J. J. Johnson

James Anthony Johnson, known professionally as J. J. Johnson, is a Canadian-born writer, director, executive producer, and founding member of Sinking Ship Entertainment. He is the creator of children's television programmes, including This is Daniel Cook, Dino Dana and Endlings. He also serves on the Youth Media Alliance board as a co-chair.

Early life One of four children, Johnson grew up in Elmira, Ontario and started experimenting with film and media in his final year of high school. Johnson was in the running for school president when he and two friends made a Saturday Night Live inspired video featuring Supermarket Sweep host Tino Monte. He won the election and through this victory he realized the power of media. In their final year, Johnson and Powers pitched a project and tried to convince their peers to pick up the remaining crew roles. A classmate warned others who were interested to avoid joining as it'd be like "joining a sinking ship". The two friends registered a company in the same name later that day.

After graduating, Johnson worked at a talent agency where he met Daniel Cook, who became the inspiration behind This is Daniel Cook which debuted in 2004 with Sinking Ship Entertainment.

In January 2006, the operations of Sinking Ship Entertainment moved from Johnson's apartment to offices in Toronto. The show went on to win several Daytime Emmy Awards which lead to the creation of Odd Squad Mobile Unit.

In 2021, he announced he would be working alongside Apple TV+ and the Jane Goodall Institute to create Jane, a kids' series that will follow a girl named Jane Garcia, a 10-year-old with an active imagination. Previously, Johnson had worked alongside Apple TV+ and Sesame Workshop to produce the reboot of the 1990's kids' series Ghostwriter.

Filmography

Year Title 2004 This is Daniel Cook 2006 This is Emily Yeung I Dare You Roll Play 2007 Are We There Yet?: World Adventures 2010 Dino Dan 2012 Giver 2013 This is Scarlett and Isaiah Dino Dan: Trek's Adventures 2014 Odd Squad 2015 Chirp 2016 Odd Squad: The Movie 2017 Dino Dana 2020 Endlings Dino Dana The Movie 2021 Lockdown 2023 Jane

Awards, nominations and honors