With expertise in producing, directing, and cinematography, Johnny Young sits on the floor, skillfully operating a camera dolly to capture the ideal shot on the set of TBRSK:DTL.

getting to know Johnny

I’m Johnny Young — a cinematographer, director, editor, and producer with more than nine years of hands-on experience creating story-driven film and video content. My work spans narrative filmmaking, commercial production, corporate video, and sports cinematography, all guided by the same goal: to create visuals that feel intentional, authentic, and impactful.

I’ve worked on projects ranging from independent films to high-level brand and organizational content, leading productions from concept through final delivery. Whether I’m behind the camera, in the edit suite, or directing a team on set, I approach every project with the same standard — cinematic quality, clear storytelling, and attention to detail.

My path into filmmaking began in the United States Marine Corps, where I learned the value of discipline, preparation, and performing under pressure. That foundation continues to shape how I work today — calm on set, focused on execution, and committed to delivering results. After my service, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Digital Cinematography from Full Sail University, where I further refined my technical and creative approach.

Since returning to the industry with renewed focus, I’ve contributed to and led projects such as The Baton Rouge Serial Killer, American Criminals, and The Desperate, working alongside talented actors and creative professionals across the film industry. These experiences sharpened my ability to tell compelling stories and manage productions at a high level — skills that directly translate into the work I do for brands, organizations, and athletes today.

I’ve also had the opportunity to study under some of the industry’s most technically respected directors of photography and gaffers, including Yoram Astrakhan, JJ Bukowski, and Lee Lusby. Learning from filmmakers who operate at the highest level has shaped my approach to lighting, composition, and visual consistency — and I bring that same pursuit of excellence to every project I take on.

At the core of my work is a simple belief: great video isn’t just about how it looks — it’s about how it makes people feel, what it communicates, and the confidence it gives clients when they share it with the world.

Check out these crew testimonials

our mission.

At Johnny Young Films and Marketing, our mission is to elevate the metrics of businesses through exceptional video production. From pre-production to post-production, we deliver comprehensive services that focus on telling compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Guided by our unwavering commitment to excellence, we ensure that every shot is perfect, every interaction is respectful, and every piece of content is impactful.

our vision.

Johnny Young Films and Marketing aspires to be the premier video marketing agency in the Midwest and the most sought-after name in narrative filmmaking. We aim to set new standards of excellence and creativity, delivering outstanding results across diverse industries and building a portfolio that reflects our commitment to innovation and quality.

Johnny Young, Zach Elston, and Mercedes Marie Desilva posing happily on a film set.
Johnny Young on the floor with a camera, photographing actors reenacting a scene for a low profile shot.
Johnny Young operates a camera dolly through a window to capture a high-paced action shot of a man standing in front of the camera.
A man holds a clapper board while Johnny adjusts the camera in underslung dolly mode for a parallax shot in a library.
A group of men on a beach, posing for a picture. They are the producer, director, cinematographer, sound mixer, and gaffer of a film set in Chicago.