Johnston's illustrious career in television production and writing has unfolded over a remarkable span of more than two dozen TV series, documentaries, specials, and nearly fifty commercials.
Born and raised in the majestic state of Colorado, a place where the great outdoors and endless possibilities converge, Johnston's innate fascination with the art of filmmaking emerged at a tender age. This nascent passion was soon to be ignited, as he won his first film festival award at the tender age of 17, a milestone that would propel him towards a journey of discovery and creativity. This remarkable achievement would ultimately lead him to the esteemed University of Southern California (USC) Film School, a renowned institution that would provide him with the ideal platform to hone his craft. And, as fate would have it, his experiences and accomplishments at USC would eventually pave the way for him to set foot on the iconic stage of the Academy Awards, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Notable achievements of a talented individual unfolded during the 1990s, as they authored and executive produced an impressive array of documentary television programming, with a staggering total of over 30 hours of captivating content.
Throughout this period, their creative endeavors took them to numerous international destinations, with a remarkable count of more than 20 countries visited, each one providing a unique backdrop for their work.
One particularly notable collaboration emerged in the form of the highly acclaimed MTV documentary series "True Life: Trial By Fire," which was co-created with the esteemed Academy Award-winning director Brett Morgan. This groundbreaking series delved into the lives of juvenile offenders housed within a prison fire camp, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges they faced.
As a testament to its impact, "True Life: Trial By Fire" went on to become one of the highest-rated shows on MTV that year, cementing its place as a landmark production in the world of documentary television.
Johnston's inaugural hybrid documentary film, "September Tapes", marked a significant milestone in his creative career, as it was meticulously crafted on location in Afghanistan in the year 2002. This groundbreaking project saw Johnston follow a journalist on a perilous mission to track down the elusive Osama Bin Laden, a pursuit that would yield a cinematic experience unlike any other.
Following this pivotal experience, Johnston's professional trajectory took a significant turn as he began to consistently contribute to CNN, penning insightful articles on Afghanistan and Al-Qaeda for various print publications. The culmination of four years of tireless work on numerous projects in Beirut and Turkey ultimately led Johnston to write and produce the feature-length documentary "The Three Hikers", a monumental five-year project that masterfully chronicles the arduous battle to secure the freedom of three American hikers unjustly imprisoned in Iran from 2011 to 2013.
The documentary in question made its debut at the highly acclaimed AFI Silver Docs film festival, where it was showcased to a distinguished audience. Following its premiere, the documentary received a 20-city theatrical release, allowing a broader audience to experience its thought-provoking content.
Johnston's latest feature documentary, titled "State of Control," delves into a fascinating investigation that examines China's pervasive control over the internet and communications. This captivating film has been garnering significant attention from prominent media outlets, including the Washington Post, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and LA Times, with widespread press coverage currently being given to the documentary.
Johnston's most recent documentary endeavour, "This Cold Life", was meticulously captured on film for Time Inc. in the harsh yet breathtakingly beautiful environment of Svalbard, a settlement that proudly holds the distinction of being the northernmost permanent human settlement in the Arctic region. This cinematic masterpiece premiered at the esteemed Hot Docs festival, where it received widespread acclaim and recognition. Furthermore, Johnston continues to be a valued contributor and lead creator for the prestigious Forbes magazine, utilizing their vast expertise and creative vision to produce high-quality content that resonates with audiences worldwide.
