Today we’d like to introduce you to Leanne Johnson.
Hi Leanne, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started creative writing and storytelling in Western Canada at the age of 7 and acting in theater at 9 years old. I excelled in the Dramatic Arts Program as a youth but chose to pursue academics and athletics, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, playing a decade of competitive roller derby, and getting certified as a personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. 5 years ago, after starting a family with my husband here in the Midwest, I was challenged by him to dive back into the arts, this time, on camera. Film or screen acting seemed like a more vulnerable and “dangerous” form of artistic expression for me, and I wanted to change and grow as a person and creative, so I went for it!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been easy, but that was to be expected; I’ve been an underdog my whole life, and everything worth having takes practice, persistence, patience, and sheer grit. Acting and visual storytelling through filmmaking is no exception. 90% of this industry is rejection, failure, and false promises. I’m learning to see truth more clearly. Truth in stories, truth in people, truth in our world, and truth in myself. In order to share that truth with others, I have to survive the 90% of NO and holdfast thankfully and faithfully to the 10% that is filled with YES. Yes to hope, accomplishment, satisfaction, joy, success, and deep renewal of purpose and affirmation that this is what I am supposed to be doing now. I started 5 years ago with a photoshoot with friends, a profile on a casting network, and an unpaid day-long student film. Humble beginnings 🙂
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actor and filmmaker. I specialize in visually telling stories on screen that reflect women and narratives with authenticity, imperfection, and integrity. I’m known for making bold character choices, my versatility across genres, and stereotype-defying dramatic and comedic range. My current features in distribution are Chasing Rabbits, Oregonda, and Idle Girl, with upcoming releases this year Undefiled, Alan and The Rulers of The Air, and M30-OXY. I am most proud of Chasing Rabbits after having earned three Best Actress Awards for my lead role as Penny in the film last year, and currently, I am very proud our Extraction USA feature film that is in the early stages of development. We just won Best Movie Trailer at the inaugural Youngstown, OH Film Festival a couple weeks ago!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I used to make movies with an old, old camcorder with Lego, Gi-Joes, and various other toys. When LEGO movie and Toy Story came out, I remember laughing thinking, “geez, filmmakers, and actors are really all just big kids!” I remember constantly being in my own world. Spielberg was like that, I really related to The Fableman’s…not that I’m even close to that level of genius, but it’s nice to know that dreams can come true when many call us storytllers fools or say, “that’s impossible”…when in fact it is entirely possible if you believe and put in the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imdb.me/leannejohnson
- Instagram: @leannejohnsonofficial
- Facebook: @leannejohnsonactor
- Linkedin: @leannejohnsonactor
- Twitter: @leannejohnson01
- Youtube: @leannejohnsonactor
- Other: www.extractionusa.net
Image Credits
David Van Deman Photography
Grant Beachy Photography
Marlee Carpenter
