Meet Malachi Johnson | Filmmaker, Director, and CEO

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

Hi Malachi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I first started MANMC Entertainment (Mid-Atlantic Network Media Company) and the production companies under it, I wanted to bring more diversity to film and television. I wanted to create content for everyone; Male, female, young, old, and those who cater towards a specific genre of film. I wanted to create something different for everyone to tell stories that viewers, specifically people of color could relate to, but I knew it couldn’t be under just one company. I had to create different companies for different target audiences to give viewers something they could feel is their own and enjoy it will be able to relate to the stories being told as well as the characters in the film or show. The four main companies I created are, HOTG FILMS which is my first company created to show urban content to help inspire the community, youth, and people of color by creating productions that the community could relate to and take from it a message of encouragement and pride. The second company is FHAH FILMS (For Her and Her Films) I company dedicated and catered towards Black women and black girls, with a black women or young black actress playing the led role or roles. The company is ONEA FILMS (One afternoon films) catered toward children and youth) to help them see themselves and understand emotions, decisions, and navigating through life. The fourth company is 400th Century Productions which is targeted towards the faith based and conscious community. I have also along with my business partner Aisha Jeter created “Mirror Mirror Productions” which explores new genres in black cinema. Along with other develops my goal is to change the way the world views black cinema and black culture.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a filmmaker and entrepreneur is a rewarding career but also has its challenges. For me I am what you call a one-man band, having to shoot, edited, Direct and produce, and write most of my films, all while trying to figure out where and how to shoot different scenes and to bring each story to life. Over the years I have developed a good work ethic in my entrepreneurship skills and being able to take on a lot, even under pressure. Dealing with the hardships of the “How” moments has led me to be more creative not just with my filmmaking but in decision making and learning how to navigate through tough situations and problems that may occur not just on set but in my daily life as well. Being a self-taught filmmaker has taught me how to overcome obstacles when least expected and to understand even though everything may not always go as planned, the goal is to keep pushing and to finish what I started at all cost.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend from out of town and was visiting for a week, we would most likely hit up and brunch spot or bar-grill type place to catch up. Depending on the time of the year we would probably hit a club on that Friday or Saturday or catch a new movie that outs then hit up a spot later than night to socialize and meet folk.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my sister Alexandrea Johnson for always having my back and supporting throughout my endeavors.

Website: https://mirrormirrormedia.com/

Instagram: @Hegotheart

Twitter: @HEARTFILMMAKER

Facebook: Malachi Johnson

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialMalachi.J/videos, https://www.youtube.com/@fhahfilms, https://www.youtube.com/@hotgfilms2871

Image Credits
Professional Photos taken/ shot by Lee Bonds @Leebondsphotography