Philip Johnson of Philaye Films Celebrates Pride Month with Hype Off Life (Interview)

As part of our Pride Month celebration, we caught up with the multi-talented CEO behind Philaye Films, Philip Johnson. A Detroit native and current LA resident, Philip founded his TV + Film company in 2018 to much success. Philaye Films creates and distributes meaningful Black media, striving to creatively bring light to dynamic sides of important topics in our 21st century communities. From his dramatic sense of humor to his unique perspective on the world as a proudly gay black male, Philip's films inspire and entertain a wide audience.

As a multi-talented creative, 24-year-old also writes, produces, acts in, and directs TV shows and films, with his new comedy TV show, "Flip Flop" set to change the game. Philip executive produced it's 22-minute pilot episode with money they raised and invested, before going on a pilot screening premiere tour to close 2019. Over 600 fans attended across 4 cities, and Philaye Films finished the tour by packing out the Met Theatre in a Hollywood audience full of laughs.

In addition to "Flip Flo"p, Philip was also the Creator, Writer, Producer, Director and Lead Actor for the hit YouTube web-series 'Black Sex & The City' in 2018. To add to all the winning, Philip is writing/developing other shows, running a blog through Philaye Films focused on highlighting black LGBTQ creatives + entrepreneurs, was brought into a cohort of industry filmmakers under Issa Rae's company Color Creative, signed on as a freelance director + writer for Sean Baker Films, and is running a podcast through Philaye Films.

Learn more of Philip Johnson's incredible story below, where he gets into why now is the perfect time for a show like "Flip Flop", his coming out story, and how he manages to handle so many great things at once. Then catch our 'Love Wins' playlist afterwards for more vibes. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾

How did you get your start in the industry?

I first got my start in the industry through my web-series: Black Sex & The City in 2018 in New York City. For 9 months I wrote, directed, produced, starred in, and edited the YouTube web-series. People thought it was hilarious, so word-of-mouth helped me to build a fanbase and move to LA to take things to the next level. 

Aside from being Founder and CEO of your own TV+Film company, of Philaye Films, Inc., you’re also a TV+Film showrunner, writer, director, producer and actor. Where do you find the time to pursue all of your interests? 

It’s definitely a difficult balance at times, but it’s all about prioritizing and remaining consistent. I also have worked in Finance for many periods of my career so far, so I really had to learn to strategically plan out my weeks and months to balance goal completion with fun outside of working. I’m still in my mid-twenties, so scheduling in time to be young and free is a priority too! 

What do you love most about what you do? 

What I love most about what I do is making people smile, laugh, or just enjoy themselves through my art. I definitely feed off the satisfaction from spreading love and positivity, so seeing people’s positive interactions with the art is priceless. The laughs at our Flip Flop Hollywood Premiere have been my highlight so far! 

When did you realize your creative gifts? 

I realized when I started making Black Sex & The City. When people laughed as hard as they did at the first couple episodes and demanded more, I realized that my fun passion was a God-given talent. I knew I had a passion for creativity/entertainment/media, but didn’t know if I had any unique skills or was funny until the audience’s initial reactions.

Speaking of realization, where did you get the idea for your new comedy TV Show: Flip Flop? 

Flip Flop is inspired by my experience growing up as a closeted gay track runner. I ran track for 12 years through my freshman year at University of Michigan, but I didn’t come out until after I quit track. Flip Flop is a futuristic reimagination of what it would be like to come out the closet while still in the homophobic sports world. 

Can you give a short breakdown of the show. 

Flip Flop is a new comedy TV show. When a professional track athlete’s techno-conversion therapy goes wrong, he must face the world with a flip-flopping sexuality. It is a comedic story of a Black LGBTQ identity battle. 

Why do you feel now is a good time to put out a show like Flip Flop?

Now is a great time because the world is starting to accept that LGBTQ lives matter and must be discussed. I would have benefited from a show like Flip Flop growing up, and I want people who’ve been through similar battles to feel seen and represented on their TV screens. 

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a Black LGBTQ creative in the industry? 

My biggest challenge has been the fact that my presence as a young, Black, gay man is taboo in places of leadership in the industry. When you’re Black and gay, you have to be 10x better to get a chance at success. But when you love what you do, you’re more than happy to do the work! So everyday I focus on my gratitude for all the blessings God brings on my journey. 

How did your coming out story go? 

Sophomore year of college, watching Jamal come out on Empire inspired me to text my mom coming out as “bi” (I’m 100% gay haha). Over the next couple months I sent those texts to a couple more family members. Then I got a (now ex)boyfriend on campus and ended up coming out to the public through just being unwilling to hide my young love. 

Do you find it easier to be out these days, as opposed to when you were younger? 

I am turning 25 currently and came out when I was turning 20. I think that once I finally came out, it all felt very easy since I was in love. I do, however, believe that it’s easier for younger kids to come out nowadays because the world is making some necessary progress! There is still a lot of work to be done, though. 

How do you plan on using your gifts to change the narrative of what it means to be Black and queer in America? 

I plan to use my gifts to just help normalize being Black and queer. Through representation, identities become less taboo as people realize that we are all just human beings taking it one day at a time. I want to show people how objectively talented and loving our community is! And I want black-on-black gay love present on screens, because it’s how the majority of us live. 

Any advice to those who’d like to follow in your footsteps? 

My advice is to just follow your gut and wing it. You have to invest in yourself and consistently do the work! When I decided to pursue this career, I had no idea how I would make it happen. You have to wake up everyday and water your passions DAILY. Years later, you’ll have a beautiful garden.