Bayard Johnson's educational background is rooted in the pursuit of knowledge, having studied philosophy and writing at the University of Puget Sound. This solid foundation has served him well in his illustrious career, which has spanned multiple decades and numerous industries.
Johnson's professional journey has taken him to the world of feature films, where he has written and produced movies for some of the biggest names in the business, including Warner Brothers, Disney, Sony Pictures, MGM/UA, and 20th Century Fox. His impressive resume boasts a diverse range of projects, from action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas.
One of the most notable aspects of Johnson's career is his work in Africa, where he has made two feature films that have garnered widespread attention and acclaim. His first African movie, "Damned River" (Zimbabwe, 1988),is a Top 20 action movie of the 1980s, according to the Netflix database.
Johnson's collaborations with other industry professionals have also been highly successful. He co-wrote a TV series for HBO with partner Bill Duke, and the two also produced a feature film, "Cover," which explored the HIV epidemic. Additionally, Johnson co-wrote the screenplay for "Wounded Knee 1973" with Russell Means, and the two also co-authored the book "If You've Forgotten the Names of the Clouds, You've Lost Your Way: An Introduction to American Indian Thought and Philosophy."
In addition to his work in film and television, Johnson is a licensed Master Mariner, and has spent time fishing in Alaska and California, as well as working as captain of an oil spill recovery ship in California. This unique blend of experiences has undoubtedly influenced his writing and artistic perspective.
Johnson's literary endeavors have been just as prolific as his work in film and television. His novel, "Damned Right," was published in 1994 by Fiction Collective 2, and was later translated into German in 1998. His short fiction has been featured in various publications, including "Fiction International," "Exquisite Corpse," "Theater der Zeit" (Berlin),and "Alt-X."
Johnson's musical pursuits have also been noteworthy, with his band Mother Nature's Army releasing several albums, including "Live At Mama's" and "Coming To Get You." He has also produced albums with other artists, including "LSD: Leary/Stokes Duets" with Timothy Leary, and "The Radical" with Russell Means.
Throughout his career, Johnson has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to new challenges and pursue his passions with unwavering dedication. His impressive body of work is a testament to his creativity, perseverance, and commitment to his craft.
