Hungry Man has signed filmmaker LJ Johnson for worldwide representation spanning commercials and branded content.

A writer/director from Minneapolis, Johnson earned a slot in SHOOT’s 2021 New Directors Showcase. At that time she was handled by Current Resident, a small production company in Minneapolis. And this year Johnson was one of just five Fellows selected for the Commercial Directors Diversity Program (CDDP) organized by the DGA and AICP. Johnson made the CDDP cut, a program for which more than 700 directors applied. She directed her latest ad for Lays Potato Chips in collaboration with the agency High Dive.

Johnson has directed a slew of commercial campaigns and music videos, and written/directed several award-winning short films. Working with actors is Johnson’s thing. She’s known for achieving subtle and nuanced performances on set. Visually, she creates offbeat worlds that showcase the quirk and idiosyncrasies of people.

“LJ is a gifted storyteller and filmmaker,” said Hungry Man partner Mino Jarjoura. “Her comedic instincts, which are subtle and smart, blend perfectly with her cinematic eye. She’s got the instincts, talent, and drive to be a superstar. We’re incredibly excited to be her partner moving forward.”

Though details were not yet available at press time, Johnson has a project slated to make its way to HBO Max in 2023.