We recently connected with Shanna J and have shared our conversation below.
Shanna, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Keeping my creativity alive has a big part to do with who I surround myself by. Not only by people who are actively working in the film industry but also Family and Friends who are in full support of my creative journey. Watching or reading a good body of work can also help spark back my creativity. Witnessing other’s visions come to life is always inspiring and it reminds me that I am surrounded by all the tools to make my visions happen as well. Ultimately I believe that when your truly passionate about something, it always find it’s way back to you in some way or another. Even in periods of drought or completely stepping away from the craft , there is always a part of me that feels empty without it.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an overall creative gem. I wear so many hats in the film industry in front and behind the camera. I am also a nursing professional and a mother of one. Acting is my first love and I enjoy connecting with so many different characters. In the film realm as well as theatre. I started my own production company back in 2016 called Ink To Real Productions. From writing screenplays to filming to cutting things up in the editing room. Film is and will always be a huge part of my life. I also dabble into music as an R&B artist and have spent many years doing some personal healing through song. I recently wrote and produced a series called “Blurred Ties” in January 2024 in ATL with an amazing cast and crew. We have already received our first nomination for Best Web/TV series and i’m truly excited to share this project with the world later this year. I am actively in the writer’s room and ready to create so much content for everyone to see.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back I would say consistency , confidence, and willingness to learn were the things that were most impactful in my journey. For folks who are early in their journey, just remember that the inner work is just as important as the outer. I have found that being consistent at something that you truly enjoy can be so rewarding. The more you work at something, the more you will improve. You are going to reach to a point where people can’t ignore you because they can’t deny your skills and determination. Confidence is a major key. Lack of confidence is something that held me back for a while with pursuing my dreams of acting and music. But once I found it, I felt like I was unstoppable because I no longer cared what people thought. Now the willingness to learn is just as important. Sometimes we feel like we may know it all or were better than the next person but there’s always room to learn something and improve. Once I was able to open myself up to critique and take the time to listen, I only got better.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for folks to collaborate with! Actors, Writers, Filmmakers, Producers, Photographers, Creatives…You Name it!! This industry is a team effort and I am eager to work with positive minded individuals who take their creativity seriously. If you are reading this you can connect with me through email at shannajbookings@gmail,com , my instagram: @shannaj_ , or visit my website www.shanna-johnson.com .
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shanna-johnson.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shannaj_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannajactor
