“Whether you’re walking through a fresh plowed field or walking the red carpet in Hollywood, there is perspective to be found in both.” - R. Dean Johnson

A native South Carolinian, R. Dean Johnson grew up in a rural community under the stars of Southern skies and the influence of lazy accents, good cookin’, kind folks and country livin’. But, it was many miles and cultures away under the influence of different kinds of stars where he grew up as an author.
In his first book, “Life. Be There At Ten’Til.” (iUniverse), Johnson bridged the geography and culture of these two distinct worlds and offered a refreshing new commentary on life and its bounty of wisdom. With the re-release of “Life.” (iStar), his knack for finding the extraordinary with the ordinary remains ever present as he adds four new chapters to the already engaging collection of homegrown wisdom..

His musings have now expanded beyond the page as evidenced with his first original short screenplay, “Just Pray,” having been produced in July, 2004 by Tit 4 Tat Productions (he and business partner Tiffani Thiessen) and Omaha Pictures. The film has been premiering on the 2005 film festival circuit and garnering its fair share of critical praise and awards.

It seems as though Johnson may have found the bridge between two different worlds rife with life experiences – experiences that are serving him well. Writing and producing are a long way from the tobacco fields of South Carolina. But, his journey is one that is nevertheless inspiring. As far as the marquees of Hollywood have taken him from his roots, it is in Hollywood where he has rediscovered his most valuable life lessons as well as the language and unique ability to tell and share.

In the summer of 2006, Dean Directed his first short film, Modern Technology, which was filmed in South Carolina. He produced the project along with Dawn James and the movie will premiere on the 2007 film festival circuit.

Pen to Paper for the Young at Heart
“I was a child once.” Ask Dean his basis or qualifications for writing children’s literature and you may get that answer. Or another response he’s prone to offering, “I saw my Mama and Daddy raise a couple of children.” Enough said.

Together with his producing partner Tiffani Thiessen, the two are collaborating on a series of children’s books titled, Fins & Tales. The series offers life wisdom for the young at heart as told through the voices and personalities of Thiessen’s very own pets – two dogs, two cats and a fish. Johnson comments, “I think children are going to love the individual personalities of these pets - Buck, Pearl, Sadie, Savannah and Blue. I also think they’re going to remember the messages these pets have to share. Tiffani and I both believe that children will become far more intuitive and instinctive when they learn to observe the world around them. These loving pets intend on helping them hone this skill.”