Inspiring Conversations with Susan Johnston of New Media Film Festival

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Johnston.

Hi susan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Susan Johnston, Founder and Director of the New Media Film Festival® here in Los Angeles. My path has been unconventional, but every step has shaped the work I do today. I actually began my career in public service — at 24, I served on the prosecution team of a high‑profile murder case, and later testified before a Rhode Island Senate Committee to secure funding for a national nonprofit. During that time, I also worked with the Rhode Island Film Office and served on the Providence Film Commission, helping build the production and permitting infrastructure that the state still uses today.

Before moving to Los Angeles, I worked on film and TV productions in New England, gaining hands‑on experience in nearly every department. My first 35mm short film, Room 32, won awards, received distribution, and was even requested by the Spider-Man 3 production team — a moment that reinforced my commitment to championing innovative creators.

When I relocated to LA in 2000, I founded Select Services Films Inc., expanding into producing, casting, and content development. Over time, I became increasingly involved in emerging technologies — producing early mobile series, live‑stream talk shows, and even contributing to the development of the SAG Internet contract.

In 2009, I launched the New Media Film Festival® to honor “stories worth telling” across evolving formats and technologies. Today, the festival is internationally recognized, with legendary judges, global premieres, and a library of more than 600 titles. My company ranks in the top 95% of content suppliers for distribution, and I’ve continued expanding into thought leadership — writing monthly columns for Rolling Stone, interviewing industry leaders, and supporting creators worldwide.

I’ve also had a parallel creative life: I’m a BMI songwriter who spent over 15 years performing live, opening for major touring acts and playing for audiences up to 15,000 people. In 2017, I was knighted for my contributions to arts and humanity, and I’ve served as a Blue Ribbon Judge for the Emmy Awards since 2010.

At the heart of everything I do is a mission‑driven commitment to innovation, storytelling, and service. My journey has crossed public service, traditional film, emerging media, technology, and global creative communities — and all of it informs story. The stories we tell, share, create and enjoy.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all — and honestly, I don’t think smooth roads build strong leaders. My path has been full of challenges, but each one shaped the way I work today.

When I first started, I was often stepping into spaces that didn’t exist yet. In Rhode Island, I was helping build film infrastructure from the ground up — navigating government processes, advocating for funding, and convincing people that the creative economy mattered. That taught me how to push through resistance and stay focused on long‑term impact.

Later, when I moved to Los Angeles, I had to rebuild my network from scratch. I went from being deeply connected in New England to being one of thousands of creatives trying to carve out a place in a massive industry. There were moments of uncertainty, financial strain, and plenty of “no’s,” but those experiences taught me persistence and adaptability.

Launching the New Media Film Festival® came with its own set of challenges. When I started in 2009, “new media” wasn’t widely understood or respected. I had to educate creators, sponsors, and even judges about why emerging formats mattered. Building credibility for a festival focused on innovation — especially one that embraced technology, VR, AI, and digital storytelling early — required constant problem‑solving, risk‑taking, and a willingness to stand alone until the world caught up.

There were also practical struggles: securing venues, funding, distribution partners, and international submissions while maintaining a mission‑driven approach. But every obstacle reinforced the importance of staying true to “stories worth telling.”

What I’ve learned is that the road doesn’t need to be smooth to be meaningful. The challenges forced me to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose — and they’re a big part of why the festival and my work have the impact they do today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The New Media Film Festival® is a global, mission‑driven festival I founded to honor “stories worth telling” across emerging technologies and evolving formats. Although we’re based in Los Angeles, our reach is international — creators from more than 120 countries submit work each year, and our judging panel includes industry leaders from Marvel, HBO, PBS, and the Emmys.

What makes us unique is that we were early champions of formats the industry hadn’t fully recognized yet. When we launched in 2009, VR, AI, digital comics, web series, mobile content, and immersive storytelling were still in their infancy. We didn’t wait for these technologies to become mainstream — we launched new technology categories into the festival and built a platform that encouraged creators to experiment, innovate, and push boundaries.

We specialize in discovering new voices and new ways of telling stories. Our festival is known for being forward‑thinking, inclusive of emerging formats, and deeply supportive of creators. We don’t just screen content — we help filmmakers find distribution, connect with industry professionals, and build sustainable careers. Our company ranks in the top 95% of content suppliers for distribution, and many of our creators have gone on to secure deals, win awards, and expand their audiences globally.

We maintain a strong ethical foundation rooted in integrity, originality, and a commitment to pushing storytelling forward without ever compromising artistic vision.

Brand‑wise, I’m most proud that we’ve stayed true to our mission. We’ve grown internationally, expanded categories, launched new technologies, and built a respected global community — all while keeping the focus on meaningful stories and the creators behind them.

What I want readers to know is that the New Media Film Festival® isn’t just an event — it’s an ecosystem. We offer screenings, panels, networking, distribution opportunities, awards, and a supportive environment where creators can explore new formats and be seen. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established professional experimenting with new technology, we’re here to champion your work and help you reach the next level.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t always about big milestones — sometimes it’s simply making it through the day with integrity, purpose, and a sense of forward motion. I’ve learned that in a creative industry, especially one driven by emerging technologies, every day brings new challenges. So if I can navigate those challenges, support creators, solve problems, and still feel aligned with my mission by the end of the day, that’s success.

On a larger scale, I define success as impact. If the work I’m doing helps someone tell their story, launch a new idea, or feel seen in their creative journey, that’s meaningful. Success is cumulative — it’s the small wins, the quiet progress, the moments where you choose to keep going. Those add up to the bigger achievements people notice later.

So yes, making it through the day can be success. But making it through the day in a way that moves the needle for others, honors your values, and keeps your vision alive — that’s the kind of success I strive for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.newmediafilmfestival.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmediafilmfestival
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewMediaFilmFestival
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-johnston-media-futurist
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/newmediaff
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/newmediafilmchannel
• Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/user-135482983
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0426856/

Image Credits
New Media Film Festival