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Susan Johnston is a producer, media innovator, and the Founder and Director of the New Media Film Festival®, an internationally recognized event that showcases global storytellers and emerging technologies. She is known for identifying new talent, championing creative innovation, and supporting the evolution of film, television, and digital media.
With more than two decades of experience in entertainment and technology, Johnston has built a reputation as a leader in new media. In 2024, her company ranked in the top 95 percent of content suppliers for distribution, underscoring her ability to deliver high quality, in demand programming for global audiences.
Johnston began her career with a strong commitment to public service. At 24, she served on the prosecution team in a high profile murder case. She later testified before a Rhode Island Senate Committee, successfully securing funding for a national nonprofit organization. During this period, she also worked with the Rhode Island Film Office and served on the Providence Film Commission, contributing to a 15 member industry team that met weekly for five years to build the production and permitting system still used today by the Commission. This work helped shape the infrastructure that supports Rhode Island's film and media ecosystem.
As President of Select Services Films Inc., Johnston oversees award winning projects across multiple platforms. Susan Johnston Casting, a division (DBA) of Select Services Films Inc., expands her work into talent discovery and casting. Her background includes performing, producing, casting, and content development, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the entertainment industry.
In 2017, Johnston was knighted for her contributions to the arts and humanity. She has served as a Blue Ribbon Judge for the Emmy Awards since 2010 and has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1990. As a BMI songwriter, she spent more than 15 years performing live, opening for major touring acts and playing shows for audiences of up to 15,000 people.
For three years, Johnston contributed monthly thought leadership columns to Rolling Stone, writing about media, entertainment, and technology. She also created platforms that highlight creators, CEOs, and industry leaders through editorial collaborations and interviews with Authority Magazine.
Johnston's philanthropic work began in her youth and continues to guide her mission driven approach to media and innovation. Known for giving more than she offers, she has built platforms that empower artists, entrepreneurs, and storytellers around the world. Her work crosses borders, cultures, and mediums, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service, creativity, and human connection.
Susan Johnston continues to shape the future of new media and support creators whose work drives the industry forward.
