We recently connected with Mignon Pinson and have shared our conversation below.
Mignon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Throughout my career in the film industry, I have had the privilege of creating several meaningful projects that not only capture the audience’s interest but also resonate deeply with them, fostering a sense of connection and awareness. As a producer and writer, my goal has always been to create content that not only entertains but also educates and sparks important conversations.
One of the projects I’ve created is a film titled “The Christmas Room.” This project holds a special place in my heart as it addresses the poignant and often overlooked realities of memory loss (dementia). The film chronicles the journey of a family grappling with the diagnosis of their beloved grandfather. It uniquely illustrates the dynamics of family support, focusing on the granddaughter who discovered his symptoms first.
What makes “The Christmas Room” particularly meaningful is its potential to touch the lives of millions. Every day, countless families around the globe are impacted by dementia and Alzheimer’s, and this film aims to shed light on their experiences.
In addition, I also wrote a movie titled “My Private Line to God,” a faith-based film that explores the complexity of prayer and divine timing. This project is particularly close to my heart as it resonates with a universal theme: the often frustrating wait for answers to our prayers. In a world where many feel unheard or overlooked, this film serves as a reminder that prayer can be a dynamic and creative process. It emphasizes the significance of community and the power of two or more gathering together in faith, offering viewers an innovative perspective on how to engage with their spirituality while they await divine responses.
Both of these projects reflect my commitment to producing meaningful content that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. I believe that stories have the power to change lives, and my aspiration is to create films and books that leave a lasting impact—projects that invite audiences to reflect, engage, and ultimately, return for more because they feel a connection to the themes and messages we convey.
Mignon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Mignon Pinson, and I am a passionate screenplay writer, director, film producer, and casting director. I proudly co-run LoJai Productions, a mother-daughter film production company alongside my daughter, Maya Jai Pinson. Established in the midst of the pandemic in 2020, specializing in the writing, directing, producing, and casting of a diverse range of projects, including short films, feature films, and animated works.
Since our inception, we have successfully written, produced, directed, and released 12 films, with eight more exciting projects currently in the pipeline. My journey in the entertainment industry began in the late 1980s, and while I am a member of the Screen Actors Guild, my true passion lies behind the scenes, where I can shape narratives and bring stories to life. As a content creator, I thrive on crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
One of the aspects I am most proud of is the collaborative nature of our work. The fact that Maya and I not only share our home but also our creative space fosters a unique synergy that enhances our projects. It’s a privilege to work side by side with my daughter, and together, we have garnered recognition for our efforts; we are both recipients of the **2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award** from RISE Her Organization, which we will receive in September 2024. Additionally, I am thrilled to share that my book, “Transitioning from Teen to Twenty: Preparing for Adulthood,” has won the 2024 International Impact Book Award, marking another exciting milestone in our journey.
At LoJai Productions, we are committed to nurturing creativity and inclusivity within the film industry. We pride ourselves on our unique approach to casting, which sets us apart from other production companies. While we do provide traditional casting services for our projects and other projects, our philosophy is centered on empowering aspiring actors. We believe in giving individuals the opportunity to check off a significant milestone on their bucket list—having a speaking role in a film. We make it a point to elevate at least three individuals to speaking roles, regardless of their experience level, to help them achieve their dreams.
Our mission is to create an environment where emerging talent can thrive, and we actively seek to amplify diverse voices in our storytelling. Whether someone has a film idea they wish to bring to life or they are looking to take their first step in acting, we are here to guide and support them through the process.
In summary, at LoJai Productions, we are dedicated to producing high-quality films that not only entertain but also inspire and uplift. We cherish the relationships we build with our collaborators and the impact we make in the lives of those we work with. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to our core values of creativity, inclusivity, and empowerment in the film industry.
How’d you meet your business partner?
How I met my co-founder and business partner at LoJai Productions is both simple and incredibly special to me—because she is my daughter, Maya Jai Pinson.
Our partnership is rooted in a deep familial bond, and I have had the privilege of watching her grow into a phenomenal actress, writer, director, and producer in her own right.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
At LoJai Productions, our mission is to create impactful and transformative storytelling that resonates with audiences on a profound level. We are driven by the belief that film is a powerful medium for sparking dialogue, fostering empathy, and illuminating the human experience. Our creative journey is guided by several core principles:
1. Empowerment Through Storytelling: We aim to empower both our audience and the artists we collaborate with by giving voice to diverse narratives and underrepresented perspectives.
2. Community and Collaboration: Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone—actors, writers, crew members—feels valued and inspired to contribute their unique talents.
3. Education and Awareness: We strive to educate our audience on important social issues through our films. Whether addressing themes of mental health, family dynamics, or spiritual growth, we seek to spark awareness and foster understanding of the challenges people face in their daily lives. Our work aims to provoke thought, inspire action, and ultimately contribute to a more compassionate society.
4. Creativity Without Boundaries: At LoJai Productions, we embrace the idea that creativity knows no limits. We are committed to exploring various genres, formats, and styles, from feature films and animations to short films and documentaries. Our mission is to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, resulting in innovative projects that captivate and engage our audience.
5. Legacy and Impact: Ultimately, our goal is to leave a lasting impact on the film industry and the communities we touch. We believe that storytelling has the power to change lives, and we aspire to create a legacy that inspires future generations of storytellers and filmmakers.
In essence, our creative journey at LoJai Productions is driven by a commitment to authenticity, empowerment, and meaningful storytelling. We are dedicated to crafting films that not only entertain but also resonate deeply, fostering connections that inspire action and change.
My Private Line to God Trailer
Available on streaming services October 2024.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lojaiproductions.com
- Instagram: @shootingfuturestars
- Facebook: Shooting Future-Stars
- Youtube: LoJai Productions
Image Credits
Mignon Pinson