Meet Jeremy Johnson

We were lucky to catch up with Jeremy Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeremy, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

First and foremost, I get my work ethic from my parents, who always encouraged and guided me to strive for excellence in whatever I pursued. From a young age, they instilled in me the importance of giving my best effort and seeing where that effort could take me. Not everything you try as a kid or young adult becomes a lifelong passion, but I was always taught to keep an open mind. That openness, which I still carry with me today, led me to discover new interests and ultimately helped me find what I truly love.
I was always drawn to the arts and to exploring my creativity. I found that whenever I was working on something that involved storytelling or pushing creative boundaries, it felt natural. I was excited, energized, and deeply engaged. That joy became the foundation for my work ethic. I believe that when you genuinely love what you’re doing, hard work follows naturally—fueled by passion.
My parents were wise to connect the value of a strong work ethic with the importance of pursuing what you’re passionate about. That connection has brought me to where I am today, following my voice and my love for the arts as a director, writer and producer.
Right out of high school, I faced a life-changing health issue that forced me to pause and reflect. Not being able to do the things I once took for granted gave me a deeper understanding of life, and ultimately, myself. It reinforced how precious time is and how important it is to spend it meaningfully—especially in pursuit of your goals. I had to delay college for a couple of years to recover, but when I returned, I was more focused than ever. That experience made me a more thoughtful storyteller and sharpened my sense of purpose.
I believe work ethic can be taught, but the strongest work ethic comes from within—when it’s driven by passion, perspective, and a deep understanding of what truly matters.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a writer, director, and producer working in the television and film industry. My career began in 2010 when I landed my first professional job on the reboot of Hawaii Five-0, which was filming in Honolulu. That opportunity, which came while I was studying at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, was a game changer. It introduced me to the world of professional film production and opened the door to industry relationships that I still maintain today.

Earning my film degree at UH while working on major TV shows and films in Hawaii proved to be invaluable. I learned the inner workings of set life—particularly through my time in the Assistant Directors department—gaining hands-on experience in how productions are structured and run. Those early jobs led to many more opportunities, allowing me to build a strong network and resume in the industry.

At UH, I also took writing and directing courses that helped me sharpen my voice as a storyteller—skills that remain foundational to my creative process today. My time in Hawaii, both in school and on set, shaped not just my career, but who I am as an artist.

Currently, I am a member of the Directors Guild of America and recently completed work on Spider-Noir in the Assistant Directors department. I’m also attached to direct multiple feature films that are in development. As a writer and director, I am drawn to stories with strong social commentary—projects that challenge perspectives and provoke thought. My goal is to create meaningful, impactful work that resonates with audiences and encourages deeper conversations.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I would say that my passion, work ethic, and positivity have been the most important and impactful qualities in getting me to where I am today. Passion, in particular, is crucial in this industry—it’s what fuels the long hours, keeps you inspired through tough days, and drives your commitment to the craft. I’ve found that those who are truly passionate about what they do tend to have long, fulfilling careers. Passion not only sustains you but also attracts others; people want to work with those who are genuinely excited to be on set.
Work ethic is equally vital. This industry demands stamina, focus, and consistency. The long days require you to not only work hard, but to pace yourself and stay clear on your professional goals. A strong work ethic builds trust—and people want to hire team members who can be counted on to give their best effort day in and day out.
Positivity ties everything together. When you show up with enthusiasm and a good attitude, especially during high-pressure moments, it creates a better environment for everyone. Positivity, paired with passion and work ethic, leaves a lasting impression—and it’s something people remember when deciding who to bring back.
My biggest advice to anyone starting out is to take time to figure out which department or skill set truly speaks to you. And if you’re not sure yet, interning or working as an assistant on a production is a great way to learn what fits. Most importantly, lead with passion, stay positive, and let that energy guide your path in the industry.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always open to collaborating with new creatives on television and film projects. One of the most exciting aspects of this industry is the opportunity to work with such a wide range of talented, passionate, and unique individuals—each bringing their own perspective to the table. There’s something powerful about sharing ideas and bringing visions to life together.
I gravitate toward projects with strong social impact—stories that include meaningful commentary and aim to spark conversation. I’m especially drawn to narratives that shine a light on underrepresented voices and explore subjects that may be challenging but are important to talk about. I truly believe that film and television are powerful platforms for change, and I’m committed to using them to tell stories that matter.
That said, I’m also a lifelong horror nerd and love working on genre projects. I’m a big fan of the classic Universal monster universe, and I’m especially drawn to psychological horror—stories with depth, nuance, and layers of meaning.
If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out: imaginaryfilms2010@gmail.com
I’m always excited to connect with other passionate storytellers, and I look forward to building something great together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Richard Wood photography

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