Johnny J. Perkins is a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and creative visionary from Harvey, Illinois whose mission is to use storytelling as a tool for healing, empowerment, and transformation. As the founder of Perskription Films and Perskription Studios, Perkins has built a multi-disciplinary production company focused on developing original content while creating opportunities for underserved communities.
Perkins pursued his early training at Trinity Christian College and Columbia College Chicago before continuing his acting studies at Weist-Barron-Hill in Burbank, California. Johnny began his entertainment career in Los Angeles as an actor before discovering his true calling as a writer, director, and producer. His breakout stage production, The Sinful Nature of a Man, premiered in Hollywood in 2002 and went on to successful runs in Los Angeles and Chicago, establishing his reputation as a storyteller with an authentic voice and bold vision.

Alongside his creative work, Perkins dedicated several years to ministry and community-based outreach, serving in South Central Los Angeles, Chicago’s Roseland community, and the North Lawndale neighborhood. These experiences deeply shaped his worldview and reinforced his commitment to creating work that uplifts, heals, and provides positive alternatives for youth and families.
Perkins’ creative range extends beyond film and theater. As an established writer, he has contributed ghostwriting work for Eddie Levert Jr. and Marc Gordon of the legendary R&B group LeVert. He has also contributed story development and written material for a documentary series about Teddy Riley, working through individuals connected to the project, rather than in direct collaboration with Riley himself. These experiences, along with other facets of Perkins’ work, further demonstrate his versatility and trusted voice within the entertainment industry.

In 2008, Perkins launched Perk Up Entertainment, producing a lineup of acclaimed stage productions including The Company You Keep, Sinful Company, and Shadow of a Legend. His work attracted nationally recognized talent, including Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award–winning artist Vickie Winans. As his vision expanded, Perkins transitioned fully into film and television. He has written, directed, and produced multiple projects across narrative and documentary formats, including the feature film Daddy Issues, the dramatic series Intense Retribution, the documentary series Setting An Example, and the 2023 feature The Wayez(Executive Producer). His work continues to reach audiences through platforms such as Amazon Prime, Tubi, Roku TV, and additional streaming outlets.”In 2025, Perkins introduced one of his most personal projects to date: It’s Just Temporary — a heartfelt family sitcom rooted in humor, relatability, and real-life experiences. The series was created to bring laughter and light during a time when communities are often surrounded by heavy headlines.

Beyond production, Perkins is deeply committed to developing the next generation of storytellers. Through his youth filmmaking and acting programs, offered in partnership with Refuge Church Chicago and Tree of Life Entertainment, he teaches young people the fundamentals of acting, writing, directing, and filmmaking. These programs emphasize creativity, discipline, emotional wellness, and positive community engagement, providing youth with healthy outlets for self-expression and personal growth. A seasoned executive with decades of hands-on experience, Perkins blends artistic vision with entrepreneurial strategy. His storytelling is rooted in faith, lived experience, and the belief that creativity can change lives.

Johnny J. Perkins is more than a filmmaker — he is a builder, mentor, and advocate for storytelling that uplifts communities and creates lasting impact.Click the link to view an interview of  Johnny & Stepphany Perkins, as they share their vision of the company .  https://youtu.be/pPVRXnkPho4

WORKS

FILM PRODUCTION

  • The Refuge - Released 2018

    Television series/ Writer, Producer

    On WJYC (Chicagoland & Hammond, Indiana) Saturdays @7:00pm

  • Daddy Issues - Released October 2020

    Feature film/ Writer, Director, Producer

  • Intense Retribution - Pitching/Film Festivals

    Drama Series/ Writer, Director, Producer

  • The Bounce Back - Pitching/ Film Festivals

    Docuseries/ Writer, Director, Producer

  • The Wayez - Released 2023

    Feature film/ Cinematographer, Editor, Executive Producer

  • It’s Just Temporary - Scheduled to release 2025

    Sitcom/ Writer, Director, Producer

PLAYWRITING  

  • Sinful Company

          (Writer, Director, Producer)  2017,2018      

           Barnes & Noble Theater, Chicago Heights IL.

  • The Company You Keep

          (Writer, Director, Producer)  2017        

          Barnes & Noble Theater, Chicago Heights IL.   

          DuSable Museum Theater, Chicago IL.   2009

  • Shadow Of Legend

          (Writer)    2010         Unproduced

  • The Sinful Nature Of A Man

           (Writer, Director, Producer)             

           Regal Theater, Chicago IL.    2010

           DuSable Museum Theater, Chicago IL.      2008

           West Angeles Theater,  Los Angeles CA.    2005

           Complex Theater, Hollywood  CA.       2002