As ‘The Addiction of Hope’ reaches new audiences through Random Media, Anne-Marie Johnson reflects on the heart of independent filmmaking, collaboration, conviction, and courage. Stepping behind the camera as producer alongside her husband, writer-director Martin A. Gottlieb, Johnson discusses creative priorities, on-set challenges, and why The Addiction of Hope remains the most fulfilling experience of her career.
HELLO ANNE-MARIE JOHNSON, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH YOUR WORK AS AN ACTRESS, BUT AS A PRODUCER, WHAT WERE YOUR PRIORITIES IN BRINGING THIS STORY TO THE SCREEN?
Intentional “American Scene” casting. That was very important to me. I don’t believe in “color blindness.” Martin, David, and I made it a priority that our film reflected real life. I also made sure that Martin’s script and vision for his story was always respected. I’m a no-bullshit kind of person. In all aspects of my life. That’s how I am as a producer.
WERE THERE SPECIFIC CREATIVE OR LOGISTICAL HURDLES THAT STOOD OUT DURING PRODUCTION?
We were a self-funded film, so there was absolutely no place for indecision and waste. We tried to anticipate every hurdle, misstep, obstruction, or worst-case scenario. Martin’s storyboard was our bible, and we stuck to it. I was also the COVID Coordinator, and I insisted that everyone on the set take a test each morning and wear a mask if not on camera. Even though we shot our film after the industry stopped testing and masking, we decided to continue the protocol. But I didn’t spring that on folks. I sent a letter to all cast and crew a month prior to shooting to let them know that tests would be done each morning and masks would be required, and if anyone felt uncomfortable with that, they could decline the job. Fortunately, we only lost one crew member. But we had enough time to find a wonderful replacement.
HOW DID YOUR COLLABORATION WITH THE REST OF THE CAST SHAPE OR ELEVATE YOUR PERFORMANCE?
Most of our cast I’ve known for many years. Alan Rosenberg is one of my closest friends. We’ve worked together before, and I served as his vice president during his terms as SAG’s president. He’s so freaking good as “Roger.” Working with him was a joy. As was working with Harley. She and Martin have been friends for over 40 years, so having her on the set was a dream. The entire cast was a dream. Martin handled the directing and acting flawlessly. We’ve worked together in the past, so it was so easy to be with him in our scenes. I’m a huge Clancy Brown fan and so lucky to call him a friend. He served on the SAG board with Alan and me for many years. He’s wonderful. So, working with people who take their job as seriously as I do always elevates my performance.
WHAT WAS THE MOMENT YOU REALIZED THE ADDICTION OF HOPE WAS SOMETHING TRULY SPECIAL?
Martin, David, and I were shooting the final moments of the film. We were shooting on a hilly street in Bellingham, WA. It’s when “Jo” walks, alone, down the hill, towards the water. After a few takes, Martin was happy with the shot, and we all stood around the camera to see the playback. It was magical. At that moment I knew we made a beautiful film. Beyond my expectations. I knew it was probably the best work of my career.
HOW DID THE STORY IMPACT YOUR OWN REFLECTIONS ON CAREER, FAMILY, OR REINVENTION?
It wasn’t really the story, but it was the fact that I was part of a team that created such an impactful project. I love being a producer. It solidified my desire to continue to find meaningful projects to produce. And that’s what I’m doing. I’m not giving up acting, but I’m spending more time and energy producing. I can’t wait to produce Marty’s next film.
Watch the Official Trailer:
INDEPENDENT FILMS OFTEN REQUIRE A DEEP PERSONAL COMMITMENT. WHAT KEPT YOU MOTIVATED THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS?
Well… it wasn’t solely because I loved “Jo.” I also love and respect Martin. He’s not only the screenwriter, director, and actor of The Addiction of Hope, he’s also my husband. We’ve been together for 39 years, so my commitment to him and his film was unbreakable.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF THROUGH THIS PROJECT, EITHER AS A PERFORMER OR AS A PRODUCER?
I’ve always been known as a “problem-solver.” Not that we dealt with any major problems, but I was very comfortable with the responsibilities of being a producer who wore multiple hats. And I learned that leaning on my faith, and making a choice to be happy each day was a winning recipe for success.
HOW DO YOU HOPE AUDIENCES WILL CONNECT TO JO STOCK’S JOURNEY?
Our screenings have been fantastic and eye-opening. A wide variety of people have shared how much they relate with “Jo” and her trials and tribulations. I hope that future audience members find something in “Jo” and in our film that resonates. We want folks to be talking about our film after they leave the theatre. We want our story to really sit with people.
YOU’VE HAD A REMARKABLE CAREER ACROSS FILM AND TELEVISION; HOW DOES THIS ROLE FIT INTO YOUR EVOLUTION AS AN ARTIST?
The best role I’ve ever had. I’ve never been “allowed” to play a character filled with uncertainty, longing, and pain. I’m so blessed to have been given the opportunity to bring “Jo” to the screen. I love her.
WHAT DOES “HOPE” MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY AND HOW HAS THAT MEANING EVOLVED AFTER MAKING THIS FILM?
“Hope” is just like prayer. That’s what the word means to me. I prayed for this film to be a wonderful experience, and a film that speaks to people. I’m so thankful for the results.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU, AND HOW DO YOU SEE THE ADDICTION OF HOPE INFLUENCING YOUR FUTURE CREATIVE CHOICES?
I’m in the early development stages of a film based on a true story. I am very excited about this project. It’s a period piece about a formerly enslaved man who becomes Los Angeles’s first African American police officer. My father was a LAPD sergeant, so this story in near and dear to my heart and family legacy. I’m also a producer of a lovely holiday film about those who have been forgotten and left to live on the streets but who find hope and strength through unusual means. I love hope.
The Addiction of Hope is directed by Martin A. Gottlieb and distributed by Random Media. The film stars Anne-Marie Johnson, Clancy Brown, Erika Alexander, Harley Jane Kozak, Alan Rosenberg, Susan Ruttan, Matthew Moy, and Shari Belafonte. A heartfelt exploration of reinvention, family, and the courage to change one’s life, the film continues to connect with audiences through its honesty, warmth, and emotional truth, a testament to the enduring power of independent cinema.
