Experiencing Interruptions?

Switching Lanes™

Master Professionals who have reached the pinnacle of their careers are paired to teach each other their respective craft. By stepping out of their comfort zones to pursue their dreams of learning a new profession, they discover what it takes to Switch Lanes.

Note: The Switching Lanes pilot establishes one half of the four pairings including Chukes (Sculptor), Easy Mo Bee (Music Producer/Recording Artist), Pete Rock (DJ/Producer)
and April Walker (Fashion Designer). The pilot establishes who they are, explains their lane
switch and suggests their desired pairing. As the docuseries moves forward, the four pairings
will be revealed and each master will prepare a curriculum which unfolds over the twelve
remaining episodes.

  • Crystal Johnson
    Director
  • Crystal Johnson
    Writer
  • Crystal Johnson
    Producer
  • Sharon Levy
    Producer
  • Freddie Clarke
    Producer
  • Jill A Graham
    Associate Producer
  • April Walker
    Key Cast
    The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion (Lisa Cortes and Farah Khalid))
  • Pete Rock
    Key Cast
  • Easy Mo Bee
    Key Cast
  • Chukes
    Key Cast
  • Sticky Fingaz
    Supporting Cast
    Clockers (Spike Lee), In Too Deep (Michael Rymer), Next Friday (Steve Carr)
  • DJ Jazzy Joyce
    Supporting Cast
    Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam (HBO), Master Of The Mix (BET)
  • Abigail Zealey-Bess
    Supporting Cast
    Icarus Stops for Breakfast (Short)
  • Hawaii Mike Salman
    Supporting Cast
  • Crystal Johnson
    Swithcing Lanes Theme Song
    Writer, Vocalist, Music Co-Producer
  • Mike City
    Swithcing Lanes Theme Song
    Writer, Music Producer, Musician
  • Special Ed
    Swithcing Lanes Theme Song
    Featured Artist, Writer
  • Howie Tee
    Swithcing Lanes Theme Song
    Mix Engineer, Music Supervisor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Television, Web / New Media, Other
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 28, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    35,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Shooting Format:
    4k
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • AAWIC 23RD Film Festival
    New York
    United States
    March 24, 2023
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Crystal Johnson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Johnson_(singer)

CRYSTAL JOHNSON BIO
A native Brooklyn, New Yorker, Crystal Johnson began her career at age seven, recording with The Institutional Children's Choir. At age 11, she landed the original lead role in the gospel classic, Mama I Want To Sing. Crystal has performed in a variety of stage productions such as Porgy and Bess, starring Theresa Merritt as well as musical collaborations and by 19, she was an established Broadway actress performing in The Gospel At Colonus starring Morgan Freeman.
Crystal signed to UptownRecords/MCA as a solo recording artist, working with several high profile artists, producers and executives. Musically, she has collaborated with the likes of Usher Raymond, Angie Stone, Mary J. Blige and Anthony Hamilton. Crystal has also appeared on several soundtracks including Who's The Man? performing the self written/produced song "Lovin You. Other collaborations include Heavy D's #1 Billboard (Hip-Hop) smash "Got Me Waiting", Mobb Deep's classic, "Temperature's Rising" and Pete Rock and CL Smooth's "Ill Take You There". Crystal also collaborated with Lord Finesse and Dr. Dre on his multi-platinum CD, Chronic 2001, co-writing "The Message".
In 2011, Crystal Johnson released her highly anticipated debut album, "The Day Before Heaven", which charted #1 on the UK Soul Charts and also serves as the soundtrack for her latest theatrical production, The Day Before Heaven, The Musical which premiered at The Kumble Theater in 2016 for a week run.
Her latest project, Switching Lanes™ is being entered into various film festivals after successfully filming the pilot and receiving the 2022 NYC Women 's Fund for Media Music and Theatre grant.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Switching Lanes™ is all about pairing masters who teach one another their respective crafts, and that's priceless to me. As the creator of Switching Lanes, I chose to make my directorial debut because the late Prince Markie Dee (Fat Boys) encouraged me to fully execute the vision of the docuseries and get the pilot made. With his encouragement, I felt confident that I would be able to nurture and further develop the pilot as the director.

Working with the principal talent was special because I was able to see the childlike excitement in their eyes at the very mention of venturing into a new career. I wanted to ensure their enthusiasm was captured throughout the pilot, leaving the audience with the feeling that you are never too old to learn something new. I would hope that Switching Lanes inspires the youth because there is a strong educational influence that can be enjoyed by all age groups.

When we began production of the pilot I didn't know much about film directing but that would quickly change. Budgeting, scheduling, securing a professional crew, editing, lower thirds, tight frames (yikes)... I would come out of this experience as a new woman, a film director. Throughout my journey as a first time director I learned so much and even contributed as an editor. Yes that's right, I learned Premiere. But hey, that's what this is all about right, Switching Lanes!