[FEATURE] VIPER PRESENTS: THEO JOHNSON

Get familiar with multifaceted Birmingham-born content creator, actor, musician, filmmaker and 1Xtra presenter, Theo Johnson, as he preps us for the drop of “JUST TWO DROPS,” coming to Amazon Prime this year…

What five words define you? 

Ambitious, Focused, Loyal, Ready and Creative 

Tell me something unique about your film making process and how you involve music? 

I usually think of a great ending in my head and then work backwards, developing the middle and start and once the script is fully finished. I start creating the backing track by writing songs that are relatable to each scene.  

Which film of yours would you like people to see first?

I’d love people to watch “JUST ONE DROP” first, it’s my first film to end up on Amazon Prime. People will get to see how much I’ve progressed when they see “JUST TWO DROPS,” which is out this year.  

What inspired you to make that films and music?

I’m a strong believer in doing what you have to do, until you can do what you want to do. Instead of waiting by the phone for acting roles and waiting for a record label to sign me, I taught myself how to write scripts and make films so I could cast myself in star roles. I taught myself how to make songs and with a-bit of hard work, luck and God’s grace, the  films went viral and started getting millions of views. 

What’s the best song you’ve ever made? 

I entered Ambush’s Rap competition for his song ‘Man Can’t’ and I beat 1000 other rappers and won the competition with a ‘Man Can’t’ freestyle that went viral and led to the ‘Man Can’t’ Remix getting a million views on his YouTube. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing?

In my new project the character goes through a really tough time in prison and we see him cry and even have a mental breakdown. This made me have to completely leave my comfort zone and get into the mindset of someone on the edge. This led me to creating a song called ‘New Pain’, which discusses the loss of my uncle, nan and two cousins and the effect it had on me. 

What’s the worst experience you’ve had on set? 

I had to lay down on a cold abandoned prison cell floor, filled with damp. I usually have slight OCD, so it was really a bad experience having to put my full face on the floor whilst staying in character. 

What’s your favourite roll that you’ve played?

I’d say playing “Callum” in Channel 4’s Raised by Wolves, was my favourite just because it was my first ever TV role and helped kickstart my career. 

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

Lil’ Wayne – ‘The Carter II’ made me want to start music. 

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Theo means gift from God or God in Latin. 

If you weren’t making music and films, what would you be doing instead?

I’d just stick to my other job as a BBC 1Xtra presenter. 

What’s success to you?

Making my mother smile.  

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction? 

Going to an audition and seeing my competition was reality stars, made me realise I had to work on building my brand and creating content, so I wasn’t just Theo the actor anymore and had more strings to my bow. 

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

My insta is @TheoJohnsonUk