atlanta for an artist, which paid me $2,500. This single opportunity validated my growth as a filmmaker and provided the financial boost I needed to invest in my craft further.

Every dollar I earned went back into my education and acquiring new gear. It was a gradual process, but after nearly five years of hard work and reinvestment, I finally had enough resources to create a demo reel and market it on social media. However, just as I was gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing the shutdown of production on my series “Nightmares” and resulting in the loss of my hard-earned funds.

Through this setback, I learned perhaps the most valuable lesson of all: in the film industry, things rarely go as planned. Adaptability and resilience are essential traits for success. Despite the challenges and setbacks I’ve faced, I remain steadfast in my commitment to my craft, knowing that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.reddoorcinema.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddoorcinema/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/directedbymelvinjohnson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvin-johnson-4697a6140/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/reddoorcinema
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIiAnRE2vlWOzQ1Ciuqedzg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/red-door-cinema-dallas?osq=red+door+cinema

Image Credits
Melvin Johnson