Behind the New Media Film Festival® with Susan Johnston
Susan Johnston is a distinguished media futurist and the founder and director of the New Media Film Festival®, established in 2009 to honor innovative storytelling across diverse media platforms. She also serves as the president of Select Services Films, Inc., an award-winning production company.
Johnston’s career in the entertainment industry is extensive, encompassing roles as an actress, producer, and casting director. Her early exposure to film sets, notably meeting Robert Redford during the production of “The Great Gatsby” while her father managed antique cars, sparked her passion for the arts.
Under her leadership, the New Media Film Festival® has become a global platform that merges storytelling with technological advancements, featuring categories like 3D shorts, web series, and virtual reality. The festival is recognized for its inclusivity, accepting submissions from creators of all ages and cultures, and offers over $45,000 in awards.
Redefining storytelling together
Her innovative approach continues to influence the evolving landscape of media and technology, fostering a community that celebrates diverse and emerging forms of storytelling. We sat down with the woman behind the juggernaut New Media Film Festival® to talk life, movies and the festival.
Vision and Evolution
What inspired the creation of the New Media Film Festival®, and how has its mission evolved since its inception?
There was turmoil in the media and entertainment industry in 2008 during the economic crisis. I had always worked both studio level and independent level and I saw how hard it was for studio level to re-coup their jobs/livelyhood at the time if at all. Many entertainment people were moving to Atlanta GA to build an infrastructure and live in a much more affordable state at the time. I dug deep to figure out how I could help, asked colleagues and mentors what could propel people in their careers regardless of what level they were at and a blueprint was created of what was called a “creative sandbox” at the time. Connections were made, people were hired, content was showcased and monetized through distribution. The mission of the festival has always been the same, Honoring Stories Worth Telling for all ages, all cultures, all media since 2009.
Balancing Tradition and InnovationWith a blend of classic and technology-driven categories, how do you ensure the festival remains a platform that honors traditional storytelling while embracing cutting-edge innovations?
As more technological advances were being made, we needed to not only merge some tech categories together, but also clearly delineate we have classic and tech categories. We also add or remove categories based on many factors, updated on our submit page www.newmediafilmfestival.com/submit
Global InclusivityThe festival emphasizes inclusivity across cultures, ages, and media. Can you share some standout moments or projects that embody this ethos?
What is really exciting about our festival being open to all is, who shows up. One we had a 2 year old actress on the red carpet and a 93 year old director of a 3D Film. One of my oddest and now one of my favorite moments was a man came up to me at the end of the show, excited and loud saying this, to which I asked if I could quote him “
John Carstafrphen and his wife.
Writer, Producer, Director
As an African American filmmaker, I’ve never felt more relaxed or inspired at a film festival. While #OscarsSoWhite is trending in Hollywood the New Media Film Festival 2016 has quietly shown the world how to honor content makers from across every discipline imaginable – and every ethnicity – without sacrificing its core identity. That’s an amazing feat, worthy of imitation. I think the New Media Film Festival is the future of film festivals. Congratulations!
Role of TechnologyWith categories like AI, AR, and the metaverse, how do you envision the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future of storytelling and media? A lot of people do not know, I was a tester of technology in high school, out of high school with a pdp 1134 and in Los Angeles with equipment from Panasonic, RED and working under the fabulous Chief Technology Office Chuck Haifley. What was exciting was their trust in me with this new equipment and listening to the notes and making adjustments where they thought necessary. I learned so much from these experiences. If a technology can play well with other technology, have safeguards for the creator owning their creation and be accessible to many, it has a chance to revolutionize the world. If proprietary, only those that have access, pay access or give up rights can use it, that in essence is limiting although be a huge money maker for a corporation. What was magical was the DP’s and cinematographers that were friends of Chuck’s (he shot footage in space) would come into the studio when we weren’t booked and bring their equipment and see how they could have them work with other equipment, they did amazing things that the companies never thought their products could do.
Engagement Across PlatformsAs a hybrid event, what strategies do you use to create meaningful connections between in-person and online audiences?
We ask creators if they want in person or online and do our best to accommodate, we offer surprise guests, we raffle items and offer a Q & A with creators after their screening. Each and every nominee is offered online participation to network with each other and support each other, so it is if you are there, wherever that is 😊
Collaborations and OpportunitiesThe Grand Prize includes meetings with HBO and Marvel. How do these collaborations enhance opportunities for creators and align with the festival’s goals?
Since the festival’s goals are “what could propel people in their careers regardless of what level they were at” by honoring stories worth telling, our judges are from most of the majors – PBS, BBC, ABC, EMMYS, GRAMMYS, Simon & Schuster, BMI and others. So even if you do not win the grand prize, submissions are being reviewed by people from companies that can propel careers forward. We have had many successes for submitters over the years, here is a sample. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAOSyDym0Yo
As for How do these collaborations enhance opportunities for creators, we offer opportunity, it is up to the creator to be prepared, professional, listen and be ready to build a professional relationship and do business.
Nominee ExperienceThe nominee perks include eco-friendly red carpets and networking events. How do you curate these experiences to foster meaningful industry connections?
We constantly re-evaluate, modify and implement as society is in a state of flux. It is important for nominees to participate, to be human, have a collective experience, share and learn.
Award and Recognition Process & Future TrendsLooking ahead, what trends in media and technology are you most excited to incorporate into future editions of the festival?With such diverse categories, what is the judging process like, and how do you ensure fairness and recognition for every type of submission?
Crafting integrity through experience
Since I studied with Uta Hagen and she says, never give away your secrets, what I can tell you is – we are proud to be known for our integrity, no one can judge someone they know or have worked on.
Impact on CreatorsCan you share a specific success story where a participant’s career was significantly boosted after being part of the New Media Film Festival®?
Here are some off the top of my head:
Unlocking new opportunities
A script submitter, was given a publishing deal
A guest at the VIP Soiree was offered an audition and booked a series
A VR artist found a funder for his project
Funding sparks fresh visions
2 different participants that we know of, invited potential backers to their screenings (remember they get a Q & A) and got funding
One of our photographers met people connected with Hitchcock and did a book on it and more.
Thank you for this opportunity. Susan Johnston Founder/Director New Media Film Festival®
CALL FOR ENTRIES! – www.NewMediaFilmFestival.com
The New Media Film Festival® represents a convergence of technology and tradition, offering a hybrid platform that caters to both in-person and online audiences. This innovative event showcases a diverse range of categories, from the classic to the cutting-edge, reflecting the festival’s commitment to embracing the evolving landscape of media. With a focus on boundary-pushing content, the festival provides a unique space for creators to present their work in various formats, including traditional screenings and experiential presentations. This approach not only honors the storytelling craft but also celebrates the role of technology in shaping new methods of media consumption and interaction. The festival’s inclusive ethos is evident in its wide array of categories, ensuring that there is a place for every form of creative expression.
The 16th New Media Film Festival® June 4-5 2025 Los Angeles. Their mandate is to be fair to all creators, in all ages, all cultures and all media.
Categories
A generous mix of classic and technology categories to choose from for screening or experiential experiences depending on project type. Classics include animation, documentary, feature film, shorts, trailers to name a few. Tech categories include AI, AR, VR, 360, 5D, metaverse, NFT and more. The New Media Film Festival is a unique event that celebrates innovative and emerging media across various categories. With a focus on stories worth telling, the festival features classic media alongside cutting-edge technology categories, showcasing works that integrate film, TV, podcasting, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). It’s an exciting platform where creatives from all backgrounds can present their work, compete for awards.
Awards
Grand Prize Award, priceless. Includes meetings with HBO and Marvel, along with studio time in Los Angeles, and various production & Mongo Media Solutions services, and a Filmustage package, among other perks.
All category winners are awarded a custom hand-painted wood film slate and a Filmustage package, value $1000.00
Top 3 Scripts are awarded a certificate for a Filmustage package, value $1000.00, Script Reader Pro & Scriptwriters Network packages.
Awards valid for 1 year from festival date, non-transferable.
Nominee Perks
A nominee pass for the title accepted. Classic content, the director. Scripts, the writer, Tech content, the creator. With this pass, nominees can enjoy an Eco friendly red carpet experience, engage in a Q&A block after their screening, networking and more. The pass also includes promotional press opportunities, social media mentions with a significant reach, and online recognition of the cast and crew. Additionally, there are financial incentives like guest discount codes and the potential for distribution on a wide array of platforms. This pass represents a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to gain visibility and consideration for their content.
FULL DETAILS are on www.newmediafilmfestival.com/submit
What others are saying.
“Worth The Entry Fee”
– Movie Maker Magazine
“Makes The Cutting Edge Accessible”
– Huffington Post
“I thank NewMediaFF for what they’ve done for young filmmakers”
-Roger Corman
” The role of this fest is bringing the Best in New Media to the World”
-Festival World
“Stories that exemplify the power of the cinematic arts to inspire and transform” – Hero Complex – The Los Angeles Times
Plenty of time to join the fun. Get your entry in early, use code WOW to save 20% Put your innovative work forward and join the unique community of content creators at New Media Film Festival® – submit today! https://www.newmediafilmfestival.com/submit/
