Melissa Johnson is a renowned filmmaker and writer, residing in Venice, California, and is co-founder of 1/27 Pictures alongside Katelyn Howes. She has directed a plethora of acclaimed documentaries that delve into the realms of identity and rites of passage, with a focus on storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences. Her thought-provoking essays have been published in esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Salon.com, and GOOD Magazine, inspiring her autobiographical animated film, LOVE IN THE TIME OF MARCH MADNESS, which premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival and went on to earn a nomination for the 2016 Academy Awards.
Melissa's impressive portfolio also includes a range of films for ESPN, including QUEEN VEE, executive produced by Eva Longoria, and BRITTNEY GRINER: LIFESIZE, which garnered widespread attention as the second most-watched short film in network history upon its release. Furthermore, she directed the feature documentary TRANSFORMATION for MTV, which tells the heartwarming stories of a group of transgender youth living in Los Angeles, serving as a testament to her dedication to storytelling that breaks down barriers and challenges societal norms.
In addition to her work in documentary filmmaking, Melissa has created a feature documentary, NO LOOK PASS, for Showtime, which has won numerous accolades at festivals worldwide and was selected for the American Film Showcase. Her creative endeavors also extend to the realm of digital media, having co-created the original web series THE WORST SPEECHES OF ALL TIME, which premiered on ComedyCentral.com and has garnered over a million views to date.
Melissa has also crafted short films for corporate clients, including BBC America, Green Throttle, eHarmony, Brit + Co, and Patagonia, showcasing her versatility as a filmmaker. When asked about her approach to storytelling, Melissa believes that the key to discovering one's true beliefs lies in the art of crafting a well-phrased question, which she has honed through her extensive experience in the world of filmmaking.
