The Spirited Actor

It’s truly believable that Ty Johnston-Chavis doesn’t know there is a “glass ceiling.” She envisions what “can be” and she uses her grace and compassion, her experience and wisdom and her absolute belief that every person has the right to become their best self and she sails forward to do good work and open doors for those traveling with her. 

A respected international leader, producer and collaborator in the entertainment industry, Ty has worked closely with TV and film veterans such as Mark Koops, executive producer and creator of The Biggest Loser and Ugly Betty, award-winning filmmaker Tracey Edmonds of Soul Food and Jumping the Broom, executive producer & creator Mona Scott-Young of Love and Hip Hop and legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend of The Five Heartbeats, Parenthood and The Meteor Man. 

As Founder and CEO of T.Y. Entertainment, creates, acquires, develops, manages, produces and ensures the distribution of scripted and unscripted film, television and new media productions. Her network relationships and collaborations include Lifetime, BET, ESPN, Harpo Films, MGM, Nickelodeon, The Speed Channel, TV One, and the Bahamas’ ZNS-TV. In addition, she leverages new markets by partnering with the streaming distribution market. 

Ty’s generosity as a mentor and the success of those she mentors is legendary. She has given hundreds of people the opportunity to gain experience, nurture their talents, gain access to industry decision- makers and build successful entertainment industry careers. 

In 2011, Ty created and launched The Atlanta Pitch Summit, a marketplace where screenwriters and producers pitch film and TV projects to key entertainment executives. Since its launch, The Atlanta Pitch Summit has connected many aspiring artists with Hollywood decision makers including producer Will Packer, Screen Gems Studios SVP Kris Bagwell and Connie Orlando, EVP at BET. As the Summit’s Founder and CEO, Ty’s entrepreneurial talents and experience ensure that every aspect of the Summit runs like clockwork. From speakers’ travel and accommodations, to scheduling, PR and catering, from appreciative support and recognition for the Summit’s volunteers, production team and industry guests, to handing Summit finances and follow-ups in every department, Ty is an extraordinary model for how to develop and run an organization responsibly, equitably and with great benefits to all who participate. 

Ty also spends her time as a Lead Mentor for Comcast/NBCUniversal-The Farm. This is a 12-week world-class incubator and accelerator program created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs to provide a complete business and management curriculum. In addition, Ty is the co-founder of the organization Reel Divas; an advocacy membership guild comprised of 20 professional founding members-women of color working in the TV & Film industry as writers, producers & directors. This organization is the largest collaboration of women of color that create, inspire and provide access to infinite opportunities that impact our culture. 

An amazing mom, wife and daughter, Ty has 3 daughters Kennedy 18, Karis 7 and Kyler 3 and their 18 months old son, Kruz. Ty and her husband Kelz owns and operates three high volume restaurants in Atlanta. They make sure that Ty’s dad thrives and enjoys his independence and retirement with them as one large family.

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