Today we’d like to introduce you to River C. Johnson.
Hi River C., 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?
Absolutely! I grew up in a heavy, sports loving small town in Mississippi, where Friday nights meant football and Sunday mornings meant church. But my mom and I shared a dark, shameful secret…
Just between us girlfriends? We preferred theatre instead.
So, every weekend, she and I would sneak off to Blockbuster, carefully selecting which “Best Of…” Saturday Night Live tape we’d rent for the night. Would it be Chris Farley? Adam Sandler? Eddie Murphy? Cheri Oteri? We worked our way through them all, then moved on to In Living Color, The Carol Burnett Show, All That, Upright Citizens Brigade, The State, and, of course, MadTV. If it had a sketch compilation, we had it in our rotation.
Throughout the years, as we sat and rented more and more tapes, I would constantly swear to my family that one day, I would be on one of those shows. I would obnoxiously tell anyone who would listen, to be honest. (I was a hyperactive kid who watched too many movies, and this was my “big dream” storyline. Sue me.)
As my brother and I got older, when it became appropriate, my mother introduced us to Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, and Seth Rogen films. I remember thinking, “How sick! They get to just write and make stuff with their buddies? That can be a job!?!”
It was decided.
I needed to move to “the big city,” find my tribe, and start making movies and shows. Oh! And also…just be on SNL or something similar. Easy!
Dear reader, as you can imagine…it was not, in fact, easy. Nor did that happen. Like…at all.
I moved to New York City at 18, and it absolutely kicked my ass. Where was the Southern hospitality? Why was everything seven times the price it was in Mississippi? (Need I remind you, Mississippi is the cheapest place to live, and NYC is…well…not.) And most importantly—”WHY ARE THERE TWO SEPARATE J TRAINS? ONE GOING UPTOWN AND ONE GOING DOWNTOWN!? YOU JUST SAID TO TAKE THE J TRAIN!” Culture. Shock.
Eventually, reality set in: walking onto the SNL lot and them just inviting me to join was, perhaps, umm…unrealistic. So, I did what any delusional twink with great hair would do…I MOVED TO LA!
By the end of 2016, I had officially relocated to Los Angeles, this time slightly more prepared for the mysteries of “the big city.” I began taking classes at Groundlings, Annie Grindlay Studio, and Upright Citizens Brigade. I discovered West Hollywood, Sunday brunches, and improv jams. And I knew why there were two separate J trains. (Well, I understood how to take them, at least.)
I spent years here with a lot of wins in my career. I began working in comedy pretty religiously, and booked a healthy amount of commercials, theatre, and film spots—really learning the ropes.
And learning those ropes taught me how difficult it was to realistically “just get on a mainstream sketch show.”
Cut to 2022.
I was sitting in the park with a mix of friends and strangers from Groundlings when the topic/debate began about how “there can only ever be one queer person on SNL at a time.”
This rang true for a lot of other minority groups as well. As we dug into this rabbit hole, we began to realize that this wasn’t just noticeable on SNL. It was a pattern. Looking back to the very first sketch show to air on TV—The Milton Berle Show—all the way through the 173 sketch shows that have ever existed on television, queer people had been noticeably absent. People of color had been minimal. Women had been scarce.
The formula was clear: sketch shows were dominated by straight white men, with two or three token spots left for everyone else to fight over.
This, as you can imagine, was a hard pill to swallow. No matter how hard we worked, the system already set in place didn’t give us the same shot. And if the chances were already slim to make this very niche dream come true, they became exponentially smaller if you were in a minority group.
The excuse? We’ve all heard it before.
“We know. That sucks. It’s unfair. But unfortunately…That’s Hollywood, Baby.”
Fine. THEN it was decided.
If I were going to be on a major sketch series and make movies with my tribe…I’d have to do it myself.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Hmmmm…
Well, the following week, I sent out interest texts, emails, and calls to some of the most talented creatives, writers, comedians, and actors I had ever met in LA throughout my years here.
And then, on November 22nd, 2022, I packed them all into the living room of my apartment like sardines to discuss my plan for how we were going to build a television show from scratch—with zero funding, no materials, and no prior experience in creating our own series…
Topics & discussions included, but not limited to: paperwork, contracts, writers’ rooms, editors, camera departments, locations, distributors, time, scripts, a solid team, and oh yeah…HOW WERE WE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS!?
Like, seriously…*gulp*
A smooth road, it was not.
However, word got out, and personal friends—as well as friends of friends—joined that first interest meeting.
Little did I know that this would lead me to my constants, my rocks, and my forever creative soulmates for the next three years (& counting):
Our Unmatched Machine, co-producer & costume designer, Laurel Kathleen (The Blonde Experiment, Weirdo Comedy Show, and Cat Fight), was and is a producing & costume extraordinaire. You could ask for the most niche item or reference anything under the sun, and she would not only know it but have ten options for you to choose from. Not to mention, her attention to detail with costumes—down to the nails and specific makeup looks to match the tone—was enough to give anyone a headache just thinking about it.
Our Prodigy Director, Ben Ashby (Bleeding Heart, Meat Head, and Scrambled), had been directing short films since middle school—on cell phones. That passion fueled him to get a degree in the field and quickly take LA by storm. Comedy is dangerously hard to direct because everything comes down to timing, delivery, tiny details, and yes, of course, the bit. His wacky, fun directing style, filled with “Let’s just try this just to try it” moments, combined with the strange way his mind could visualize a script and take it in a direction you’d never expect, cemented him as our forever director.
And our Mastermind Cinematographer & Editor, Alex Tetzner (Deadly Cheer Mom, Haunted By My Stalker, & The Wedding In The Hamptons) was the cherry on top that this project needed. Over the course of the first few weeks, we realized he was a jack of all trades. His precision, ability to paint a world with his camera, talent for translating a director’s or writer’s vision into distinct styles, and knowledge of how to create almost anything with a laptop and an idea were gifts none of us were prepared to witness.
On the back end, without our four wheels driving together, growing together, learning each other’s communication styles, and falling in love with each other creatively, “That’s Hollywood, Baby” could never have become the magic that it is today.
And that’s just behind the scenes. You haven’t even witnessed the absolute pillars of comedy that we were blessed with for the cast!
So, though it was about to prove to be incredibly difficult, the universe had sent me steady minds, ruthless tenacity, and a bunch of absolute powerhouses. We all buckled up into our delusion and said, “F*** it. Let’s make our own show.”
The final cast list consisted of an all-star group of titans and multi-talented masters in writing, acting, sketch, improv, & stand-up.
Laurel Kathleen, Ben Ashby, Stephanie Corkery, Bonnie Jean Tyer, Paul Fiumano, Becky Jo Harris, Sarah Richardson, Kaba Hues, Gene Park, Brandon Urbina, Eli Lloyd, Joy Mamey, Teru Mitsuhara, Jessica Saul, Olivia Flood-Wylie, Aanisah Saunderlin, Meredith MacDonald, Laura De La Fuente, & River C. Johnson.
In those first few weeks, we divided and conquered.
– We needed proof of concept. So, we wrote sketches, edited together, did cold reads, cast from the room, and eventually chose two sketches that we felt best showcased us as a group.
– We needed a location. So, Laurel Kathleen let us film in her home.
– We needed equipment. Alex donated his own time and gear.
– We needed an LLC, paperwork, and a business plan. So, I went back to school and took business classes.
– We needed a way to fund the series. So, I decided to produce live shows, with all ticket sales going toward filming costs.
– We needed a premiere to generate viewer interest. So, I contacted multiple venues and eventually decided on Roccos Weho, donated to us, through the fabulous Billy Francesca
All of this took place between November 22nd, 2022, and February 23rd, 2023.
It was challenging, time-consuming, and filled with uncertainty. But because of the passion and drive everyone had for the show, we got it done.
Now, two years after that very first meeting, we’ve:
– Sold out six live shows
– Launched an official YouTube channel
– Gained an impressive 4.5k subscribers in just six months
– Stuck together through all of it
So, it’s not going to be a smooth road, but if it’s on your heart… I triple dog dare you to call your tribe and make your own show.
The idea that visits you daily is the one that will change your life.
You only get 4,000 weeks if you’re lucky. Stop waiting around.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about That’s Hollywood, Baby?
In short, “That’s Hollywood, Baby” is a comedy group made up exclusively of independent artists—both behind and in front of the camera—specializing in filmed sketch shorts, live shows/events, social media, and other Youtube content.
The phrase “That’s Hollywood, Baby” represents us at our core. It is a reclamation of the phrase that has famously been used for so many decades to dim the lights of so many artists who didn’t fit the perfect mold, to justify shady behavior, or to keep Hollywood in a box.
Now that the internet exists (among other things), it’s easier than ever to forge your own path. So, as a group, we have banded together to create art that we want to see in the world while also prioritizing featuring and supporting local small businesses, theatres, bars, and artists in the drag, comedy, singer/songwriter, clown, music, and other niche communities in Los Angeles. Through this, we have, and are continuing to prove, “No, no…THIS…is Hollywood, Baby.”
This philosophy is reflected in our logo, as well, which features an autograph-style font and a middle finger placed over a snarl—symbolizing a defiant stance saying, “F*** your old terms and conditions of how to make it in this town. And we’re standing on business. Grr, beeyotch.” (You see it. You get it. But never forget the “grr.” It’s important.)
You will also often see the quote, “Hollywood’s not calling. Do it yourself,” featured in our social media, flyers, or playbills. This is self-explanatory.
As a group, we’ve grown incredibly close over the past two and a half years and have become a diverse collection of massively talented artists with a multitude of different points of view and backgrounds striving to do the one thing we all moved to this beautiful city for: to create. Abundantly. Truthfully. Representationally. And always.
Our process includes 2-3 sketch submission dates a year, where we gather in my living room with a glass of wine or a joint and cold-read through written pieces that each of us have brought in. From there, we select which sketches to film, perform live, or both—based on budget, location, and ease.
Additionally, we’ve explored multiple different live show themes across Los Angeles with the goal of highlighting incredible local talent, supporting local businesses, and raising money for this project. I will brag and say that they have all sold out or sold over capacity. *Knock on wood*
1.) “Gayme Night” – This is a night where our cast, along with local, beloved drag queens compete against each other in various comedy games like roast battles, “guess the celebrity bulge,” calling someone who ghosted a person in the audience to see who can get them to answer, and, of course, lip sync battles with prompts like, “Perform it like you just got caught cheating on your husband,” told to you over a mic while you perform. One team will prevail victorious.
2.) “Unlicensed/Unsolicited” – A monthly event at Coffee Confessionals (5718 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028) held every third Thursday of the month, where local comedians act as unlicensed therapists to offer unsolicited advice to help you with your juicy poor life decisions, tough crossroads you’re in between. or to offer clarity on questions like, “Am I the asshole?” If your “situation” is selected, you’ll be called onstage for a 10-minute session with one of our comedian “therapists” who resonates most with your problem. Upon arrival, you’ll also receive an “intake form” to share your wildest confession, complicated dilemma, or anything juicy you need help with. (Participation is optional.) You’ll also get a two-sided paddle with a green thumbs-up and a red thumbs-down, so you can answer “yes” or “no” questions at the end of each session group therapy style to help out our stressed-out patients. (Participation a must. Stir that pot, girly pop.)
3.) “That’s Hollywood, Baby LIVE” – This is exactly what it seems. Once a year, we bring you brand-new, never-before-seen sketches performed live on a stage, with an after-party always following immediately after to support a local theatre or bar, and giving you the opportunity to meet your favorite cast members. Our first sold out the Dynasty Typewriter between in-person and streaming sales and then supported the 4100 Bar afterward. Our second neared capacity at The Broadwater Theatre and then supported The Plunge Bar.
4.) “FOCUS GROUP” – Our monthly “film festival” at The High Low (3000 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039). As we filmed and finished our shorts, we often struggled to see them objectively after watching the same footage repeatedly. We found this was a common issue for other filmmakers pre-picture lock. So, we created a monthly focus group where filmmakers can submit projects through FilmFreeway, showcase their work, host a brief Q&A session, and send out a survey to help with any final decisions they’re struggling with.
We’re actively curating new shows, both live and for our YouTube channel— some for drag queens, some game shows, some for singer/songwriters, one-act plays, PowerPoint parties, and more. Follow us on Instagram (@thatshollywoodbabyyy) to keep up with developments and announcements.
What are your plans for the future?
Overall, it still doesn’t feel real for any of us. We’re overwhelmingly proud of what we’ve accomplished. Just two and a half years ago, we were sitting in a small living room with nothing but an idea. No name. No money. No page. No footage. Just the dream.
Fast forward to now, and we’ve conquered so many obstacles and challenges head on. To see that idea grow into an umbrella of multiple, separate opportunities is nothing short of unreal.
The next step for us is to turn this into our full-time careers. “That’s Hollywood, Baby” is more than just a sketch series. It’s live events, comedy game nights, singer/songwriter nights, silly shows on YouTube, drag shows, comedic short films, sketch, talk shows, and eventually, feature films and then the moon. But more than anything, it’s a community—a community filled with all the local magic and talent that Hollywood and Los Angeles have to offer…but just haven’t been discovered yet.
Of course, this comes at a cost. Even with donations, business deals, ticket sales, and other blessings, it’s expensive to maintain. So, right now, we’re working hard to find ways to solidify this as a long-term, full-time endeavor—hopefully through investors, distributors, grants, donations, partnerships, and/or other more lucrative opportunities.
Our YouTube channel currently only features sketch comedy shorts, but we’re working on expanding to include talk shows, game shows, and more fun projects in the near future. We’ll also continue doing more live show pop-ups throughout Los Angeles as we expand. Our biggest goal for 2025 is to secure funding that will allow us to keep this project going.
Our journey has been nothing short of magical, and we’ve only just scratched the surface of what we want to achieve. We have funded and built everything from the ground up ourselves, thus far. And after 2 and a half years of our boots being strapped up and proving that we can do it, we have finally launched our very first crowdfunding campaign on April 5th, 2025 to truly bring “That’s Hollywood, Baby” to life and make it a sustainable, full-time endeavor.
By donating, you’re not just supporting a show—you’re helping nurture a vibrant, creative community that gives a platform to talented, independent artists who are pushing boundaries and breaking the mold of what Hollywood is “supposed” to be and how you’re “supposed” to make it. Your contribution will directly fuel the production of more filmed sketches, live events, business advancements, online content, and most importantly, provide a space and opportunity for bad ass artists, both behind and in front of the camera, to create and show what they’ve got.
The arts are more than just entertainment—they’re the lifeblood of any thriving community. With your support, we can keep building this dream and making it bigger and better for years to come.
Join us at our Givebutter donation link located in any of our social media bios or attached here to make this vision a reality. Together, we can show the world what Hollywood looks like when it’s made by the people, for the people. Because THAT’S…Hollywood, Baby! 😉
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatshollywoodbabyyy/ & https://www.instagram.com/rivercjohnson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557780137349
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatsHollywoodBabyyy
- Other: https://givebutter.com/tDwuGo
Image Credits
BTS Photographer: Delia Bush @bushdelia & Alex Tetzner @alexjtetzner
Cast Photo Photographer: James Has Friends @james.has.friends
