Meet Bridget Johnson | Film Director & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridget Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Growing up in a midwest suburb where there were no openly out queer people was isolating. I was that “weird” kid storyboarding ghosts haunting creaky Victorian homes and blood splattering from plastic knives. Thank goodness no parents called the cops on me. Filmmaking was my outlet to express my authentic self.

Authenticity is so important when starting a business or working in a creative field. Don’t be afraid to stand out! Establish boundaries and protect your energy. There are always going to be people who try to change your art or work and sway you in a different direction. People are going to try to place you in a box but don’t worry if they do, just keep doing you. Rejection is going to become the norm. You’ve got to keep going because one day you will find the right people who connect to your work and want to support you.

When I was discovering that I was queer, I turned to watching films to feel less alone but it made me feel even worse. The L Word and Blue is the Warmest Colour was my introduction to queer relationships. I felt dirty watching these films and anxious about my future or lack of a future. I saw toxic partners thriving and tragic unhappy endings. Was this really what it was like to be queer? Now at 22, I find myself still struggling to find a lesbian film with a happy ending that doesn’t end with the couple breaking up, one marrying a man, or one of them dying. I am creating the positive queer representation my soul craves.

Staying true to you will help you follow your dreams and make them a reality. An artists best work comes from a place of vulnerability with one’s self and the ability to not be afraid to share your work. Of course, it’s going to be intimidating and scary in the first place but that’s what its about: stepping out of your comfort zone. Sharing your work with others can inspire them or help them learn something about themselves.

Not everyone has the courage to be themselves. In our society nowadays, a lot of us are followers or conform to society’s standards because it’s easy and it’s the “cool” thing to do. Think about all of the same content we see on social media but it’s just different influencers trying to push different products but it’s all the same. We want to find community and others that are like us. There is nothing wrong with that but when following a trend or a group of people sacrifice your own beliefs that’s when it becomes toxic and unhealthy.

Writing down your own beliefs and values is important as a business owner and as an artist. How are you going to practice these values in your daily life? How are you going to incorporate these values into your business? Just something to ponder and journal on.

Don’t forget, to stay true to you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art explores the unknown and answers life’s biggest questions like what happens after we die and are soulmates meant to be in our life forever? My films are vulnerable portraits of queer or female characters navigating the complexity of love and loss. I’m interested in telling stories that connect to the universal human experience and transcend our differences to unite us. I make films to spark deep discussions that inspire others to take action and follow their dreams. Hence, my production company is named Dare to Dream Productions. My mission is to create social and political change through my films. Filmmakers have immense power to reveal the truth and expand people’s perspectives and beliefs.

My approach to storytelling is to tell positive and authentic stories where being queer is not the plot. It just so happens to be that the characters are queer. For example, one of my features, The Home Inside You, features a married lesbian couple trying to have a baby but the film has nothing to do with the fact that they’re lesbians. It is a horror film with a thrilling plot. Retreating to a secluded cabin in upstate NY, a scientist attempts to prove that astral projection is only a hoax but accidentally unleashes her worst nightmare. The endings of my films are happy and leave the audience feeling inspired or hopeful for their own future, something that I yearned for but never had as a young queer person. I want to be the role model that I never had.

Inclusion doesn’t just start in front of the camera but also behind. Hiring an all-women, POC, and LGBT+ crew is important to me when I am creating inclusive content. There are so many lesbian films that are written and directed by cis straight white men. It frustrates me because they cannot know fully what being a lesbian is like and it’s taking the representation away from lesbian filmmakers trying to get their films financed.

What makes my production company stand out is that we are not just a production company, but a family and home for those whose voices have been silenced. We are a safe space for people to share their voice and support each other’s dreams. We say no to 14-16 hour days, the norm for film sets. We prioritize the cast and crew’s mental health by working only 8-9 hour days and providing an optional meditation at the beginning of the day. My goal one day would be to have an office space with a yoga/meditation/quiet room where employees can go throughout the day to decompress. Filmmaking can be extremely stressful. I would love to offer free therapy to employees and have mindful retreats with employees. Filmmaking is more than a job, it becomes your life and we must start saying no to toxic workplace environments of 14-16 hour days with no time to spend with family and friends. If we can improve our workplace environments and make them positive and collaborative spaces, we will improve our art.

Creating films to me is an active experience in which I like to engage with the audience and bring my films to marginalized communities who need to see the representation. At 17, I came out to my entire church by showcasing my LGBT+ film, The Girl at the Library. I was the first openly out queer person at my church. Speaking to my old youth group about identity and embracing your authentic self, taught me the positive impact filmmaking can have on people’s lives. A 10-year-old girl came up to me and shared her secret to me that she had a crush on her best friend – who was a girl. She told me my film made her feel less alone. Ever since that day, this has always been my mission as a filmmaker: to make people feel loved and heard.

I want to continue to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves and not be afraid to stand out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot a lot of people don’t know about is the Green Mill. It feels as if you’re transported back in time. I love classy places. It’s an old speakeasy that hosts local jazz artists and other types of music depending on the night. It’s always a surprise of what type of music will be there and who will be there, that’s what makes it fun. Some people dress in old fedoras and flapper dress like its 1920. It’s also a very romantic spot.

I’m a writer who adores drinking whiskey. A special someone introduced me to it and I’ve been in love since. The Pink Squirrel has the best whiskey sours! The atmosphere is cute with 50s decor and looks like an old 50s diner. You can compete with friends in a game of bowling as well.

Skating along the lakefront trail is my favorite activity to do in the summer. I’ll bring some picnic foods and park myself under a tree to journal. It’s a great place to receive some inspiration and decompress.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a few people I couldn’t be where I am today without. My mom believed in my dreams ever since I came to her at 12 years old telling her I wanted to become a filmmaker. She didn’t judge or belittle me. She believed in me. A month later, she bought me my first camera: a sh*tty red Nikon Coolpix but that camera was the start of everything. I got bullied a lot in middle and high school for making YouTube videos and cheesy horror short films. She would always remind me to keep going despite the cruel words they would say. “One day you’re going to show them” she affirmed. My mom’s encouragement and strength despite the internal struggles of mental illness she was facing will continue to inspire me. Even though she’s not physically here anymore, her words live on in my soul.

I want to shoutout my best friend and work partner Lid Madrid. They’ve shown me the power of collaboration and always inspire me to think outside of the box. We just flow together while we work and brainstorming with them makes my work stronger. They’ve supported my dreams since we’ve met. We both want to change the world and inspire others. We’ve got big plans of working together on an upcoming project that will change the landscape of skateboarding.

Website: https://www.dare-to-dream-productions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridget_johnson_1212/?hl=en Production Company’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/dtdproductions/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-johnson-968234101/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/moviemakerbridge12

Image Credits
Breaking the Barrier Promo Photo by Jamie Kelter Davis Perimortem Photos by Patrick Reponse Only Love BTS Photos by Jeanna Mae