Editor’s Note: The Reel Black List is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of film, TV, advertising, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity daily. Today we celebrate Dwayne Johnson-Cochran
Dwayne is a multifaceted filmmaker, writer, and producer whose creative journey spans across various facets of the film and television industry. Born with a passion for storytelling, he pursued his interest by studying Geophysics at the University of Illinois and then Filmmaking at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Beginning his career as a journalist and cameraman for local newspapers and television stations, Johnson-Cochran quickly made his mark in the industry. He transitioned into the world of advertising, where he served as a writer and producer for Burrell Communications Group, crafting numerous commercials and short films that captivated audiences.
His talents caught the attention of WTTW-Chicago, where he embarked on a prolific journey producing, writing, and directing documentaries that tackled pressing societal issues, including gospel music, infant mortality, and educational reform.
A defining moment in his career came with the creation of Stories from America, a groundbreaking television series produced in collaboration with award-winning novelist An Chee Min. This series offered a poignant exploration of the lives of Chinese-American individuals living in the United States, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Johnson-Cochran’s transition into screenwriting marked a significant milestone as he made his move to Hollywood. His debut screenplay, My Tribe is Lost, caught the eye of Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks, catapulting him into the realm of television production.
As a co-creator of the NBC hit series Minor Adjustments and a writer and producer for Angel Street, Johnson-Cochran demonstrated his versatility and storytelling prowess. His directorial debut, Love and Action in Chicago, featuring a star-studded cast, was a testament to his directorial vision and garnered international acclaim.
In addition to his work in television and film, Johnson-Cochran is the founder of Johnson-Cochran Films, producing compelling documentaries that shed light on diverse narratives and voices. His projects, including Story of a Village and Side by Side, have featured esteemed figures like Regina King and Madeline K. Albright, resonating with audiences across the globe.
In 2023, Dwayne wrote and executive-produced Chicago-made, Heist 88. The film was inspired by a true story – one of the biggest bank heists in US history when 80 million dollars was stolen by four young bank employees. Heist 88 premiered on Paramount+ Showtime and was nominated for three NAACP Awards – Best Television Film, Dwayne Johnson-Cochran for Best Screenplay, and Courtney B. Vance for Best Lead Actor.
Let’s meet Dwayne!
How did you get into the film business?
My writing. Having the right people read my work at the right time was everything. It took many small breaks and unexpectedly positive turns for me to start in this business. There is no ideal way to show someone your work, your script but I feel that having something to say in my writing was my way into the film business.
What career did your parents see for you?
My mother wanted me to become a priest, but she gave up on that fantasy pretty early on when she met my high school girlfriend. To be perfectly honest, my parents never expressed a preference for what they wanted me to be. At the time I didn’t understand it. All my friends were telling me all the expectations their parents were putting on them. Later in life what my parents did was a gift. No pressure was put on me. I could try anything, and they would nod their heads and say “That’s nice, Dwayne.”
Who were your mentors?
I didn’t have many mentors. I probably would say my father because he went to work every day not particularly enjoying his work, but he made the best of it. Over time he advanced in his career, and I noticed he started to enjoy it. That was a signal to me to get over myself. Sometimes you may do work that is not enjoyable or rewarding but stick in there, you’ll get what you want one day. And, one day you’ll enjoy it.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve done?
I was producing a feature a few years ago and we were three days before the first day of shooting. The studio/network said we were going over budget and told me to shut the production down, send everybody home, and do a shutdown budget. I knew in my heart I could figure out how to make this film work and I said no.
We started shooting, defying the order to shut down. I knew I would be fired but it didn’t happen. I endured a lot of nasty attitudes, rancor, and name-calling, but we shot the film, it was good, we were nominated for awards and I’m proud I said no.
How do you handle failure?
I go quiet. I blame myself for an hour and then move on to the next plan of action. I don’t let it linger or hold me back because failure can do harm only if you let it.
How do you pump yourself up?
I look at all of my achievements, look at all the things I should have done better and then start my next project with the goal osef doing better.
What drives you to create?
I am a storyteller and the only thing that drives me to create is an intense desire to tell a new and different story.
What media inspires you?
I love Atlanta the television series, because it is written and directed from an artistic and political framework where Black people are not taking themselves so seriously. The characters, situations, and points of view are so uniquely Black, but the show never makes you feel you are part of a different culture. It’s just a show about America through the eyes of black people.
Biggest problem for Black folks in the industry?
The biggest problem Black people have is access to capital. If billionaires, networks, studios, or streamers gave anything close to the same amount of funding as they do to our white counterparts, we would have more projects made. Until that gap closes, Black people will not improve our position in the industry.
What do you do in your off time?
Play music, the piano, play tennis, travel, read, explore and generally anything creative but that has nothing to do with the film business.
ALSO READ: Find out who else is on the 2024 Reel Chicago Black List
What are your pleasures?
Watching movies that have little or no calorie content and are so bad they’re good.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’ll be in LA writing and directing movies, living near the beach but vacationing on some other continent. I’ll be mentoring other filmmakers and writers. Because I love what I do.
With a dedication to storytelling that transcends boundaries, Dwayne Johnson-Cochran continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his compelling narratives and visionary approach to filmmaking. And that’s why he is on our 2024 Reel Black List.
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