The first time we talked to Anderson native Javon Johnson, he was winning playwriting awards all over the country, opening plays in Chicago and receiving major theater accolades from the Kennedy Center Fellowship and Jefferson Award nominations.

A few years later, Johnson was playing a significant role in the film “Barbershop 2” (2004) and recurring as a prison guard, J.J., on the hit Fox television series, “Prison Break” in 2006.

But for Andersonians, Johnson is probably still most recognized for the work he did as a young actor — still in high school — on the Project Challenge Playhouse stage.

Now a husband and father of three, Johnson has returned to his hometown and his dreams and aspirations have changed a bit. Nearly eight years after we first talked to him, this 35-year-old actor and writer is adding producer to his laundry list of talents as he embarks on a new adventure.

Johnson recently started Javon Johnson Productions, a small endeavor that will produce short and full-length films in Anderson and the Upstate. Johnson has decided to base his company out of the Electric City rather than a more buzzing locale like Los Angeles, New York or Chicago. He hopes to take advantage of the untapped talent and resources that the Upstate can offer and, at the same time, help local actors achieve a dream that is tough to manage coming from a small town.

“When I came through (Anderson) as a young aspiring actor, I had no outlet for what I wanted to do,” Johnson said. “As a young, black actor, you had some community things, but those are traditional shows with a white appeal. There was nothing meaty for performers of color.”

Johnson hopes his production company can change some of that. He is already in the process of raising money for “Roses R Dead,” a new short that he wrote starring himself and Harry J. Lennix of “Matrix Reloaded” and “Get on the Bus” fame. While the stars are set, Johnson still needs extras for the film as well monetary donations to get this first project off and running.

Using the contacts he has made in Hollywood and New York and working with Star Reach Recording Studio, Johnson has started the first steps of a journey he hopes will continue for a long time. It starts, he said, with this first short film and will blossom from there.

“Eventually, I would love for big studios to call me when they are seeking talent in this area,” Johnson said. “I want to represent this area for them.”

With the buzz created by “Leatherheads” shooting in the Upstate, as well as small film groups working out of this area, the talent that exists in South Carolina is obvious, he said. Johnson hopes to bring some focus to that and use his own hard work to help those who aspire just as he once did.

“I always wanted to do something back in this area, but only now have I met the people who can help that happen,” he said.

At present, Johnson is looking for money to fund this first film. In exchange for donations, he will give executive producer credits on a film he hopes will make an impact at film festivals. While the film won’t likely make much money and investors won’t see a return on their money for “Roses R Dead,” it’s more like investing the Anderson art scene.

Johnson said he recognizes the risk of starting a production company in Anderson. But he also said the talent they have in front of and behind the camera is too good to pass up. He hopes to hear from anyone who wants to take part in film and television“There is a demand in this area and we can sow some really good talent,” Johnson said. “But we have to make it easier on ourselves and give ourselves the opportunity to use it. The timing is right to do this and try to make something happen.”

To make donations to Javon Johnson Productions for the filming and release of his film, “Roses R Dead,” send them to: Javon Johnson Productions, P.O. Box 5601, Anderson, S.C. 29623

Feel free to contact Javon at 773.398.5940 or by e-mail at javonjohnsonproductions@hotmail.com.

“Roses R Dead”

Starring: Harry J. Lennix, Javon Johnson, Chante Moore

Auditions for extras to be held at a time to be announced

Script summary

A man’s honor is defined by his choices. To go left or right has never been a challenge for Julian, who has always chosen to walk straight on that narrow road of hard work, integrity and respect. A secure marriage and CEO of his own record label, Julian has tenaciously earned his shard of the American Dream, but every man has his breaking point — a moment in his life when his dream is thrown into total chaos.

After seven years, one son, and unwavering faith, Julian’s commitment to his wife falls into the bed of another woman. Everything was perfect. How did it all go wrong? How could pride and determination that had once carried him so far in life turn so quickly into self-hate and disappointment?

With no answers and a broken marriage, Julian finds himself at the crossroads. Left or right, there is no straight anymore. Julian must find a new road.

He chooses to go backward, retrace himself to the one man who started it all — his father. Vernon has been in prison and out of Julian’s life for the past 20 years. Now homeless and enslaved to alcoholism, Vernon rests peacefully and isolated in an abandoned building. After 20 years, they find themselves face to face. It is a therapeutic, yet painful, encounter, but a necessary one. He has committed the ultimate sin against himself by falling in line with his father’s footsteps whose marriage also crumbled when Vernon stepped out on Julian’s mother. Now Julian wants answers.

Julian’s plea forces his father into a deep and dark confession in a last ditch effort to earn his son’s forgiveness. And while it might be enough, it’s too late. Julian has conjured up his plan to end the pain in his life and that means ending it at the source. He offers Vernon a bottle of poisoned gin but desperately tries to save his father. He is too late and, a dead rose in hand, Vernon convulses.

Julian’s only option is to wait and see if that pathological struggle between father and son can be productively broken.

Javon Johnson Productions and Star Reach Recording Studio presents:

Concept to Reality Music, Stage and Radio Production seminar

July 19 at the Westside Community Center, 1100 W. Franklin St., Anderson

864.260.1093 or 864.260.1094

westidecommunityctr.com

$20 advance, $25 at the door

864.226.8389

Provides insight to the mechanics of the music business and components of blueprints for the do’s and don’ts of acting and writing. It’s a crash course for those looking for things to do in the music, acting and writing.